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The Hakkoda Maru was a passenger and cargo ferry that operated as a railway link between Aomori Port and Hakodate Port. It sailed continuously for 23 years and 7 months from its maiden voyage in 1964 until the opening of the Seikan Tunnel in 1988, making it the longest-serving vessel in the history of ferries between Aomori and Hakodate. Now, it is docked at Aomori Port as a memorial ship and has been converted into a ferry museum.
Inside the ship, visitors can explore the former wheelhouse, radio communication room, and engine control room, as well as learn about the history of the Aomori-Hakodate ferry through 3D models and videos. One of the most exciting features on board is the vehicle deck. This spacious area, equipped with railway tracks, allows freight vehicles to seamlessly board and disembark from the ferry. At that time, ferries capable of transporting freight vehicles were quite rare in the world. Currently, the deck showcases vehicles from the Japan National Railways era.
When it comes to Aomori Port, many people associate it with the popular song "Tsugaru Straits Winter Scene" by Sayuri Ishikawa. In front of the museum ship, there is a folk song monument in the Hakkoda Maru plaza, which automatically plays this song when someone approaches the sensor installed on the monument.
