NYK Hikawa Maru

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.

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.

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.

We visited on a summer Saturday evening, and it wasn’t crowded at all. The ship itself is a historic ocean liner launched in 1929 and once carried celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, and during WWII it served as a hospital ship—making the visit even more fascinating. ( probably an unwanted fact, but Judo founder Kanō Jigorō passed away on board ;) ) There’s plenty of good information about the ship’s history, and at just 300 yen for an adult ticket, the price feels cheap for what you get. We really enjoyed exploring inside. While the cabin rooms are locked, you can peek into them, and there are displays with sample meals set on the dining tables. Some seats are open for visitors to sit on. One small note: maybe because it was summer, there was a mild, mouldy smell that could be uncomfortable for sensitive visitors—so wearing a mask might help.

Probably one of the best museum in Yokohama, very underrated. Art deco interiors in this almost 100 year old cruise ship is exceptional! Even Charley Chaplin loved that ship! Dive deep in the history of Japan having voyage in this place!

Everything about this experience is top-notch. If you are a fan of ocean liner history, this may be the best place in the world to visit in terms of historical ocean liner museums. The history is kept in original condition, sometimes showing its age, but this really allows you to feel the history of the ship. The curation of the museum and the route is so well done that you can tell that the museum runners really care about the history of the liner. Just so well done.

⚓ NYK Hikawa Maru – Yokohama’s Hidden Floating Treasure Tucked along the peaceful waterfront of Yamashita Park, the NYK Hikawa Maru is more than just a ship — it’s a time capsule floating on the sea. Originally launched in 1929, this former ocean liner once carried passengers between Japan and America in luxury and style. Today, it’s been transformed into a beautifully preserved museum ship, offering visitors a rare chance to step aboard a real piece of maritime history. ⸻ 🛳 Step into Another Era The ship is impeccably maintained, with vintage cabins, elegant dining rooms, and detailed engine rooms still intact. Walking through the decks, you can almost imagine the world-class travelers and crew who once sailed across the Pacific on her. Each room tells a story — from first-class lounges to medical rooms used during wartime. ⸻ 📸 Perfect Photo Spots One of the best things about visiting Hikawa Maru is the unmatched photo opportunities. Whether you’re standing on the open-air upper deck overlooking Yokohama Bay, or inside the grand staircase with its polished wood and old-world charm — the ship is full of Instagram-worthy backdrops. There are also designated photo sections with views of the harbor, the city skyline, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. If you’re into travel photography or just want a cool profile picture, this is the place. ⸻ 🎟 Entry & Access • Tickets are affordable and available right at the entrance. • Located just a short walk from Motomachi-Chūkagai Station and directly beside Yamashita Park.

🛳️ NYK Hikawa Maru – A Timeless Voyage Across the Pacific 📍 Location: Yamashita Park, Yokohama ⭐ Recommended for: History buffs, maritime enthusiasts, peaceful explorers ⸻ ✨ Overview NYK Hikawa Maru is not just a ship — it’s a beautifully preserved artifact of Japan’s maritime golden age. Moored along the scenic Yamashita Park waterfront, this luxury liner once sailed between Japan and the U.S., and now serves as a floating museum. ⸻ 🛠️ Highlights & Exhibits • First-Class Cabins: Step into the refined world of 1930s travel, with elegant furniture and polished woodwork. • Dining Saloon & Lounge: Experience the ambiance where dignitaries and travelers once dined in style. • Engine Room & Navigation Deck: Get a glimpse of the ship’s mechanical heart and panoramic views from the captain’s post. • War History Corner: Learn about the ship’s survival during WWII and its repurposing for repatriation missions. All displays are accompanied by bilingual signs (Japanese and English), making it accessible and informative for international visitors. ⸻ 📸 Atmosphere & Experience Surrounded by Yokohama Bay’s calm waters, the ship offers a tranquil and immersive walk-through. The art-deco details, vintage fittings, and historical artifacts are remarkably well-preserved, making it easy to imagine life aboard during its active years. The top deck provides stunning views of the harbor and nearby Minato Mirai skyline — perfect for photography or quiet reflection. ⸻ 🎟️ Final Thoughts NYK Hikawa Maru is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with history in a tangible, elegant setting. It’s less crowded than major attractions, yet rich in cultural value — a hidden gem in Yokohama’s waterfront landscape. ⏳ Plan 45–60 minutes for a full visit. Highly recommended before or after a walk through Yamashita Park.