Memorial Battleship Mikasa Photo Guide

Just a short trip from Tokyo, within sight of the active Yokosuka Naval Base, rests a time capsule of naval history: the memorial warship Mikasa. This legendary pre-dreadnought battleship, a hero of the Russo-Japanese War, is now a must-see museum in the park that shares her name. For any military history enthusiast, a visit to the Mikasa offers a remarkable journey back in time.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here.

Permanently encased in concrete and pointing toward the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the 15,380-ton ship remains a powerful symbol. Nearby stands a statue of Admiral Heihachirō Tōgō, who commanded the fleet from the Mikasa during the pivotal Battle of Tsushima. The two heroes, the ship and the admiral, are still together.

A walk through naval history: What’s onboard

My first visit to Mikasa was in 2012, and I returned in 2020. While a few superficial things had changed, the powerful essence of the ship remained the same.

As you explore the battleship, you become immersed in a tangible piece of naval history. You can walk past massive gun turrets, through the crew’s battle stations, the radio and chart rooms, and stand on the armored bridge. Markers show where Russian shells struck the ship during the battle. Plaques on the bridge also show the positions of commanding officers. You get a sense of that day’s events.

You’ll also gain insight into the daily lives of battleship crews from that era. These ships were formidable war machines, but living conditions were basic. Some sailors even slept and ate at their gun stations. With much of the ship open to the elements, deck life must have been incredibly tough.

Memorial warship Mikasa: The museum below decks

Below the main deck, a museum primarily focuses on the Battle of Tsushima in May 1905. A highlight is a diorama of the battle, complete with moving model ships and sound effects. It’s a pity that the narration is only in Japanese, but the visual storytelling is still compelling.

The museum also displays period uniforms, Mikasa’s original bow crest, medals, and various ship models, including modern ones. While there are exhibits on other aspects of early twentieth-century Japanese history, you won’t find anything about World War II.

A fantastic and interactive addition are some naval battle simulators. I had the chance to step into Admiral Tōgō’s shoes for a moment and command the fleet. The games are in Japanese, but their simple design makes them easy to figure out and enjoy, regardless of any language barrier.

To take a break from exploring, you can watch a Japanese film in the main deck’s theater. The dramatic battle sequences need no translation!

A link to naval history

A visit to the memorial warship Mikasa is a powerful lesson in naval history. While the guns on deck are replicas, the rest of the ship is authentic. You can get some sense of the harsh realities faced by naval crews of all nations in that era, from the unforgiving seas to the heat of battle.

Photography tips for your visit

• The iconic shot: Position yourself to capture the statue of Admiral Tōgō with the battleship in the background for a powerful composition.
• Go wide and get close: The ship is large enough for a complete photo essay. You might want to take a wide-angle lens for the cramped interiors and for capturing the immense scale of the main guns. A zoom lens will be great for focusing on smaller details.
• Adjust for low light: The ship’s interior can be dark, so boost your ISO if necessary.
• Bridge with a view: Stand on the bridge and shoot over the main guns and bow. In the distance, you’ll see the active U.S. naval base. If you’re lucky, a modern warship might be docked, creating a contrast between past and present.

Visitor information: Location, access, costs, & hours

• How to get there
  • Address: 82-19 Inaokacho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa
  • By train: Take the Keikyu Line to Yokosuka-Chūō Station, which is roughly an hour from Tokyo Station. From the East Exit, the ship is about a fifteen-minute walk.
  • Here is the ship on Google Maps:

• Visiting hours
  • April to September: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • March and October: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • November to February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
  • The ship is closed for the New Year’s holiday from December 28 to 31.
• Admission
  • Adults: ¥600
• For full information, consult the official memorial battleship Mikasa website.

Nearby photo opportunities

• Yokosuka Naval Base: Offers views of modern naval vessels.
• Mikasa Park: A beautiful spot, especially during the spring cherry blossom season.
• Historic ships in Yokohama: For more maritime photography, the nearby city of Yokohama is home to two beautifully preserved museum ships. You can find the elegant 1930s ocean liner Hikawa Maru docked at Yamashita Park, and the magnificent four-masted sailing ship Nippon Maru in front of Sakuragicho Station.

The legacy of the Mikasa

She is most remembered for her single day of glory in the Sea of Japan in 1905. But her history is a respected part of Japan’s naval heritage that spans over a century.

A British-built powerhouse

The memorial warship Mikasa was a pre-dreadnought battleship built in the late 1890s and named after Mount Mikasa in Nara. She was the only ship of her class. Admiral Heihachirō Tōgō chose her as his flagship for the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), and together they fought at the Battle of Port Arthur, the Battle of the Yellow Sea, and the decisive Battle of Tsushima.

From tragedy to preservation

Just six days after the war ended, the Mikasa tragically sank at her moorings in Sasebo due to a fire and magazine explosion, which killed 251 crewmen. She was later refloated and repaired.

The battleship went on to serve in a coastal defense role during World War I and assisted in Japan’s intervention in the Russian Civil War. In 1921, she was officially reclassified as a coastal defense ship. Her active career concluded in 1923 under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty, which required her to be scrapped. However, Japan successfully requested that the ship be preserved as a memorial, and she was encased in concrete.

Restoring the battleship

After years of neglect, the ship was in poor condition following World War II. A 1955 letter to the Japan Times by a Philadelphia businessman, John Rubin, sparked a new restoration campaign. This effort was supported by the Japanese public and U.S. Admiral Chester Nimitz. The restored battleship reopened to the public in 1961.

Is a visit to Mikasa worth it?

A visit to the memorial warship Mikasa is an essential stop for any military history enthusiast, offering a tangible connection to the naval warfare of the early 20th century. For gamers, the experience is even more special, you can step onto the very decks of the legendary battleship featured in the game “World of Warships.” The volunteer crew, many of whom are former members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, are a friendly and knowledgeable group, and some even speak English!

If you’ve had the chance to visit the memorial ship Mikasa, what were your impressions? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave any questions or comments below.

I trust Sandisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Cards with my images.