Yokosuka

Introduction

You will find Yokosuka located in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by exploring the historical layers of this coastal city, which played a pivotal role in Japan's naval history starting in the 1850s. You can trace its legacy from Commodore Matthew Perry’s arrival to its current status as a major naval facility used by both Japanese and United States forces. Because it was spared heavy bombing during World War II, the city retains a unique atmosphere shaped by its long-standing military significance.

To plan your itinerary, you can consult several information resources:

• Official English pages are available on Guidoor.
• A joint Japanese-only guide site is provided by the city and local tourist associations.
• The Kurihama Area has a separate Japanese-only guide site for specific regional information.

Getting there

You can reach Yokosuka from Narita Airport via several rail options. The fastest route involves taking the Narita Express to Shinagawa followed by a transfer to the Keikyu Line for Yokosuka-Chuo station. Alternatively, you can take a JR commuter train directly toward Yokosuka or Kurihama, where some trains offer one-seat rides and Green Car upgrades for more comfortable seating with snacks and drinks. A more economical route from Narita involves taking the Narita Sky Access train to Sengakuji before transferring to a Keikyu Limited Express.

If you are traveling from Haneda Airport, take a Keikyu Line local or express train to Keikyu-Kamata station to transfer toward Yokohama. From Tokyo Station, the JR Yokosuka Line provides access to JR Yokosuka Station, while trains from Nihombashi on the Toei Asakusa subway line connect to the Keikyu Line. If you arrive at JR Yokosuka Station and prefer the more centrally-located Yokosuka-Chuo station, local buses provide frequent connections between the two points.

• By boat, Kurihama Port can be reached from Kanayako and the Izu or Ogasawara Islands during the low season.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a modern and clean bus network that connects various train stations. To find your route, consult the master maps located at station bus stops where signs list specific routes and schedules. Along the roads, look for white round or four-sided square signs to identify your stop. Drivers are conscientious about stopping for waiting passengers, and you can monitor your progress via electronic displays and audio announcements. When riding, board through the middle door and exit through the front. You can pay using contactless smart cards or with cash by taking a ticket from the dispenser upon entry and inserting it into the machine next to the driver at the end of your trip.

Taxis are another plentiful and clean option for your travels, with stands located at train stations and other strategic locations. You can also flag down taxis featuring red LED signs on the dashboard. If you need to travel to a base, look for vehicles with yellow placards on the front grill, as these drivers have the necessary permits to enter those areas.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preference for modern amenities or traditional charm. For those seeking larger rooms and courteous service in English, the Mercure Yokosuka offers a high-quality experience directly across from the Daiei mall. If you prefer a more contemporary atmosphere with an impressive lobby and bar, Hotel New Yokosuka is located near the CFAY Yokosuka Naval Base main gate and caters specifically to international travelers.

Other options provide a more traditional stay in various parts of the city:

• Hotel Harbour Yokosuka offers pleasant older rooms near Keikyu Shiori station.
• Central Hotel provides compact accommodations behind Keikyu Yokosuka Chuo station.
• Hotel Palace is situated just a few blocks from Yokosuka Chuo station.
• Hotel Yokosuka, located at the end of Yonegahama Street, serves as a well-kept older option.

Food & drink

Savor the local culinary history by sampling "Navy curry," a dish believed to have been introduced by British sailors in the late 19th century and later adopted as a tradition by the Imperial Japanese Navy. You can also find the "Yokosuka burger," which is based on an American Navy recipe. For your meals, explore various food halls located under the Saikaya department store, More's City shopping plaza, and the Avenue 580 shopping arcade, or visit the restaurant floors at Saikaya and More_s. If you prefer Italian cuisine, find pizza and salads in the commercial district.

Explore the vibrant nightlife of The Honch, a bustling bar district featuring a diverse mix of traditional Japanese-style bars, American-oriented hangouts, and "Japanese only" establishments. You can experience different atmospheres across the area, from rock venues with live performances and punk music to country and western bars featuring pool tables and beer pong. For a unique experience, visit a stand where you can enjoy drinks at wooden tables or find a dive bar known for its strong drinks and rustic atmosphere.

What to see and do

Explore the maritime history of the region by visiting the Battleship Mikasa, which served as Admiral Togo's flagship during the Russo-Japanese war. Nearby, you can stroll through the elegant Verny park to see its roses and fountains or visit the Perry Memorial Hall and Monument in the Kurihama area to see where Commodore Matthew C. Perry first landed. For a different atmosphere, head to the coastal Sarushima island, a nature preserve and former fortress in Tokyo Bay popular for hiking and sun-bathing. If you prefer botanical beauty, the Kurihama Hana-no-Kuni park features vast fields of poppies and cosmos flowers, while Tsukayama Park offers scenic views and thousands of cherry trees during the spring blossom season.

Experience the local culture by walking through the downtown area's "Blue Street," where you can see sculptures honoring the city's jazz history and watch street performers. You can also explore Dobuita Street to find various shops, including those selling the famous Yokosuka jacket. For a more tranquil experience, visit the historic Chōgan-ji temple or view modern art at the glass-clad Yokosuka Museum of Art overlooking Tokyo Bay. While you cannot easily tour the naval base, the presence of sailors adds a unique character to the city's atmosphere.

Day one, you begin your journey in the city of Yokosuka within Kanagawa Prefecture. You can travel from Tokyo Station via the JR Yokosuka Line to reach your destination.

Day two, you explore the local area and visit the Kurihama Area. You can choose between various transportation options including the Keikyu Line or the Narita Sky Access if traveling toward other regions.

Day three, you prepare for your departure from Japan. You can take the Narita Express or travel through stations such as Shinagawa and Yokohama to reach Haneda Airport or Narita Airport.