Anna K.
Google
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.