The Battleship Mikasa and Tokyo Bay's Maritime History
Walk across the deck of the Battleship Mikasa, Admiral Togo's flagship in the Russo-Japanese War, and stand where decisions were made that shaped a nation. The ship sits in Mikasa Park with English signage throughout, and the surrounding grounds offer a free recurring fountain show. Entry is ¥600. The park itself costs nothing to explore, making it an easy way to spend an hour or two absorbing the weight of this vessel's history before wandering the water's edge.
From Mikasa Park, ferries depart for Sarushima island, an old fortress and nature preserve in Tokyo Bay—the only natural island in the bay itself. Locals hike its trails and swim from its beaches in summer, and barbecuing is popular. The island closes each evening (last ferry at 17:00 March to October, 16:00 November to February), so plan your visit with the tide tables in mind.
Commodore Perry's Landing and the Opening of Japan
Travel a few stops south on the Keikyu or JR line to Kurihama to stand at the Perry Memorial Hall and Monument, marking the exact shore where U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry landed in 1853 with his squadron of "black ships." This landing forced the Tokugawa Shogunate to sign a treaty of peace and friendship with the United States, ending 250 years of Japanese isolation from the world. The moment is commemorated here with a monument and museum that anchor Yokosuka's place in the global story.
Near the same stop lies Kurihama Hana-no-Kuni, a "flower country" park renowned for its 1 million blooming poppies from mid-May to mid-June, and cosmos flowers from September through mid-October. The park includes a herb garden and children's play area with a large Godzilla slide—a detail that captures Yokosuka's layering of history, nature, and unexpected charm.
Parks, Temples, and Hillside Views
Head to Tsukayama Park (also called Anjinzuka Park) on the Keikyu Line near Anjinzuka or Hemi Station, where William Adams—known in Japanese as Miura Anjin, the first Briton to set foot in Japan—and his wife Oyuki are buried. The park's 10,000 cherry trees make it the best blossom viewing destination in Yokosuka each April. Beyond the seasonal beauty, the hilltop offers scenic views north across the peninsula, and locals walk dogs here year-round, giving the place an everyday vitality that rewards lingering.
Just 3 minutes on foot from Anjinzuka Station stands Chōgan-ji temple, a small but historically significant sanctuary with a unique atmosphere. The temple hosts various events including Hanamaturi, a flowering festival, and learning sessions about Buddhist practice. Visitors can participate in these events with advance contact to the temple.
The Verny park, located near Shioiri station, is an elegant seaside park with abundant roses and fountains—a quieter alternative for those seeking bay views without crowds.
Galleries, Street Culture, and Shopping
The Yokosuka Museum of Art sits glass-clad on the water with views over Tokyo Bay, housing modern and contemporary paintings and sculpture. It is open 10:00–18:00, and entry is ¥380. The building's design itself—transparent and open to the harbor—makes the visit as much about the setting as the collection.
Downtown's "Blue Street" (Chuo-dori), running between the Navy base and Yokosuka-Chuo station, is the city's main thoroughfare. Sculptures honor Yokosuka's role as one of Japan's gateways to jazz music, while local street musicians and dancers animate the pavement.
Near Shioiri station, Dobuita Street draws shoppers with its mix of local and international vendors. The street is especially famous for Yokosuka jackets—called Sukajan or "Yokosuka jumpers"—embroidered flight jackets that have become iconic to the city's style. Fans of the Dreamcast game "Shenmue" will recognize the layout and energy: the arcade is there, though the hot dog truck is not.
Museum Collections and Industrial Heritage
The Yokosuka City Museum of Nature and Human Culture (横須賀市自然・人文博物館) brings together artifacts and exhibitions spanning Yokosuka's archaeology, history, and environment. This is where you can examine the stone tools and ceramics from the Paleolithic and Jōmon periods that place human settlement here thousands of years back, and trace the city's transformation from samurai fief to modern naval port.
- The Yokosuka Research Park, established in 1997, is a vast complex devoted to telecommunications research and development. While not a casual tourist attraction, symposia and meetings are held regularly with guided tours available through participating companies showcasing their latest work.
- Baseball fans can visit Yokosuka Stadium, a 10-minute walk from Oppama Station on the Keikyu line, where the farm team of the Yokohama DeNA Baystars plays in summer and fall. Tickets are ¥1,200.
Yokosuka rewards slow exploration. The city's position on the Miura Peninsula, bordered by Tokyo Bay on the east and Sagami Bay to the west, means water and views frame almost every neighborhood. Whether you arrive for cherry blossoms at Tsukayama Park, poppies at Kurihama Hana-no-Kuni, or simply to walk Dobuita Street and absorb a century of maritime history, the rhythm of the place—alive with international sailors, local hikers, and streets layered with memory—pulls you forward. Begin your planning around the train stations on the Keikyu and JR lines, and let the water views and historical markers guide your path.