Hikawa Maru

The Hikawa Maru has been moored as a museum ship at Yokohama's Yamashita Park since 1961, opposite the Marine Tower. Built in 1929-30 for Nippon Yusen's Seattle service, she carried passengers including Charlie Chaplin and the Showa emperor's brother Prince Chichibu across the Pacific. Pressed into service as a hospital ship in World War II, she survived three mine strikes and remains the only prewar Japanese passenger liner still afloat. Visitors walk through the Art Deco first-class suite with Rene-Lalique-inspired glass, the smoking lounge, and the original engine room. Floodlit at night, her hull glows above Yokohama harbour and makes the promenade a favourite date spot. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2016.