The Hikawa Maru is a historic Japanese ocean liner permanently docked at Yokohama’s Yamashita Park. With a long and storied past, the ship now serves as a fascinating historical attraction.
Launched by NYK Line in 1929, the Hikawa Maru entered service during the golden age of ocean liners. Along with her two sister ships, she regularly transported passengers and cargo between Yokohama, Vancouver, and Seattle.
During World War II, the Hikawa Maru was converted into a hospital ship and managed to survive the war, despite several close calls with mines.
After the war, with Japan under U.S. occupation, the ship was requisitioned to help repatriate former Japanese soldiers from the Pacific, Korea, and China. This mission lasted a little over a year—a particularly significant role, as the Hikawa Maru was one of only two Japanese passenger ships to survive the war.
In 1947, the Hikawa Maru was returned to NYK Line, which initially used her as a cargo ship before refitting her in 1953 to resume service as a passenger liner. She continued her pre-war route until 1960, when she was decommissioned.
Since then, the Hikawa Maru has remained on display as a museum ship in her former home port of Yokohama. Restored in 2007, visitors can now take self-guided tours throughout the vessel, from the wheelhouse to the engine room.
The ship’s magnificent Art Deco interiors, particularly in the passenger lounges and first-class areas, were considered opulent in their time but may seem spartan by today’s standards. These spaces offer a fascinating glimpse into life aboard a 1930s ocean liner.
The upper decks are also fully accessible, providing fantastic photo opportunities with views of Minato Mirai 21, Marine Tower, and Yamashita Park.
Access:
- Yamashita Park, near the Sea Bass terminal
- 3-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minato Mirai Line, Exit 1)
Alternative Access:
Take a Sea Bass waterbus from:
- Yokohama Station (East Exit)
- Minato Mirai 21
- Pier Aka-Renga (Red Brick Warehouse)
Opening Hours:
Like many Attractions in Japan, the Hikawa Maru is closed on Mondays (except for national holidays that fall on a Monday, when the ship will be open but closed on the following workday).
- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission Fees:
- Adults – 300 yen
- Seniors (over 65) – 200 yen
- School Children – 100 yen
Official Website:
https://hikawamaru.nyk.com/index.asp
