Shuinshen or Red seal ship is a special type of sailing boat which Japanese merchants used to travel to Hoi An port. In the history, Japanese people are first foreigners coming to this place to trade and exchange the culture. Due to some reasons, in late 17th century, they must leave and left behind a fine Japanese Bridge. To celebrate the long friendship of Vietnam and Japan, a large model of Japanese merchant boat was given to Hoi An. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company provide all information about Red Seal Ship in Hoi An.
You may also like: Must See in Hoi An Old Town Vietnam
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Red Seal Ship in Hoi An
– Location/address: the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Other name(s): Chau An Thuyen Hoi An
– Opening hours: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
– Ticket price: free
– Reason(s) to visit: a meaningful reminder about history of Japanese people in Hoi An, good for taking photos
– Best time to visit: anytime during the day
– Time to spend: 10 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/red-seal-ship-hoi-an
– Recognition(s):
– Fact: a gift of Nagasaki city to Hoi An to celebrate friendship between Vietnam and Japan
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: not available
Red Seal Ship Hoi An on Map
History of Japanese People in Hoi An
In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), a samurai with a peasant background) unified Japan. To grow the economy of the nation, he issued a red seal ship permit system in which sailing boats could embark from Japan to foreign countries to trade.
In 1591, Lord Nguyen Phuc Nguyen (1563-1635) sent a letter to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After that, the trading relationship between southern Vietnam and Japan was officially established.
In 1618, Christoforo Borri (1583-1632, a Jesuit missionary) visited Hoi An and wrote in his diary that Chinese and Japanese people had their own quarter. Residents in each quarter lived by their own culture, spoke their own language, and had their own regulations.
In 1619, Japanese merchant from Nagasaki Araki Sotaro married Vietnamese princesss Ngoc Hoa (daughter of Nguyen Phuc Nguyen lord). This event reinforced the friendship between Japanese and Vietnamese people.
In 1636, Tokugawa Iemitsu (1604-1651), the 3rd shogun/military ruler of Tokugawa dynasty (1603-1868) closed Japan, requested oversea Japanese people to return home, banned ships leaving the country to trade, expelled Europeans and banne Christianity. Only Nagasaki was kept to exchange with the Dutch. He worried about invasion of Europeans and introduction of Christianity at that time. Because of this event, Japanese merchants and others must leave Hoi An. In the late 17th century, in the diaries of some merchants, missionaries and monks, there were a few Japanese families still living in town.
Nowadays, remains of Japanese people in Hoi An include the Japanese Bridge, a 18-meters-long wooden bridge in the heart of the town, and tombs of three merchants in its outskirt (tomb of Banjiro, tomb of Tani Yarijobei, tomb of Kosukukun). Location of the Japanese quarter has been researched and not confirmed yet by historians. However, many people believe that Nguyen Thi Minh Khai today is the former Japanese quarter (nihonmachi). Along it, there are many buildings with Japanese influences. No Japanese people have lived in Hoi An as a local.
Better to Know about Red Seal Ship (Shuinshen)
First of all, the Red Seal Ship or Shuinshen or Thuyen Chau An is a type of sailing which Japanese merchants used to travel across the sea to trade in Southeast Asia, in the first half of the 17th century. It is called ‘red seal ship’ because it went overseas with a red-sealed permit. This permit was issued by Japan rulers, to their favourite imperial lords and principal merchants who were interested in foreign trade. They wanted to reduce pirates in the sea.
Red seal ships could carry about 200 people and tonnes of products. They vary in style and place of construction. In Nagasaki, Chinese and European techniques were employed to build them. When the trading network in Southeast Asia was well established, numerous ships were ordered and purchased in Thailand, due to high qualities of construction and materials. About the ownership, these ships were managed by rich trading families or adventurers, such as William Adams (first Englishman reached Japan in 1600) or Jan Joosten van Lodensteyn (one of first Dutchmen in Japan).
From Japan, red seal ships embarked in November when the monsoon wind flows southwards, to reach Southeast Asian ports. After that, Japanese merchants and seafarers would stay in Hoi An for 3 to 4 months, to collect local products (agarwood, precious wood, silk, ceramics, ivory, rhino horn, resin, buffalo skin, etc). In July next year, they returned to Japan because the monsoon wind flows northwards. However, because of lack of time for collecting goods, especially natural ones, some Japanese people lived in Hoi An to do it.
Between 1604 and 1635, 355 red seal ships were issued to go abroad. Among them, 280 ships went to Southeast Asia and 85 ships visited Hoi An.
The Red Seal Ship Model at Hoi An Ancient Town
On 10th November 2017, the model of the red seal ship (Shuinshen) was given to Hoi An from Nagasaki prefecture in southern Japan. The receiving ceremony takes place at the Song Hoai Square, with attendance of Nguyen Ngoc Quang (secretary of Quang Nam province), Le Van Thanh (vice-president of people’s committee of Quang Nam province) and representatives of Nagasaki city. This ship is to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan friendship, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2017 hosted in Da Nang.
The Red Seal Ship at Hoi An is 11 meters long, 2,8 meters wide, 3 meters tall and has a 6,5-meters-tall spar. It’s originally at the Nagasaki Museum, and then transported to Da Nang harbour (arriving on 20th October 2017) and assembled in Hoi An. Before that, the city sent a group of craftsmen to Nagasaki to learn how to maintain it.
On the Red Seal Ship Model at Hoi An, visitors can see two chairs in the front, recalling a marriage in history. In 1619, Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro used a red seal ship to bring Vietnamese princess Ngoc Hoa to Nagasaki after marrying her. Araki Sotaro (?-1636) was a samurai and later merchant who originated from Kumamoto and Nagasaki (from 1588). He was favoured by Nguyen Phuc Nguyen lord and received a painting of the Goddess of Mercy from the lord (a copy of this painting was made and given to Tam Thai Pagoda in the Marble Mountains as a history reminder). More than that, he got married with Ngoc Hoa, one of the daughters of the lord. She might be an adopted daughter. In 1620, they returned to Nagasaki by red seal ship after the closed door policy of the Japanese ruler. In Japan, the Japanese name of the princess was wawaku or Anio San because she often called her husband ‘anh oi’ (a sweet way Vietnamese women call their husband). They had one child (a girl) named Yaso. In 1636, Araki Sotaro died and then in 1645, she passed away. According to history, when the ship carrying them arrived in Japan, Nagasaki citizens were warmly welcomed. Later, after their death, in the annual Okunchi festival, people will carry a red seal ship with two kids. One boy and one girl are chosen to represent them. Because Ngoc Hoa was a buddhist, a pagoda in Japan was named after her. In Hoi An, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa street runs along the river, with the Japanese Bridge as an end. Her mirror has been preserved at the Nagasaki Art Museum.
In 2023, the wedding of Ngoc Hoa and Araki Sotaro was recreated. The parade began at the Red Seal Ship and ended at the Japanese Bridge.
Close to the Red Seal Ship, at the beginning of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai road, there is a Japanese traditional style gate (known as Torii). It’s used to mark the entrance of ‘Japanese quarter’ in Hoi An. It’s red-painted and has a Ryobu style (or ‘four-legged gate’). This style became popular from 12nd to 15th centuries in Japan, and is often seen at temples of an amalgamation of Buddhism and Shinto.
On 15th May 2017, a small model of the red seal ship was given by Nakamura Houdou (governor of Nagasaki prefecture) to Hoi An. It’s much smaller than the one in the Old Town and has been preserved in the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture.
To the right of the Japanese style gate, there is a memorial stone stele marking the entrance of ‘Vietnam-Japan Cultural Space’ at Hoi An. It’s placed here on 11st December 2017, on occasion of the 25th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) hosted in Da Nang. The inauguration ceremony of the ‘space’ was with the attendance of Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime minister of Vietnam and Shinzo Abe, Prime minister of Japan. Besides the Red Seal Ship, visitors can see the Japanese Culture Gallery and the Japanese Covered Bridge in this cultural space.
Tips to Visit Hoi An’s Red Seal Ship
– It’s free to visit Red Seal Ship Model in Hoi An Old Town. To buy entry ticket for Hoi An Ancient Town, visitors just need a short walk to see a ticket booth. The price is 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years ago. See more information & details
– No dress code regulation is required to visitors at Red Seal Ship Model.
– Vietnamese traditional costume ao dai dress is highly recommended. Any garment made of see-through material is not respectful.
– In the dry season, from February to the end of August, visitors should bring sun cream, hat/cap/umbrella, sun glasses, and bottles of water to drink. If don’t have, it’s easy to buy at shops near the Red Seal Ship Model.
– In the rainy season, from September to January, visitors should bring rain poncho/jacket or umbrella, sandals or waterproof shoes. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast usually when traveling during this period.
– From October to December, the town may be flooded, so visitors need to keep updating the weather before going to Hoi An.
– The best way to visit the Hoi An Old Town is walking, so make sure that you have good/comfortable shoes or sandals.
– Smartphone or camera is needed for taking pictures. For more experiences, visitors can consider renting Vietnamese traditional costume (for example, ao dai long dress for ladies) or even booking a private photographer (contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if you need).
– Don’t forget bringing cash to pay for entry fee tickets and small things because many places in Vietnam don’t accept payment by cards.
– It’s better to visit Cam Pho Communal House with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if you need a professional guide in Hoi An.
How to Get to Hoi An’s Red Seal Ship Model
The Red Seal Ship Model is at 52 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An, Vietnam. It lies within the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage site area.
From Hoi An, visitors can go to the Cam Pho Communal House by walking, bicycle, motorcycle, taxi/car, electric bus, shuttle bus of the hotel/resort, cyclo, bus/minivan. This building is in the pedestrian zone in many hours of the day (9-11:30 am, 3 to 9:30 pm), so it’s still needed to have a short walk if don’t cycle. The nearest place to drop off or park is in the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street (near the Red Seal Ship). The parking fee is 5,000-10,000 VND/bike/time.
From Da Nang, the distance to the Cam Pho Communal House in Hoi An is some 30 kilometers, to the south. Visitors often choose a car or ride the motorbike by themselves. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo/line) to book a private roundtrip transfer by car.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes transfers to Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Itinerary to Visit Hoi An Old Town for First Timer
First of all, to enter and visit the Hoi An Old Town (the part inscribed by Unesco), visitors need to buy an entry ticket. Its price is 120,000 VND per adult and children above 15 years old and free of charge for smaller kids. Entry to 5 attractions is also included for free. See more information & details
If possible, first time visitors should go with a local guide, to know better about history and culture. Contact us by +84968009827 (call/whatsapp) to book a private English-speaking guide.
We suggest this itinerary for first timers:
Total distance: 1,65 kilometers
– Starting point: the Japanese style gate (the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street). A model of the Red Seal Ship (Japanese merchant’s ship) and a ticket office are in a close distance.
– Walk along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee Cam Pho Communal House (ticket required), Japanese Culture Gallery (ticket required), Phung Hung Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required), Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel (in the alleyway, ticket required).
– Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An. This place definitely is a must see attraction.
– Walk along Tran Phu Street, the most beautiful road in Hoi An, until Hoi An Central Market. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee so many historical attractions. From the bridge to the market, there are Cantonese Assembly Hall (ticket required), Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (ticket required), Duc An Old House (ticket required), Kazik Park (free), Quan Thang Old House (ticket required), Museum of Trade Ceramics (ticket required), Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (ticket required), Fujian Assembly Hall (ticket required), Quan Cong Temple (ticket required), Quan Am Pagoda (ticket required), Hoi An Central Market (free to enter), a couple of rooftop coffee shops, Instagrammable spots, shophouses selling lanterns, food, souvenirs and fashion items.
– Walk southwards and along Tieu La Street (east side of Hoi An Central Market). On this road, there are many vendors and stalls selling a diversity of local products, giving a good chance to know about local life and photograph.
– Walk westwards and along Bach Dang Street (the riverside street). On this road, visitors will see Hoi An Traditional Performance House (ticket required if want to watch shows) and Museum of Folklore (ticket required).
– Turn into Le Loi Street and then turn left, walking along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. On this road, visitors will see Tan Ky Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required) and Diep Dong Nguyen Old House (not yet opened to visitors, see from outside).
– The ending point: the crossroad near the north end of An Hoi Bridge or the west end of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. In the evening, from here, visitors can walk cross the bridge and then turn right to see the entrance of the Hoi An Night Market, the biggest night market in Hoi An.
For more information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-self-guided-walking-tour
Guided Tours to Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam
From Hoi An
– Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour – 2 Hour Express Tour with Local
– Hoi An Half Day Walking Tour: Heritage Sites, Crafts & Show
– Hoi An Early Morning Walking Tour with Local Pho & Coffee
– Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour + Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise
– Hoi An Night Tour from Hoi An: Lantern Boat, Markets & Food
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Sightseeing & Cooking Class
– Hoi An Late Afternoon Walking Tour with Local Food Tastings
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Thanh Ha Pottery Village by Boat
– Hoi An Instagram Tour: Best Photo Spots & Rooftop Café
– Hoi An Old Town Food Tour with Night Boat Ride
– Hoi An Old Town Private Walking Tour with Local Expert (4 hours duration from departure time)
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
From Da Nang
– Hoi An Half Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Highlights Tour
– Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide
– My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang Cruise Port
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Chan May Cruise Port
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Places to Visit near Red Seal Ship in Hoi An
– Bridges: Japanese Covered Bridge (Pagoda Bridge), Moonlight Bridge, An Hoi Bridge (Bridge of Lights), Cam Nam Bridge, Cam Kim Metal Bridge
– Museums: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Museum of Sa Folklore, Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Traditional Medicine, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture, Japanese Culture Gallery, Black Sesame Soup Demonstration
– Chinese assembly halls: Cantonese Assembly Hall, Fujian Assembly Hall, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, Hainan Assembly Hall, Teochew Assembly Hall
– Heritage houses: Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, Quan Thang Ancient House, Diep Dong Nguyen House, Thai Phien Ancient House
– Temples & pagodas: Quan Cong Temple (Ong Pagoda), Ba Mu Temple, Phap Bao Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Hoi An Confucius Temple, Cao Dai Temple of Hoi An, Hoi An Ancestral Temple, Cam Pho Confucius Temple, Minh Huong Confucius Temple, Vien Giac Pagoda, Hy Hoa Temple
– Family chapels: Tran Family Chapel, Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel
– Communal houses: Cam Pho Communal House, Hoi An Communal House, Minh Huong Communal House, Tu Le Communal House, Xuan Lam Communal House, Son Phong Communal House
– Markets: Hoi An Central Market, Hoi An Cloth/Fabric Market, Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Night Market), Cam Pho Market
– Theatres: Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, Hoi An Lune Center for Performing Arts (now where Teh Dar Show takes place), Hoi An Memories Land Theme Park (now where Hoi An Memories Show takes place)
– Famous streets: Tran Phu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Bach Dang Street/Wharf, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Phan Boi Chau Street (Hoi An French Quarter), Hoi An Lantern Streets
– Other points of interest: Red Seal Ship Model, Hoi An Evanlegical Church, Thong Dang Prison & Park, Kazik Park (Memory Statue of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski), Hoai River (Hoi An River), Song Hoai Square, An Hoi Sculpture Park, Hoi An Catholic Church, Hoi An Prison, Hoi An Central Park, Ba Le Well, Hoi An Book Street, Hoi An Lantern Park, An Hoi Island, Cam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree
Photos, Videos about Red Seal Ship Hoi An
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Red Seal Ship Model in Hoi An:
