Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru
Explore a historic 1930s training ship, offering a glimpse into maritime life and Japan's seafaring past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic 1930s training ship, offering a glimpse into maritime life and Japan's seafaring past.
"A great experience to see the ins and outs of this beautiful ship and learn its history."
📸 Golden Hour Photos
Visit near sunset for the best light on the ship and city skyline.
:moneybag: Budget-Friendly Fun
Admission is very affordable, making it a great value for history lovers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Explore the Historic Decks
Main decks
Wander the spotless decks and imagine life as a 1930s cadet on this impressive training vessel.
Captain's Quarters & Cabins
Interior of the ship
Step inside the navigation room and crew quarters for an immersive glimpse into maritime life.
Nighttime Illumination
Exterior of the ship
Witness the ship beautifully lit up at night, creating a magical spectacle against the harbor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Photos
Affordable Maritime History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Photos
Visit near sunset for the best light on the ship and city skyline.
:moneybag: Budget-Friendly Fun
Admission is very affordable, making it a great value for history lovers.
🚢 Immerse in History
Explore the captain's office, crew cabins, and navigation room for a full experience.
✨ See it Lit Up
The ship is stunning when illuminated at night.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Photos
Visit near sunset for the best light on the ship and city skyline.
:moneybag: Budget-Friendly Fun
Admission is very affordable, making it a great value for history lovers.
🚢 Immerse in History
Explore the captain's office, crew cabins, and navigation room for a full experience.
✨ See it Lit Up
The ship is stunning when illuminated at night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru for its affordability and immersive historical experience. Many highlight the chance to explore the ship's interior, learn about its past, and enjoy the beautiful nighttime illumination. While some visitors have encountered maintenance closures, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with staff often noted for their helpfulness.
"What a great experience!!! It was VERY Cool to see ins and outs of this beautiful ship. To learn of it's history and see how the way of life on board was at the time was enlightening. The staff were exceptional! I took the tour of the museum as well and I recommend you do too. I bought several shirts, magnets, and post cards for souvenirs."
Nick Ackley
"Unfortunately the day I want to visit fall on their maintenance's day. Even though I didn't aboard the ship but look from a far still make me feel happy and excited. Will come back again if I visit Yokohama."
joey thien
"Who knew one of my top marine experiences would involve a ship that’s been docked since 1984? For the price of a convenience store onigiri and an iced coffee, I got to board this absolute unit of a ship, wander its spotless decks, and pretend I was a 1930s cadet about to chart the Pacific while actually just looking for the next vending machine.
Here’s why it’s great:
✅ Cheap admission: Your wallet will thank you while you hum sea shanties under your breath.
✅ Historical vibes: Built in 1930, it trained 11,500 sailors and circled Earth’s circumference 45 times. Meanwhile, I get winded walking up one flight of stairs.
✅ Immersive exhibits: The navigation room, sleeping quarters, and deck views all scream “romantic maritime nostalgia” and “thank goodness I live in the era of electric kettles.”
Sure, it’s technically a museum ship – but if you squint hard enough, it becomes a cruise without the crowds, buffet lines, or norovirus outbreaks. Plus, you’re not trapped at sea with other tourists. Freedom, baby.
Pro tip: Visit near sunset when the golden glow hits the ship and skyscrapers behind it. Great for photos, romance, and contemplating whether you’d survive on the open ocean (answer: no)."
Jim Reaugh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Nippon Maru is conveniently located a short walk from Sakuragicho Station in Yokohama. You can access it via the JR Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Permanent Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Sotetsu Line, and Port Future Line.
Yes, it's very accessible. Several train lines converge at Sakuragicho Station, making it easy to reach from various parts of Yokohama and beyond.
Sakuragicho Station is the closest station, just a four-minute walk away from the ship.
While driving is possible, public transportation is highly recommended due to potential parking challenges in the Minato Mirai area.
There are parking facilities in the Minato Mirai area, but they can be expensive. Public transport is generally more convenient and cost-effective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, often compared to the price of a small snack or convenience store item, making it a great value.
Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance to the ship. It's advisable to check their official website for any advance booking recommendations or special event ticketing.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official Yokohama Port Museum website for the most up-to-date information, as they may have maintenance days.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the already low admission price makes it accessible for most visitors.
The ship is generally open on public holidays, but it's always a good idea to confirm hours beforehand, especially if it falls on a scheduled maintenance day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ship's decks, captain's office, crew cabins, and navigation room. It offers an immersive look into the history of maritime training.
Yes, children often find exploring the ship exciting. It's a hands-on way to learn about history and naval life.
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring the ship and its exhibits, but you can easily spend longer if you're a history enthusiast.
While not always explicitly advertised, knowledgeable staff and volunteers are often available to provide insights into the ship's history and life aboard.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the ship's impressive rigging and interior details. The evening illumination is particularly popular for photos.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' near sunset offers beautiful lighting for the ship and the Yokohama skyline. The ship is also stunning when illuminated at night.
The ship's impressive rigging, the view from the decks looking towards Minato Mirai, and the illuminated exterior at night are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted in port areas and around historical sites. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Generally, photography is permitted inside, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage within the exhibits.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for both wide shots of the ship and details. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light evening shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Piece of Maritime History
Visitors can explore various sections of the ship, including the captain's office, crew cabins, and the navigation room. These immersive exhibits provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and rigorous training of cadets. The well-maintained interiors and decks allow you to truly imagine yourself as part of the crew, charting courses across vast oceans.
Permanently docked at the former Yokohama Dock No. 1, the Nippon Maru is a beloved landmark in Yokohama's Minato Mirai district. Its presence adds a unique historical dimension to the modern waterfront. Whether you're a history buff, an admirer of naval architecture, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the Nippon Maru offers an educational and engaging journey into Japan's seafaring past.
Capturing the Nippon Maru: Photography Tips
The ship is beautifully lit, creating a magical ambiance that contrasts with the modern city lights in the background. This is particularly striking during events like the Minato Mirai Smart Festival. For daytime shots, aim for the 'golden hour' just before sunset. The warm, soft light casts a beautiful glow on the ship's historic structure and the surrounding skyscrapers, creating a picturesque scene.
When photographing the interior, focus on the historical details of the captain's office, navigation room, and crew quarters. The confined spaces and vintage equipment offer a unique perspective. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and any posted photography guidelines within the ship's museum sections.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit