Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru

"The Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru (日本丸) is one of Japan’s most iconic maritime landmarks, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s rich naval heritage. Located at the Nippon Maru Memorial Park in Yokohama, this three-masted tall ship is a museum and historical vessel that tells the story of Japan’s maritime training tradition. If you’re interested in history, sailing, or simply exploring something distinctive in Yokohama, the Nippon Maru is an unforgettable experience.

Here’s a detailed look at the Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru:

History and Background

The Nippon Maru was built in 1930 and originally served as a training vessel for the Japanese Merchant Marine Academy. For over 50 years, it was used to train Japan’s future sailors and cadets, providing hands-on experience in navigation, ship maintenance, and sailing. The ship’s purpose was to give cadets the necessary skills to operate large sailing vessels and understand maritime operations at sea. It became an essential part of Japan’s maritime education system.

The ship was retired in 1984, after decades of service, and was eventually restored as a museum ship in Yokohama. Today, visitors can board the Nippon Maru and explore various parts of the ship, experiencing what life aboard a tall ship was like.

What You Can Expect on the Nippon Maru

1. Exploring the Ship
• The Deck: The Nippon Maru has three towering masts that soar high above the ship. Walking around the main deck, you can get a feel for the sheer scale of the vessel and imagine what it must have been like to sail on it during its active years. There are several areas on deck where you can take in panoramic views of Yokohama Bay and the surrounding skyline, including the Minato Mirai district and the Yokohama Landmark Tower.
• Mast Climbing: For those adventurous enough, there’s an opportunity to try climbing the rigging and experience what it was like for the cadets who trained aboard the ship. Although it’s not the same as navigating the open seas, it’s a great way to connect with the ship’s history in a hands-on way.

2. Interior of the Ship
• The Captain’s Quarters: Inside the ship, you can visit the Captain’s quarters, which is a small but functional space that reflects the captain’s living and working conditions. The space is relatively modest compared to the size of the ship but gives you insight into how the captain would manage the ship and oversee the crew.
• Crew Areas: You can also explore the areas where the cadets and crew would have stayed. The officers’ rooms are neatly arranged, and there are exhibits showing what life was like aboard a training vessel in the 20th century. The engine room and sailing equipment are also open for exploration, where you can learn about the mechanical and navigational systems used on the ship.
• Navigation Room: The navigation room contains various historical nautical instruments, such as old compasses, sextants, and charts, used by the ship’s officers for navigation. These exhibits highlight the evolution of maritime technology and the training that cadets received during their time aboard.

3. Educational Exhibits
• The Nippon Maru Museum provides educational exhibits that explain the significance of the Nippon Maru in Japan’s maritime history. These include historical photos, documents, and models of the ship, all detailing its role in training generations of sailors. The exhibits also cover the broader context of maritime training in Japan and the importance of sail training for the country’s merchant marine fleet.
• You’ll also learn about the broader role of the Merchant Marine Academy and how cadets were trained in sailing, navigation, and maritime life. These exhibits emphasize the ship’s importance in fostering international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge between Japan and other countries, especially during its active"

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"Nippon Maru was a really unexpected and pleasant surprise. I put it on my list as a “maybe” thing to do, and after going through some sightseeing and “must-do” activities in Yokohama rather quickly, because I didn’t expect some things to be either small or not very impressive, I ended up at Nippon Maru with low expectations, especially since I am not a boat or ship enthusiast.

One thing to note, perhaps because of the atmosphere, is that there was literally no one on the ship and hardly anyone at the museum just a 30-second walk away, so I highly recommend buying tickets for both the ship and the museum because it is well worth it.

The ship itself was impressive. You could walk around and see how the crew lived, and there were signs everywhere with English translations and explanations of some technical details. It is not every day that you can explore an old ship like this. The highlight for me, however, was the museum. It was modern, well laid-out, and completely empty, so it felt like we had a private tour. There were plenty of interesting exhibits and a few interactive elements to enjoy.

Nippon Maru was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Yokohama, and it was something I did not expect to enjoy so much."

Ouss Uchiha

"Well worth your time. The training ship is quite interesting and you get to view all the spaces were the cadets and officers lived and worked for 6 months"

Ioan Ludusan