Guida
The Japan Coast Guard Museum Yokohama was established to foster a deeper understanding of Japan's current maritime security status and the vital importance of sea patrol. The most striking feature of this museum is the opportunity to see the actual infiltration boat related to the "Kyushu South-West Sea Intruder Incident" of 2001, along with other recovered items. It is a truly unique location where visitors can learn about the front lines of Japan's maritime safety through direct observation of historical artifacts.
The museum opened its doors on December 10, 2004. The core of the exhibition revolves around the Kyushu South-West Sea Intruder Incident that occurred on December 22, 2001. This incident is a significant historical event in Japanese maritime history. The infiltration boat on display 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 the barrel and primer) to ensure they are safe for public viewing while accurately conveying the historical facts for educational purposes.
The absolute highlight is the display of the "Infiltration Boat." Seeing the actual vessel that sank in the ocean and was later raised is an incredibly rare experience. Beyond the boat itself, the museum offers a wealth of materials explaining the incident and the circumstances of that time. These exhibits serve as precious visual evidence to help visitors understand why maritime security is so crucial for a nation.
The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and offers historical exhibits that can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the season. We recommend visiting during the calmer afternoon hours, which allows you more time to observe the intricate details of the boat and the detailed documentation. Please note that the final admission is at 4:30 PM (30 minutes before closing), so we suggest arriving with plenty of time to spare.
This is more than just a visual tour; visitors can engage in a digital learning experience using their smartphones. The museum provides a multi-language audio guide system that allows you to understand the exhibits and the incident through both text and audio. By learning the multi-faceted processes of this historical event, you will gain a much deeper understanding of Japan's national security.
The museum is located in the Yokohama Bay Area, a vibrant district surrounded by numerous famous sightseeing spots. After exploring the historical exhibits, we recommend strolling through the surrounding area to feel the deep maritime and port culture of Yokohama.
The museum provides an audio guide service via smartphone. To use this, you do not need to download a specific app or register; simply having your smartphone ready is enough. Free Wi-Fi is also available on-site. While there is no specific dress code, we recommend ensuring your smartphone is fully charged to make the most of the audio-visual learning experience. Please note that there is no dedicated parking lot for the museum, so we highly recommend using public transportation to visit.