Hikawa Maru

Welcome to the NYK Hikawamaru, an enduring symbol of Japan’s maritime heritage and a rare survivor of a golden era in trans-Pacific travel. As we stand here at Yamashita Park, looking out over the waters of Yokohama Port, you are…

We begin our ascent to the highest reaches of the ship, the Bridge Deck, where the strategic and nautical decisions of the Hikawamaru were made. Standing here, you can feel the command this vessel once had over the waves. …

Descending to A-Deck, we enter the most spectacular social space on the ship: the First Class or Cabin Class Lounge. This room is a breathtaking capsule of the French Art Deco style, a aesthetic choice made by NYK to appeal to…

Leaving the lounge, we find ourselves at the top of the Grand Staircase, a feature that once proudly crossed the Pacific and connected the elite social spaces of the Hikawamaru. Although the current chandelier is a later…

Continuing our journey toward the stern on A-Deck, we enter the First Class Smoking Room. In the social hierarchy of the 1930s, this room was envisioned as a masculine lair, a counterpart to the more feminine atmosphere of the…

Descending further to B-Deck, we arrive at the third of Marc Simon’s grand dome spaces: the First Class Dining Saloon. This was the stage for the ship’s most elaborate culinary performances, where European cuisine was served with…

Finally, we descend into the bowels of the ship to witness the mechanical heart of the Hikawamaru: the Engine Room. This is a staggering transition from the Art Deco elegance above to the raw power of industrial engineering. …

As we conclude our tour and step back out into the modern surroundings of Yamashita Park, take a final look at the imposing black hull and the red-and-white funnels of the Hikawamaru. This ship is more than just a museum; it is a…