Hakkoda Maru Memorial Ship
Explore a historic ferry that transported trains across the Tsugaru Strait, offering a deep dive into maritime and transportation history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Hakkoda Maru Memorial Ship
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic ferry that transported trains across the Tsugaru Strait, offering a deep dive into maritime and transportation history.
"Truly educational and amazing to see inside the entire ferry, with great reproductions of different eras."
Use Translation Apps
Many signs are in Japanese. Translation apps are a lifesaver for understanding exhibits! :iphone:
Hands-On Fun
The captain's deck is interactive and great for kids (and adults!). :smiley:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Train Deck
Lower Holds
See actual train cars loaded onto the ferry, a testament to its vital role in connecting Hokkaido.
Captain's Bridge
Bridge
Experience hands-on fun and get a feel for commanding this historic vessel.
Engine Rooms
Engine Room
Explore the powerful heart of the ship and learn about its engineering marvels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Seikan Tunnel Connection
Allocate Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Use Translation Apps
Many signs are in Japanese. Translation apps are a lifesaver for understanding exhibits! :iphone:
Hands-On Fun
The captain's deck is interactive and great for kids (and adults!). :smiley:
Don't Rush Your Visit
Explore the entire ship; it's more educational than shopping! :clock:
Affordable Entry
The entrance fee is very reasonable at 510 yen. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Use Translation Apps
Many signs are in Japanese. Translation apps are a lifesaver for understanding exhibits! :iphone:
Hands-On Fun
The captain's deck is interactive and great for kids (and adults!). :smiley:
Don't Rush Your Visit
Explore the entire ship; it's more educational than shopping! :clock:
Affordable Entry
The entrance fee is very reasonable at 510 yen. :moneybag:
See the Seikan Tunnel Link
Understand its role before the Seikan Tunnel for full context. :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hakkoda Maru for its educational value and the immersive experience of exploring a historic ferry, especially the train deck and engine rooms. While some wish for more detailed explanations on train loading, the hands-on bridge and accessible exhibits make it a highly recommended and affordable visit.
"Interesting museum of the history of the ferry and the train. I wish they would have more details about the process of loading the train onto the ferry. How long that took and a model or something doing a demonstration. Definitely worth your time."
Lawrence Goodrich
"Very interesting museum, amazing to see inside the entire ferry, great reproductions of different eras, you can see the deck, engine rooms, trains inside the lower holds. Really educational experience and exhibits. You might want to use the translation apps as many signs are Japanese only, but worth it."
Alexandra
"GREAT museum, enough English translations to feel like you still got a strong understanding of the museum. Hands on play on the bridge and great exhibits all throughout!"
Mark Lundin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hakkoda Maru Memorial Ship is conveniently located in Aomori City Port. It's easily accessible by a short walk from Aomori Station. Many visitors arrive via the JR lines, including the Resort Shirakami train which offers scenic views of the coast. If you're coming from further afield, you might arrive via the Seikan Tunnel, a marvel of engineering that the Hakkoda Maru once served.
+1
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Aomori City Port area. However, if you are arriving by train, walking from Aomori Station is highly recommended and straightforward.
While walking from Aomori Station is the most common method, local buses do operate within Aomori City. Check with local transport information for routes that stop near the port area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The memorial ship typically operates during daylight hours. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date opening times, as these can vary seasonally.
The entrance fee is very affordable, costing around 510 yen as of October 2023. This makes it an excellent value for the educational experience it offers.
Generally, advance booking is not required for individual visitors. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the ship's entrance. However, for group visits, it's always a good idea to inquire about booking procedures.
Information on specific discounts for students, seniors, or other groups is not widely publicized. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter upon your visit if you believe you might qualify for any concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore almost the entire ship, including the captain's deck, engine rooms, passenger cabins, and most excitingly, the lower holds where actual train cars are displayed.+1 The exhibits detail the ship's history and its role in connecting Honshu and Hokkaido before the Seikan Tunnel.
While many areas of the ship are accessible, some sections, particularly the engine rooms and certain decks, may have stairs or narrow passages. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility information.
Guided tours are not always readily available in English. However, many signs have English translations, and the exhibits are quite visual, making it an engaging experience even without a dedicated guide.
Most visitors find that 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to explore the ship thoroughly and appreciate the exhibits. If you have a keen interest in maritime history or engineering, you might want to allocate a bit more time.
Yes, photography is generally allowed on the Hakkoda Maru for personal use. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on the Hakkoda Maru itself. However, Aomori City Port and the surrounding areas offer a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine, including fresh seafood.
Aomori is famous for its apples and seafood, particularly tuna. You can find delicious local dishes like kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) and various apple-based desserts.
📸 📸 Photography
The captain's bridge offers great views, and the train cars on the deck provide unique photographic opportunities. The exterior of the ship against the port backdrop is also picturesque.
Drone usage is typically restricted in port areas and around historical sites. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a translation app to help explain some of the exhibits, though the visual displays are often enough to spark curiosity. The affordable entrance fee makes it a budget-friendly outing. Pack some snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited on board, but there are plenty of places to eat in the nearby port area.
🚢 History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
Explore the intricate engine rooms, marvel at the scale of the train loading mechanisms, and appreciate the historical context provided by the well-preserved artifacts. The ship itself serves as a living museum, offering a unique perspective on Japan's industrial and transportation development. It's a chance to connect with a crucial piece of Japanese history in an immersive way.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the captain's bridge with its vintage controls, or the atmospheric engine rooms with their complex piping and machinery. The various decks offer different perspectives, from wide shots of the ship to close-ups of historical signage and equipment. Remember to check for any restrictions on flash photography, especially in enclosed areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Seikan Ferry
Visiting the Hakkoda Maru today offers a tangible connection to this era of maritime transport. You can walk through the very spaces where passengers once traveled and see the ingenious mechanisms that facilitated the loading and unloading of trains. The exhibits meticulously detail the ship's history, its construction, and its crucial role in developing the northern regions of Japan. It's a powerful reminder of how infrastructure shapes connectivity and economic growth.
Many visitors find the educational aspect of the Hakkoda Maru to be one of its strongest points. It provides a deep dive into a specific period of Japanese history and technological advancement. The fact that you can explore so much of the ship, from the bridge to the engine rooms and the train deck, makes the learning experience incredibly immersive and memorable.
Exploring the Ship's Interior
A major highlight for many is the train deck located in the lower holds. Here, you can see actual train cars that were once transported by the ferry, providing a striking visual of the ship's primary function. The captain's bridge is another interactive area where visitors can get a feel for navigating the seas, making it a fun spot for both children and adults.
While many signs are in Japanese, the visual nature of the exhibits and the availability of translation apps make it accessible for international visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit