Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru

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.

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).

A very interesting look at how merchant marine officers used to be trained. Great tour route and great setup of displays.

The Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru (帆船日本丸) is a beautifully preserved maritime museum in Yokohama. The ship's impressive rigging and detailed craftsmanship are a testament to Japan's rich maritime history. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers provide fascinating insights into the life of a sailor, making it an educational experience for all ages. The ship is well-maintained, and the surrounding area offers stunning views of the harbor. A must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in naval architecture. Highly recommended!

Much better than I expected to be honest. I was tempted to walk straight past after taking a picture from outside as I thought it would be a boring visit, it was actually really interesting!! Only 400 yen per person is also a great deal for what could be a 45 minute or more trip, depending how closely you look around. Gives some nice insights into the history and role of the ship, its construction materials, what life at sea might be like, the various living quarters and jobs of the crew and officers. Not all areas are accessible but there is still plenty to see for a snapshot in time.

“Enjoyed a peaceful night stroll in Yokohama, taking in the stunning view of the Nippon Maru, also known as the ‘Lady of the Sea.’ This beautiful sailing ship has an incredible history—she sailed the equivalent of 45.4 times around the world and trained over 11,000 crew members! Now preserved in Minato Mirai, it’s a must-see for anyone interested in maritime history. Don’t miss the chance to witness the full-sail exhibition and experience life aboard this legendary ship. #Yokohama #NipponMaru #MaritimeHistory #CityWalks #Japan”

Fantastic opportunity to see above and below decks on a massive and iconic tall ship The self guided tour is great - easy to follow but lets you see everything

Sail Training Ship NIPPON MARU was constructed in 1930 as a training ship for public mercantile marine schools in Japan. She mainly made the trans-Pacific voyages with young cadets aiming at becoming captains of ocean-going merchant ships. She logged 45.4 times around the earth (1,830,000 kilometers in total) and brought up nearly 11,500 students for 54 years until her retirement in 1984