Highlights of the Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkōdạ Maru
The Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkōd Maru is a museum ship that tells the history of the railway ferries known as the Seikan ferries, which connected Aomori and Hakodate.
Hakkōdamaru entered service in 1964 and carried passengers and freight for many years before its role ended with the opening of the Seikan Tunnel in 1988. It has been open to the public as a museum since 1990.
On board, you can see the vehicle deck that carried railway cars, exhibits introducing the history of the Seikan ferries, the bridge area with the wheelhouse and communications room, and an observation deck offering a 360-degree view. You can learn about the ship’s operation and technology of the time while exploring it.
Ship Hull, Observation Deck, and Seikan World
This large ship is approximately 132 meters long, can accommodate 1,286 passengers, and can carry 48 railway cars.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the opening of the Seikan route, a dolphin-themed symbol was introduced. The Hakkōda Mountains and Lake Sōrenuma are depicted inside the ring.
From the observation deck, you can see Mutsu Bay, the Natsudomari Peninsula, and, farther beyond, the Shimokita Peninsula.
Behind it, you can see the Aomori Bay Bridge.
Scenes from the time when the Seikan Ferry was in operation are recreated in a life-size diorama. The photo shows a peddler known as a kakinjo, who apparently boarded almost every day carrying rice bales and other goods on his back.
You can almost picture a crew member waking someone by tapping them awake. I wonder whether they managed to eat the curry and rice they had been looking forward to.
JNR Yo6000 freight wagon
Hakkōmaru has a vast vehicle deck capable of carrying 48 railway cars. Being able to see actual vehicles, including a guard's van, inside the ship is a distinctive highlight of the Seikan ferries, which directly connected rail and sea transport.
JNR KiHa 80-series diesel railcar KiHa 82 101
The Seikan ferries primarily transported freight wagons. Vehicles such as Kiha80-series diesel railcars were loaded onto the ferries only in special cases, such as when they had been manufactured on Honshu and were being sent to Hokkaido.
Perhaps this was done out of consideration that the freight cars alone would not look very impressive.
Monument to the song Winter Seascape of the Tsugaru Strait
As you approach the monument, Sayuri Ishikawa’s song “Winter Scenery of the Tsugaru Strait” begins to play. It starts with “From the moment I got off the night train from Ueno,” but the woman boards the Seikan Ferry at Aomori Station and crosses the Tsugaru Strait.
Basic information about the Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkōdamaru
The information below was checked against official sources on September 21, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official Information
- Opening hours, closing days, admission fees for the exhibition area, and the main exhibits aboard the Hakkōda Maru can be found on the official Aomori City website.
青森市港湾文化交流施設 青函連絡船メモリアルシップ八甲田丸青森市www.city.aomori.aomori.jp - 📍 Address
- 112-15, Yanagawa one-chome, Aomori, Aomori Prefecture
- 🕒 Opening Hours
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- 4 1–10 31: 9:00–19:00 (last admission at 18:00)
- 11 1–3 31: 9:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- 🚫 Closed
- Every Monday from 11 1 to 3 31 (or the following day when Monday is a public holiday); 12 31 and 1 1; and Monday through Friday in the 2 week of 3 for vessel inspections.
- 💶 Exhibition Area Admission
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- Adults: 510 yen
- Junior and senior high school students: 310 yen
- Elementary school students: 110 yen
- Preschool children: Free
Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more, and elementary and junior high school students who live in Aomori City are admitted free. Combination tickets with Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse and combination tickets with ASPAM and Wa Rasse are also available.
- ⏱️ Suggested Visit Duration
- Allow approximately 60–90 minutes to see the main exhibits. From basement level 1 to level 4, visitors can explore the vehicle deck, Seikan Railway Ferry Memorial Ship, Seikan World, wheelhouse, observation promenade, and other areas.⚠️ Allow extra time if you plan to read the exhibits in detail. The funnel observation deck is closed during winter and in bad weather.
Getting to the Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkodamaru
From Aomori Station, it is about a 5-minute walk north to the Seikan Hakkōmaru memorial ship. Along the way, you will pass attractions such as Nebuta House Warasse and A-FACTORY.
By car
If you are arriving by car, you can use the free visitor parking lot. Spaces are limited, so check whether parking is available before you go if you plan to combine your visit with attractions around Aomori Station, such as Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse or A-FACTORY.
The related guide “【青森】観光スポット・グルメ・交通・モデルコースを解説” is currently available only in Japanese.
