The Meiji-Maru 重要文化財 明治丸

The first ship registered as an Important Cultural Property

The Meiji-Maru is more than just Japan’s last remaining iron ship. Comissioned for building in Scotland by the Japanese government, the vessel originally served as a lighthouse patrol ship. In later years, it was reserved for use by the imperial family. Taken out of service and preserved as a memorial in 1978, you can still board the ship and explore below deck for an in-depth look at late 19th-century ship building.