About the Santa Maria（ship）
Christopher Columbus who discovered America in 1492 originally intended to reach Zipangu (Cipangu), the land of gold mentioned in "The Million (Il Millione)" by Marco Polo. The Santa Maria was rebuilt in the fourth year of the Heisei era (1992) at the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' discovery of Americas. The ship went for an experimental voyage, sailing from Barcelona, Spain, to Japan, with a call at Kesen bay as a symbol of the intended destination of Columbus. The rebuilt ship was exhibited at the port of Kobe until its dismantling in 2013.