Guide
The Hikawa Maru is a 12,000-ton class passenger-cargo ship completed by Nippon Yusen Line in 1930. Currently moored in front of Yamashita Park in Yokohama, it serves as a museum ship open to the public. This vessel is an invaluable piece of industrial heritage, telling the story of its service on Pacific routes before and after the war, including its time operating as a hospital ship. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2016, the ship preserves exquisite shipbuilding techniques, luxurious passenger interiors, and stunning Art Deco design elements.
The ship was a mainstay of the Seattle route, crossing the North Pacific many times. During World War II, it served as a naval hospital ship, surviving a tumultuous fate that included three separate mine strikes before the end of the war. After the war, it returned to passenger-cargo service until 1960. Since 1961, it has been moored in Yokohama, serving as a vital vessel for teaching Japan's maritime history. The ship's name is derived from the Omiya Hikawa Shrine; even today, the deity of the shrine is enshrined in the ship's bridge.
The ship is divided into several areas that transport visitors back to the golden age of luxury ocean liners. In the passenger cabin area, you can observe the living spaces once enjoyed by travelers. The crew area showcases the workspaces and equipment necessary for navigation, illustrating the reality of life at sea. The exhibition areas use various materials to detail the ship's turbulent history, its shipbuilding technology, and its role as a hospital ship. From the outdoor open deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Yokohama skyline, including Yokohama Marine Tower and the Minato Mirai district.
While the Hikawa Maru is open year-round, its atmosphere changes with the weather and time of day. During bright daylight hours, you can clearly observe the intricate decorations and detailed historical exhibits. In the late afternoon, the open deck offers a beautiful vantage point to watch the changing colors of the Yokohama port. Depending on the season, the sea breeze can be quite refreshing, making it a perfect time to relax on the deck chairs. Please note that access to certain areas may be restricted depending on weather or sea conditions.
Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour using the provided guide maps. On certain dates, special