Museum of Maritime Science, Maritime museum in Higashi-Yashio, Tokyo, Japan
The Museum of Maritime Science is a maritime museum in Higashi-Yashio, a district of Tokyo, presenting ship models and information about seafaring and marine science. The museum offers indoor and outdoor areas with exhibits on cargo technology, vessel construction, and underwater research.
The institution opened on July 20, 1974, in a building designed to recall the British ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2. The research vessel Soya, which carried out Japan's first Antarctic expedition in 1956, was later placed permanently beside the museum.
The exhibitions show Japan's connection to the sea through fishing boats, cargo vessels, and modern naval innovations. Visitors can explore recreated cabins and workshops that represent daily life at sea.
The site is near Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station and opens weekdays from 10 to 17 hours, weekends until 18 hours. Visitors can board the vessel Soya but should expect steep stairs and narrow passages.
The research vessel Soya sits permanently at the dock and can be toured inside, including crew quarters and the navigation bridge. The main building itself resembles a large passenger ship in shape, complete with bow and stern.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
