The first time we went, we trudged through the snow and walk to Hakkodamaru from our hotel, alas we were too late, just past its closing hour! No choice but to switch destination. But we were back there the next day as soon as its door opens! It is 5 minutes' walk from JR Aomori Station.

Hakkodamaru was one of the ferries used to transport passengers and train between Hokkaido and Aomori before the Seikan Tunnel was built and opened.

We started from the promenade deck, there were photo displays and very good life size replica of people and culture of Aomori Port such as the apple vendors, the vegetables vendors, etc., and a room to view video on Aomori and Hakkodamaru's history. Further on, there were displays of model ships and items related to the ferry services.

We climbed up the stairs to the captain's bridge and here the beautiful scenery of the port is layout right before your eyes! We took turns to be captain in command and enjoyed nosing around the instruments, meters, and other ship navigation related tools. There is a sort of shrine in this room where you bow and pray and state your wishes. Due to strong wind conditions, access to the open top deck area was prohibited. On the same floor, we visited the preserved rooms such as the various classes of cabins available and the captain's room in the ship.

We descended downwards pass the engine room to the cargo hold and rail line deck. Kids will love the engine rooms with the real life engines! I have never been in the belly of a ship before and this ship's belly is huge! On this deck, there were railway tracks with rail carriages of an express train and diesel locomotive on display. Unfortunately entry is prohibited.

Had a most enjoyable visit here and learnt a lot about ships! Do not miss it and drop by for a visit! Admission fee is 500 yen but it is included if you get the 1200 yen pass.

We took this visit as part of the pass (1200¥) to the Hakkoda-Maru ferry, ASPA observatory and Nebuta museum. This pass is so worth purchasing if you have a free afternoon in Aomori. The story of this vessel coming to be in Aomori is worth watching on the theatre (no English). My partner and I had a great time wandering around the displays taking pictures. The rail line deck was fascinating (you can't get on the rail carriages, but it's still fun looking around).

If you like boats or just want to learn more about transport and life around the Tsugaru strait, be sure to visit. There is information on both the Seikan ferries and life around Tsugaru in general. You can visit a lot of the ship, from the smokestack to the captains bridge and the cargo hold with historical trains. Sadly you can't enter any of the trains. They also show a video about the Tsugaru strait ferries which is pretty easy to understand even with limited Japanese skills.

This ferry is now a museum that tells the story of 100 years of sea transport between Hokkaido. There are dioramas of life in Aomori as well as a well planned route through various parts of the ship including the train deck with carriages. The museum does not have any english translations of the exhibits which is a shame, but the pictures and other displays tells the story quite well.