Hikawa Maru Yokohama
A beautifully preserved 1930s luxury liner and WWII hospital ship, offering a captivating journey through maritime history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant atmosphere
Hikawa Maru Yokohama
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 1930s luxury liner and WWII hospital ship, offering a captivating journey through maritime history.
"Probably one of the best museums in Yokohama, very underrated. Art deco interiors in this almost 100 year old cruise ship are exceptional!"
🎯 Mask for Mild Odors
A mild, moldy smell can be present, especially in summer. Consider wearing a mask if you're sensitive.
📸 Capture Iconic Shots
The ship offers numerous Instagram-worthy spots, from the grand staircase to harbor views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Deco Interiors
Throughout the ship
Step back in time with the ship's stunning 1930s Art Deco design, from elegant cabins to grand dining rooms.
WWII Hospital Ship History
Medical rooms and displays
Discover its crucial role as a hospital ship during the Pacific War, a fascinating and somber part of its past.
Panoramic Yokohama Views
Upper deck
Enjoy breathtaking views of Yokohama Bay and the Minato Mirai skyline from the ship's open-air decks.
Engine Room Exploration
Engine room
Get a glimpse into the ship's mechanical heart and understand the engineering that powered this grand vessel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Smell
Affordable History Immersion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Mask for Mild Odors
A mild, moldy smell can be present, especially in summer. Consider wearing a mask if you're sensitive.
📸 Capture Iconic Shots
The ship offers numerous Instagram-worthy spots, from the grand staircase to harbor views.
💰 Incredible Value
At just 300 yen, the admission fee is very affordable for the historical experience offered.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Located right next to Yamashita Park and a short walk from Motomachi-Chinatown Station.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Mask for Mild Odors
A mild, moldy smell can be present, especially in summer. Consider wearing a mask if you're sensitive.
📸 Capture Iconic Shots
The ship offers numerous Instagram-worthy spots, from the grand staircase to harbor views.
💰 Incredible Value
At just 300 yen, the admission fee is very affordable for the historical experience offered.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Located right next to Yamashita Park and a short walk from Motomachi-Chinatown Station.
🕰️ Allow 45-60 Mins
Plan for about an hour to fully explore the ship and its exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hikawa Maru as an underrated gem, offering an exceptional historical immersion at a very affordable price. The beautifully preserved Art Deco interiors and its significant wartime history are highlights, though some note a mild odor during warmer months. It's considered a must-visit for maritime history buffs and offers great photo opportunities.
"Hikawa Maru is a historic ocean liner permanently moored at Yamashita Park in Yokohama. Built in 1930 by the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line), it served as a luxury passenger ship on the Yokohama–Seattle route. With elegant Art Deco interiors and modern amenities for its time, it quickly became known as the “Queen of the Pacific.” During the Second World War, the ship was converted into a hospital vessel and later returned to civilian service before being retired in 1960 after 30 years at sea.
Today, Hikawa Maru functions as a museum ship, preserving its original cabins, dining rooms, and engine room. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored first-class suites, promenade deck, and wheelhouse, as well as exhibitions about Japanese maritime history and the NYK Line’s role in global trade. The ship was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2016, one of the few preserved pre-war passenger liners in the world.
The exhibition route is very well designed, with detailed English explanations. Tickets are surprisingly affordable — just ¥300, or ¥250 with a discount — and a proper visit takes at least an hour and a half.
A place absolutely worth seeing, both for its atmosphere and historical value."
Anna Krzak
"The ticket costs ¥300, but you get a discount down to ¥250 if you show the coupon from their website!
I DO NOT REGRET coming here at all—it was the BEST decision!!!!
I’ve always loved museums anyway, and since I’d never been on a ship before, stepping inside this one was such a cool experience.
The interior is super well-maintained, the info boards are really detailed, and I even got to see the engine room??? Awesome!
Only downside: I came on a rainy, windy day, so a few spots were hard to reach."
S G (エスジ)
"The admission fee is only ¥300, and the ship is nicely preserved. You can really feel the history inside, though it does have that old, musty smell. Small but interesting to walk around."
Poppy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hikawa Maru is conveniently located in Yamashita Park, Yokohama. It's a short walk from Motomachi-Chinatown Station on the Minatomirai Line. Many visitors combine their trip with a stroll through Yamashita Park.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly on the ship, there are several parking lots available near Yamashita Park and the surrounding waterfront area in Yokohama.
Yes, public transport is the easiest way. Take the Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chinatown Station, and the ship is a short walk away.
Information on wheelchair accessibility can be limited. It's advisable to contact the attraction directly for the most up-to-date details on ramp access and interior navigation.
From Yokohama Station, you can take the Minatomirai Line directly to Motomachi-Chinatown Station, which is the closest station to the Hikawa Maru.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are very affordable, typically around 300 yen for adults, making it a budget-friendly historical experience.
Tickets are usually available for purchase directly at the entrance of the ship.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's recommended to check the official website or local listings for the most current times before your visit.
Advance booking is typically not required as tickets are readily available at the entrance. This makes spontaneous visits easy.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the already low ticket price of 300 yen is considered excellent value for the historical immersion provided.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ship's original cabins, dining saloon, lounge, navigation deck, and the impressive engine room. Displays detail its history as a luxury liner and WWII hospital ship.
Absolutely! The ship's Art Deco interiors, vintage fittings, and waterfront location offer numerous stunning photo opportunities.
Most visitors spend around 45 to 60 minutes exploring the ship and its exhibits.
While not heavily interactive, you can peek into locked cabins, see sample meals on dining tables, and sit on some designated seats. The engine room offers a tangible sense of the ship's mechanics.
The Hikawa Maru was a luxury passenger liner from the 1930s, famous for its elegant design and service across the Pacific. It also served as a hospital ship during WWII and survived the war. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no active dining facilities on the Hikawa Maru itself. However, the ship has a preserved dining saloon that you can view.
The Hikawa Maru is located in Yamashita Park, which has surrounding areas with numerous cafes and restaurants. Chinatown is also nearby and offers a vast array of dining choices.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into museum ships is discouraged. It's best to consume your food before or after your visit.
The waterfront area offers a diverse culinary scene, from casual cafes to international cuisine and local Japanese dishes. Chinatown provides authentic Chinese food.
Given its proximity to Chinatown and the Minato Mirai area, you'll find everything from ramen shops to upscale dining. Exploring the local listings will offer many options.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand staircase, the captain's bridge, the elegant cabins, and the open-air decks with views of Yokohama Bay are prime photography locations.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Hikawa Maru, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
The upper decks offer excellent vantage points for capturing the Yokohama skyline, especially the Minato Mirai 21 district.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near ports for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for interior shots and wider exterior views. A prime lens can be great for capturing details in the Art Deco elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some cabin rooms are locked, peeking inside and seeing the displays of meals can spark imagination. The open decks offer space to move around, and the views of the bay can be captivating. The affordable ticket price also makes it a budget-friendly outing for families visiting Yokohama. Consider bringing a mask for younger children if they are sensitive to smells.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in maritime history and enjoy scenic waterfront views. Combine your visit with a walk through the free-to-enter Yamashita Park and explore the vibrant Chinatown nearby for a full day of affordable exploration in Yokohama.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The exterior offers dynamic compositions with the Yokohama skyline as a backdrop, especially during golden hour or at twilight. The open decks are perfect for capturing sweeping bay views. Don't miss the chance to photograph the intricate details of the engine room for a different perspective.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Maritime History
Beyond its luxurious past, the Hikawa Maru played a critical role during World War II. It was converted into a hospital ship, bravely serving in dangerous waters and undertaking repatriation missions. Its survival through the war is a testament to its robust construction and perhaps a bit of luck, making its preservation as a museum ship all the more significant.
Exploring the ship today allows visitors to walk through its history, from the captain's quarters and passenger cabins to the engine room. The displays provide insights into its dual life as a symbol of luxury and a vessel of humanitarian aid, offering a comprehensive look at its storied past.
Photography Opportunities on the Hikawa Maru
The upper decks are particularly photogenic, offering panoramic vistas of Yokohama Bay and the modern Minato Mirai skyline. This contrast between the vintage ship and the contemporary cityscape creates striking visual compositions. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.
Inside, the grand staircase, the dining saloon, and the captain's bridge are iconic spots. Even the engine room, with its complex machinery, offers a compelling subject for those interested in industrial photography. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in enclosed spaces.
Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips
Tickets are very affordable, typically costing around 300 yen for adults, offering excellent value for the historical immersion. Tickets are usually purchased directly at the ship's entrance, so advance booking isn't necessary.
While the ship is generally well-maintained, some visitors have noted a mild, moldy smell, particularly during warmer months. If you are sensitive to odors, consider wearing a mask. Plan for approximately 45-60 minutes to fully explore the ship's decks and exhibits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit