Complete guide to the highlights of Antarctic observation ship Fuji
English | Japanese
The Antarctic observation ship Fuji is the second generation ship that was actively used for 18 years starting from 1965. It is exhibited as it is at the Garden Pier, located in front of the Nagoya Port Aquarium. The interior of the ship has been preserved as it was, allowing visitors to experience what an Antarctic observation ship was like at the time. This article introduces the highlights of the Antarctic observation ship Fuji.
For a comprehensive overview of the entire Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, please refer to 「Highlights and access methods of Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium (Aichi Prefecture)」.
(Last modified: )
Table of contents
Antarctic research ship Fuji business hours, closed days, and admission fees
The Antarctic observation ship Fuji operates from 09:30 to 17:30. Admission is allowed until 30 minutes before closing time. Note that operating hours may vary during the summer holidays.
The ship is closed on Mondays. If Monday is a national holiday, the following day will be the closing day. There are no closing days during Golden Week, the summer holidays, the New Year holiday period, and the spring break. However, the ship may be temporarily closed for maintenance.
For confirmation of operating hours and closing days, please check the 「Operating Hours & Event Calendar」 section on the official website.
Admission fees for the Antarctic observation ship Fuji are as follows:
・Adults and high school students: 300 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen, preschoolers (4 years and older): free.
・A combined ticket that includes admission to the Nagoya Port Aquarium, the Antarctic observation ship Fuji, the Nagoya Port Building Observation Deck, and the Nagoya Maritime Museum is also available.
For detailed information about admission fees, please check the 「Admission Tickets」 section on the official website.
The Antarctic observation ship Fuji is located at the Garden Pier, right in front of the Nagoya Port Aquarium.
Tickets for entry to the Antarctic observation ship Fuji alone can be purchased at the ticket vending machines located in front of the entrance to the ship. (The combined ticket for the three facilities can be purchased at the information desk on the first floor of the Port Building.)
Once you have purchased your ticket, please cross the bridge to enter. There is a reception area just inside the entrance, where you should present your ticket.
Touring the interior of the ship
When touring the interior of the Antarctic observation ship Fuji, visitors can see the conditions of the time recreated using mannequins among other methods. Upon entering, the first areas you encounter are the dining hall and the kitchen.
Following the designated route, you will proceed along the ship's corridors.
This is the second telegraph room.
Displayed in the hallway are "Fuji Port Souvenirs".
This is the radar room.
This is the 13th officer's bedroom.
We will continue down the hallway.
This is the 5th officer's bedroom.
Go down the stairs. A map of the inside of the Antarctic research ship Fuji was posted.
This is the medical room. A specialist was on board and was providing medical treatment and health examinations.
This is the barber shop. There was no dedicated barber on board, but one of the crew members who was skilled with his hands was trained to do the hairdressing on board before the ship departed.
This is the general affairs room.
This is the senior petty officer's bedroom. This is a room for 10 people.
This is a lift hatch that leads to the engine room.
This is the second residential area. This room accommodates 105 general crew members.
It's a sailing routine. The daily schedule is listed.
You can see part of the engine. The Antarctic research vessel Fuji uses a "DC diesel-electric propulsion engine."
This is the 12th observation team's bedroom.
This is the 6th observation team's bedroom.
I'm going up the stairs. Along the way, there were exhibits such as a gravity platform and a gyro compass.
Antarctic museum
Climbing the stairs to the second floor, you will find the Antarctic Museum, which was originally a helicopter hangar. It displays various information about Antarctica, including materials and models related to the history of Antarctic observations.
An actual snow vehicle used in the expeditions is exhibited.
Models of successive Antarctic observation ships are on display.
Flight deck and Helicopter
A helicopter is displayed on the flight deck of the Antarctic observation ship Fuji. It was primarily used for transporting equipment and supplies to Showa Station.
Bridge (Wheelhouse)
Proceed from the second floor with the flight deck to the third floor with the Bridge (Wheelhouse).
Take a look inside the bridge.
After leaving the bridge, follow the route and you will arrive at the exit of the Antarctic research ship Fuji.
Fuji Square
In front of the Antarctic observation ship Fuji is "Fuji Square." This square features a bronze statue of the Sakhalin dogs Taro and Jiro, well-known from movies like "Antarctica," as well as the propeller and propeller shaft used on the Antarctic observation ship.
Bronze statue of Taro and Jiro
Propeller and propeller shaft
Main anchor and chain for the main anchor
Medium-sized snow vehicle
List of photos related to Antarctic observation ship Fuji
Please see below for a list of photos related to Antarctic observation ship Fuji.
-- --
Thank you for reading to the end.
( Written by Tatsuo Ikura )