Michinoku Maru is a restored Kitamaebune (northbound ships) of the Benzai-sen style, a typical style of large wooden sailing vessels in Japan since the late 16 century until the Meiji Era. The ship was completed in 2005 by 16 shipwrights, as a way to promote the history of the ancient Japanese shipbuilding technology and pass the skills down to the next generation. In 2014, Michinoku Maru was officially handed over to Noheji Town, which used to be the biggest port of call for Kitamaebune.Now the Michinoku Maru Ship is moored just beside the Joyato Park, creating a nostalgia-inducing scenery for visitors.