In May 1930, NYK Line welcomed into service Hikawa Maru, a new state-of-the-art liner for the transport of passengers and cargo between Japan and Seattle. Embodying the foremost in naval architecture at the time, safety was ensured through use of thick shell plating and solid watertight compartments. In 30 years of service, Hikawa Maru crossed the Pacific 254 times, carrying around 25,000 passengers and a great volume of cargo. During and immediately following World War II, the vessel served as a hospital ship and returned some 30,000 wounded soldiers to the Japanese homeland.
Today, guests are encouraged to delight in the comforting sea breezes on the ship's decks or stroll the elegantly decorated interior, preserved as it was over a half-century ago. This time will allow you to hark back to a bygone era when the dreams and hopes of many were shared on board as far-off destinations were eagerly anticipated.
