Yokohama has historically been the gateway for ships between Japan and the outside world. Therefore it is natural that several museums in Yokohama are dedicated to the shipping industry.
One of the more spectacular examples is the museum ship Hikawa Maru located next to the Yamashita Park. The Hikawa Maru is an old cruise ship and a rare survivor of WWII. It was launched in 1929 and has sailed between Japan and USA. After the war she sailed again to USA until decommissioned in 1960.
After many years as restaurant and hotel she has now finally been restored to her original state with a new owner (NYK Line) in 2008 and is now a museum ship only, showing how life was on a cruise ship in the good old days.
It was really a rare, spectacular and special experience. If you come to Yokohama see this ship.
The video contains stills and HD video.
AloJapan.com