Antarctic Museum and Former Research Ship Fuji — Attraction in Nagoya

In the center of the bustling Nagoya Port district, it's impossible to miss the large orange and white ship with the helicopter on top. That's the "Fuji" - an ice-breaking vessel used primarily on Antarctic expeditions and now retired to the status of a floating museum.  A trip onboard the ship is another neat little part of the fun district around the Port. The Fuji was the premier ice breaking vessel of its era, hence being given its prestigious name. It first set sail in July of 1965, and took part in 18 Antarctic exploration trips between 1965 and 1983. A trip aboard the Fuji is a step into a very different kind of life.  The crew that worked on this ship lived in close quarters, and how they went about their daily lives is a big feature of this attraction.  Visitors can wander the maze of the below-deck setup, seeing the bunks, the barber shop, where the crew ate, and where they relaxed.  Rooms are carefully preserved, and are filled with era-appropriate props to give a realistic glimpse at the ship in its "working state."  Many rooms even have mannequins playing checkers or writing letters to their loved ones at home to give a good image of what life was like on board. On the top deck of the ship, guests can get up close and personal with a helicopter (although not go inside), and in front they are welcome to climb into the cockpit to man control of the steerage system. To give an image of the size of the ship based on its specifications: the ship is an even 100 meters long, 22 meters wide, and 11.8 meters deep. When active, its maximum speed was 17 knots, equivalent to about 19.5 miles per hour (or 31.5 kilometers per hour).  It could hold 3 helicopters, 5 boats, and several hundred people at its...

Antarctic Museum & Former Research Ship Fuji @ Nagoya 🚢🐧🇯🇵 🗓️ Visited: Weekday (Friday), 3 PM

Docked at the Port of Nagoya, the Former Research Ship Fuji is now a museum showcasing Japan’s Antarctic exploration history. Visiting on a weekday afternoon meant it was quiet, giving us plenty of space to explore at our own pace.

We boarded the ship and walked through its narrow corridors, crew cabins, engine room, and work areas—getting a glimpse of what life was like in the freezing conditions of the South Pole. ❄️ The helicopter deck and navigation bridge were especially interesting for their panoramic views and equipment displays.

The Antarctic Museum next to the ship offered detailed exhibits about polar research, wildlife, and the challenges of surviving and working in such an extreme environment.

🧭 Tip: The ship’s passageways are narrow and have some steep steps—watch your footing, especially if visiting with kids. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already at the Port of Nagoya...

Lovely little museum ship, the second commissioned for Japanese Antarctic expeditions. Has a nice little museum on board and also an old helicopter. I came of a rainy day, so sadly the bridge was off limits. Still lots to see and do! get the ticket with the observation deck and the maritime museum, a steal at 710 JPY for all three!

I came during golden week and it still wasn't crowded.

p.s. you can buy the tickets at the observation deck of the tower itself, or even...