Guide
The Japan Coast Guard Museum (Yokohama) was established to foster a deeper understanding of Japan's current maritime security-status and the critical importance of maritime surveillance. The museum's most striking feature is the opportunity to witness the actual infiltration vessel involved in the 2001 "Kyushu Southwest Sea Incident," along with various items recovered during the operation. This unique facility offers a rare, firsthand look at the history of the front lines protecting Japan's waters through tangible, physical exhibits.
The museum opened its doors on December 10, 2004. The core of the exhibition centers on the Kyushu Southwest Sea Incident that occurred on December 22, 2001. This event was a significant historical occurrence near Japan's territorial waters. The featured infiltration vessel was recovered after it self-destructed and sank in the East China Sea following the incident. Even the weapons on display have undergone safety processing (such as the destruction of barrels and primers) to ensure they are safe for public viewing while still serving their educational role in accurately conveying historical facts.
The absolute highlight is the display of the "Infiltration Vessel." It is a truly rare experience to see the actual vessel that sank in the ocean and was subsequently raised from the seabed. Beyond the vessel itself, the museum features a rich collection of recovered items and detailed documentation explaining the circumstances of the incident. These exhibits provide a powerful visual understanding of why maritime security is so vital for the nation.
The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is open year-round, making it a great option regardless of the season. We recommend visiting during the afternoon when the atmosphere is more tranquil, allowing you to take your time to observe the intricate details of the vessel and the supporting documents. Please note that the final admission is at 4:30 PM (30 minutes before closing), so please plan your visit accordingly.
Visitors can enjoy more than just a simple walkthrough; the museum offers a modern learning experience through a smartphone-based multilingual audio guide. This system allows you to understand the exhibits and the details of the incident through both text and audio. By engaging with the history through multiple perspectives, you can deepen your understanding of Japan's maritime security and national safety.
Located in the vibrant Yokohama Bay Area, the museum is surrounded by numerous popular tourist destinations. After exploring the historical exhibits, we recommend wandering through the nearby area to fully immerse yourself in the maritime and port culture of Yokohama.
The museum provides a smartphone-based audio guide service. To use this, you only need your own smartphone; there is no need for complex app registration or downloads. Free Wi-Fi is also available on-site. While there is no specific dress code, we highly recommend arriving with a fully charged smartphone to make the most of the audio-visual learning experience. Please note that the museum does not have a dedicated parking lot, so we recommend using public transportation to visit.