Why a massive Japanese navy ship is sailing into Metro Vancouver this week
A giant Japanese navy ship is sailing into Metro Vancouver this week, and you can get up close at the Burrard Dry Dock Pier.
According to the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver, the free event is open to all ages, though there are some guidelines to follow.
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“Free on a first-come, first-served basis (no pre-registration required),” explained the Consulate.
“Adults must bring a photo ID; children must be accompanied by an adult with photo ID. No large bags allowed.”
The JS Kashima is a cadet training ship launched in February 1994 and commissioned in January 1995. The vessel is able to accommodate a crew complement of 370.
The only Kashima-class ship in the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the vessel stretches 143 metres (469 feet) long, with a full load displacement of over 4,000 tonnes. Its home port is Kure, Japan, in the Hiroshima Prefecture.
Kevin Shipp/Shutterstock
In addition to housing military cadets, the Japanese navy ship has made diplomatic visits around the world, including New York, London, and Victoria, B.C.
In 2023, the Kashima and the JS Hatakaze made a friendly port call to Esquimalt for “overseas training and international goodwill between Japan and Canada.”
And if you’re looking for more fun things to do around town, check out our latest roundup of great things to do around Vancouver.
There’s plenty to do from Sept. 14 to 20, including Vancouver Fringe, Dogstar, Vancouver Rise, and more.
JS Kashima Open Ship in North Vancouver
When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last boarding at 1:30 p.m.)
Where: Burrard Dry Dock Pier – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Cost: Free; boarding is first-come, first-served
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