Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru
The Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru, located in Mutsu Bay near Aomori Station in Aomori is Japan's first railroad ferry museum.
Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru メモリアル・シップ 八甲田丸
The Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru, located in Mutsu Bay near Aomori Station in Aomori is Japan's first railroad ferry museum.
The ship in Mutsu Bay, Aomori city, Aomori PrefectureHistory
From 1966 until 1988 the Hakkoda Maru transported trains 113 km from Aomori in Honshu to Hakodate in Hokkaido. The opening of the Seikan Tunnel linking the two towns made this journey redundant and the ship was transformed into a floating museum dedicated to the history of the historic crossing. The Seikan Ferry crossing between Aomori and Hokkaido had been in operation since 1908, with the first train ferry going into service in 1924. In 1954, five ferries including the Toya Maru were sunk in the Tsugaru Strait by Typhoon Marie, with over 1,400 deaths. 
The Seikan Ferry crossing between Aomori and Hokkaido had been in operation since 1908
Exhibits
On display are models of other Japanese ships, uniforms of the crew, historic documents and panel displays showing how the trains were loaded onto the ship. On board the Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru also offers a full bar and restaurant service and the rear of the ship serves as a beer garden in summer. Reaching the vessel is easy. The Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru is a short walk from Aomori Station under Aomori Bay Bridge.
The vessel in Aomori Bay, Aomori city, Aomori PrefectureNearby
Other attractions in Aomori include the reproduction of Showa-era food stalls at Yatai Mura, the Aomori Prefectural Folk Museum, and the Aomori Contemporary Art Center. Furthermore visit the A-Factory for Aomori souvenirs and some pleasant cafes, ASPAM for great views, Wa-Rasse for information and displays of Aomori's festivals. Aomori Machinaka Baths and the fish market in the basement of the AUGA department store are other attractions in this pleasant northern city. 
Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru also offers a full bar and restaurant service
Access - Getting There
Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru 112-15 Yanagawa Aomori Tel: 017 735 8150
Hours
Hours: 9 am-7 pm; 9 am-5 pm November-March Admission: 500 yen Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru map
