What other travelers are saying about Hakodate Seikan Train Ferry Memorial Museum Mashū-maru
Mashū-maru is a well-preserved former train ferry that once connected Honshu and Hokkaido on the historic Seikan route, before the opening of the Seikan Tunnel. Today it functions as a memorial museum and a striking example of Japan’s maritime and transport history.
The exhibition includes original crew uniforms, navigation and engine equipment, safety gear, bells, and detailed materials documenting the ferry service that operated here from 1908. Highlights include the preserved bridge and control room, as well as passenger seating areas that clearly evoke long-distance travel in mid-20th-century Japan.
The open deck was closed, most probably because it is considered not safe in winter, but even from inside views of Hakodate Port were awesome.
Most explanations are in Japanese, with some English descriptions available, though not consistently throughout the exhibition. That said, with modern translation tools, this does not pose a real obstacle for visitors who are genuinely interested in the subject.
Museum is open from 9 am. Entrance fee is 500 yen for adults.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (with last entry at 5:00 PM) from April to October, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with last entry at 4:00 PM) from November to March. During the New Year period (December 31 to January 3), hours are 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission costs ¥500 for adults, ¥250 for elementary through high school students, and is free for preschool children.
The museum is conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station. The ship is permanently moored at the old Hakodate No. 2 quay in Hakodate Port, which was the actual boarding platform where the ferry operated until 1988.
Visitors can explore the preserved ship's wheelhouse and radio communication room where the captain commanded the vessel. The green reserved seats and regular seats have been restored and are on display. The museum features a "History of the Seikan Bridge" exhibition room with models and panels explaining the ferry's history, plus a "Ship Mechanism" exhibition room. You'll also find video presentations about ferry operations and the role these ships played in connecting Japan's islands.
The Mashū-maru was built on the hull of the Tsugaru Maru (2nd generation) and was known as the "bullet train" of the sea. It served as one of the Seikan railway ferries connecting Hokkaido and Honshu until its final voyage on March 13, 1988, when the Seikan Tunnel opened. Along with the Hakkoda Maru and Yotei Maru, it was one of the last ships to operate on the Seikan Line.
Yes, the museum welcomes international visitors and offers information in multiple languages. The museum reopened in 2003 in its current form as the Hakodate Seikan Liaison Ship Memorial Museum Mashu Maru. The experience is educational and engaging for visitors of all ages, offering insight into Japan's maritime history and transportation evolution. The ship's authentic preservation provides a unique hands-on historical experience that appeals to both maritime enthusiasts and general tourists.
I decided to visit this ship since I had some time. To get on board, you have to climb a long flight of metal stairs—it’s not like you can just walk straight from the land. At the top, there’s a small souvenir shop. I thought the ticket counter was beyond the shop, so I almost tried to leave through the door before I noticed the counter on my right. I’m sure the staff thought I was trying to sneak in without paying, but that wasn’t the case!
When I visited, it wasn’t very crowded, and honestly, there isn’t much to see on the ship—it’s quite old. The most fun part was the photo prop section, where you can try on any of the costumes on display and take your own photos. There’s no pushy photographer trying to make you buy photos, which was a relief. The view from the ship was also quite unique and worth enjoying.
This is a must-do when visiting Hakodate - a wonderful hands-on experience for all ages. Great views of the bay and city and very much a highlight of our visit. A small fee and value for money.
We found out about this when searching for things to visit in Hakodate on a rainy day. It turned out to be pleasant option. It was really quite fun and interesting to see the interior of the former ferry and especially the sections of the vessel that we normally wouldn’t have access to. We got to try out the morse code machine, toot horns and look out the telescope. The admission wasn’t pricey at JPY500 per person and there was free parking just a short distance away. I would recommend this even if it wasn’t a rainy day.
Interesting experience. Also a must-visit, when heading to Hakodate.
Unfortunately, there is a very small share of English descriptions.
Still, it is a great experience, just to be here and see all those special rooms like „radio-room“. You can’t enter the machine rooms.
I am not sure, but if you have the JR Railpass, this museum could be for free, because it was operated by JR. Just ask. Otherwise, the admission fee was 500 Yen per adult, which is ok.
