Navire-école à voiles Nippon Maru / musée du port de Yokohama​ ​

Activités et attraits, Art et musées, Activités familiales

Docked just in front of Sakuragicho Station, directly below the Landmark Tower, the NIPPON MARU really brings a touch of class to the entire Minato Mirai area.

Like most ships, she has quite a history. Built in 1930 (that makes her over 80 years old!) as a training ship, she has been used to do just that: In her 54 years of service, almost 12,000 cadets learned the ins and outs of sailing on her. She also put in her miles, having sailed the equivalent of 45.5 trips around the globe. That is just short of 2 million kilometers!

After her retirement in 1984, Yokohama City made space for her in Minato Mirai. She is now open to the public, who are free to walk up and down her decks, read about her history in more detail, and see what life on a ship is really like.

The ship itself is gorgeous, with big white sails, wooden decks that shine with polish, and ropes and knots and other ship stuff that is very impressive. There are even volunteers on board to answer your questions, and explain how the various parts of the ship actually work. Below deck, we can walk through and view a Cadet’s Room, the Officer’s Day Room, the Officer’s Saloon (cheers!), the Bridge, and so on.

Through out the year, numerous events are held, the most impressive being a Full-sail Exhibition where the ship’s beautiful white sails are unfurled to the sky and blow in the wind. Other events include Brass Band Concerts given by local high schools or amateur bands, and even a flea market!

The Yokohama Port Museum located in front of Nippon Maru is themed on the history of the Yokohama port and its relationship to people's daily lives. The exhibits demonstrate the 150 years of history of the port since its opening as well as its functions and efforts.