Yokosuka
Yokosuka (横須賀) is a major city in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. Yokosuka city is on the coast and near to sea. The population is about 420,000 in Yokosuka city. Because of the naval base, many Americans are among its population.
Understand
Yokosuka has long played a part in Japan's naval history. Commodore Matthew Perry's landing in the area in the 1850s initiated the country's modernization, and today it is the site of a major naval facility used by the United States and Japanese forces. During World War II, it was spared the heavy bombing which was the fate of many other Japanese cities, as the US military had already chosen it as a post-war base location.
The city's famous foods are Kaigun (Navy) curry and a radish called Miura daikon. Yokosuka is also the home city of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Tourist information sites
- The city and local tourist associations has a joint Japanese-only guide site.
- The city has official info pages in English on Guidoor.
Get in
By plane
From Narita Airport, the fastest and most expensive way to reach Yokosuka is to take the Narita Express to Shinagawa, and then take the Keikyu Line to the centrally-located Yokosuka-Chuo station. (2 hours; ¥3630 [¥2990 JR fare + ¥640 Keikyu fare]). With the Japan Rail Pass this trip costs only ¥360 for the Keikyu line if you change in Yokohama.
Regular JR commuter trains depart Narita Airport once per hour: some trains offer one-seat rides to JR Yokosuka station, or else change at wherever the train terminates to the next train bound for Yokosuka or Kurihama (About 2 3/4 hours, ¥2590). These trains offer a ¥980 Green Car seating upgrade; Green cars feature more comfortable seats and a drink and snack service.
A cheaper ride from Narita to Yokosuka is to take the Narita Sky Access train which runs into the subway. When you reach Sengakuji, change to a Keikyu Limited Express train for Yokosuka-Chuo (2½ hours, ¥1900).
From Haneda Airport, take any Keikyu Line local (普通) or express (急行) train and change at Keikyu-Kamata station to a limited express (特急/快特) towards Yokohama. The trip to Yokosuka-Chuo takes 50-60 minutes and costs ¥810.
By train
The limited express Keikyu trains make the run to Yokosuka-Chuo (横須賀中央) in 50-60 minutes from Shinagawa station (¥640). Many trains from the Toei Asakusa subway line continue on to the Keikyu Line. The ride takes 1 hr 15 min from Nihombashi (日本橋) station (¥930).
The slower JR Yokosuka Line, on the lower level of Tokyo Station, takes you to JR Yokosuka Station (75 minutes; ¥1050) which is about 2½ kilometers northwest of the more centrally-located Yokosuka-Chuo Keikyu station. If you wish to use JR, be sure to take any train bound for Yokosuka or Kurihama (and note that the front 4 cars of the train are removed at Zushi when Yokosuka-bound, so ask if you are not sure where to sit).
Local buses connect Yokosuka-Chuo and JR Yokosuka stations on a frequent basis (¥170).
By boat
- Kurihama Port (久里浜港, Kurihamako) by boat from Kanayako (金谷港) and Izu Islands, Ogasawara Islands (only low season).
Get around
By bus
Buses run often and until about 23:30; they are very safe, clean and modern; many bus routes go either to and/or from train stations to connect the transportation network. They cost ¥170-300 on average.
At train stations, there will be a master bus map in front of bus stops showing the different routes with bus numbers. This bus number will only stop at one of several bus stops in front of the station or near the station. Each stop has a large sign that lists all the buses and schedules for that stop.
Along the road, bus stops are usually spaced out several blocks apart and are denoted by a white round sign or 4-sided square sign, sometimes lit. Bus drivers are very conscientious to look and stop for passengers waiting. The bus stops will be announced along the route and show on an electronic display. Passengers push the "stop" button located at every seat to indicate their stop.
Get on at the door halfway down the bus and get off at the front door. It's easiest to pay with Pasmo/Suica contactless smart cards, but if using cash, take the small-white ticket from the dispenser as you enter, paying the amount displayed on the price screen which corresponds to the number on your ticket. Place the white ticket and change in the same slot on top of machine next to driver). Buses will make change for ¥1000 notes and ¥100 coins. Bus drivers will often help you make the change.
By taxi
Taxis are plentiful and very clean. ¥710 for the first two kilometers (and additional ¥300 charge for telephone pick-up requests). There is also a higher charge for nighttime taxi rides. There are taxi stands at all train stations and other strategic area. Taxis with red LED lit sign on dash are available and can be flagged (though may not stop if near a taxi stand). Taxis with yellow placard on front grill have permit to enter base and many drivers at JR station will ask foreigners (if going to) "base-u?" to ensure a permitted cab is used. Sample costs for longer trips: to Kurihama or Uraga about ¥4,000.
See
- Travelers won't be able to see much of Yokosuka Naval Base, headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet, but sailors based there are a common sight around the city, and certainly add to its atmosphere. Once a year, the base hosts a "Friendship Day", allowing Japanese nationals to tour the base. Also, one can go onto the naval base when an event takes place, such as a fireworks display or Halloween party.
- The Battleship Mikasa (戦艦三笠) was Admiral Togo's flagship in the Russo-Japanese war (1904-1905), and in the Battle of Tsushima it led to the annihilation of the Russian forces. Entry costs ¥500; English signage is present, but English-speaking staff is hit or miss. The surrounding Mikasa park is free, and features a recurring fountain show.
- The Perry Landing Park (ペリー上陸記念公園) marks the place where U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry landed from his squadron of "black ships", forcing the Tokugawa Shogunate to sign a treaty of peace and friendship with the United States, thus opening the country to the world after 250 years of isolation. The park is in Kurihama (久里浜), a few stops away by either the Keikyu or JR train line.
- Also in Kurihama is Kurihama Flower World or Kurihama Hana-no-Kuni (くりはま花の国). This park is renowned for its 1 million blooming poppies from Mid-May to Mid-June, and beautiful cosmos flowers from September-mid October. It also has a nice herb garden and children's play area with a large Godzilla slide. Area map from Kurihama station [formerly dead link]
- The Verny park is located near Shioiri station. The park fronts on the sea. A lot of roses are planted in park. There are fountains. The atmosphere of the park is elegant.
- Yokosuka Research Park. 3-4 Hikari-no-Oka (shuttle bus from Keikyu's YRP Nobi station). Not exactly a tourist attraction, this vast research complex is devoted to telecommunications in all shapes and sizes. You won't be able to see much if you show up unannounced, but symposia and meetings are held here regularly and usually include guided tours with companies showing off their latest and greatest.
- Sarushima (Monkey) Island (ferry [dead link] from Mikasa Park) - old fortress and nature preserve in Tokyo Bay. This is a private island and the only natural island in Tokyo Bay. Locals frequent if for hiking and it is a popular sun-bathing and barbecue in the summer. The hourly ferry only runs weekend through the "off-season". The island closes every evening, so make sure you don't miss the last ferry off or you will be marooned there alone overnight. There is no night staff.
- Downtown's "Blue Street" between the Navy base and Yokosuka-Chuo station - see sculptures honoring Yokosuka as one of the country's gateways to jazz music as well as local street musicians and dancers.
- Dobuita Street is located at Shioiri station. There are a lot of foreigners and many variety of shop. Especially, the famous one is a Yokosuka jacket. It is called Suka-jyan it's famous product. Fans of the Dreamcast game ‘’Shenmue’’ will notice a lot of similarities between this place and 1986 Dobuita as depicted in the game. There’s an arcade but no hot dog truck.
- [dead link] Tsukayama Park (塚山公園, tsukayama-kōen ; Anjinzuka Park) (1 mile from Anjinzuka Station or Hemi Station on the Keikyu Line.). The scenic hilltop park where William Adams (called in Japanese Miura anjin and the inspiration for the Richard Chamberlain character in Shogun) and wife Oyuki are buried. The park's 10,000 cherry trees make this the best blossom viewing in April in Yokosuka. Locals find it a nice place to walk dogs! Park also has a scenic overlooking north.
- Chōgan-ji temple (長願寺), 237-0072 (3 minutes on foot from Anjinzukastation.). A very historic temple. This is not a large temple, but it has a unique atmosphere. This temple holds a variety of events. For example, the festival that enjoys flowering is called Hanamaturi and learning about religion. Everyone can take part in these events, but you need to contact the temple beforehand.
- Nagaura elementary school (長浦小学校) 238–0048. This school is small building, but very clean. Moreover, there are many natural. Building color is almost white because it image of sky and cloud. It painted whale. It's called Kujiragumo. It's very cute symbol of this school. Everyday many students from house commute to there. This school hold sports game at April.
Do
- Earthquake Awareness and Preparation Center (near Yokosuka city hall). Visitors must sit through a Japanese language video presentation, but then can experience a strong earthquake in controlled surroundings, learn how to avoid injury, put out fires, and escape a smoky building. Visitors receive an English-language mock newspaper page outlining how their quick actions saved lives.
- 1 Attend a baseball game (10 minute walk from Oppama Station on the Keikyu line). in the summer or fall. The Yokosuka Stadium stadium is the home field of the minor league team of the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. ¥1000 the ticket.
- Tanoura Pool (田の浦公園水泳プール). A small place. Some children swimming in the summer. Charge is very reasonable. It's recommend place when hot summer.
- Autonomy active center. It is many use place. For example, election, ping-pong and Kendo, also there is ground. Many children plays base ball or soccer and a few playground equipment.
- 2 Yokosuka Museum of Art, ☏ +81 46 845 1211. 10:00-18:00. Glass-clad museum with views over Tokyo Bay, housing modern & contemporary paintings & sculpture. ¥380.
Buy
- Saikaya Department Store - Traditional department store spanning two blocks, between Yokosuka-Chuo station and the Navy base.
- Daiei Shopper's Plaza - On the waterfront, between the Navy base and the Yokosuka JR station; 5 floors, including a cinema, supermarket, food court and restaurants.
- Mikasa Mall - An open-air mall on "Blue Street" between the Navy base and Yokosuka-Chuo station.
- Avenue 580 - On "Blue Street" between the Navy base and Yokosuka-Chuo station.
- More's City - Immediately adjacent to Yokosuka-Chuo station. Two floors of restaurants with a great view of the harbor. The basement floor has a food hall and small supermarket. There are many clothing stores and small shops. There is also an amusement arcade.
- Super Grate has many foods and daily necessaries. Saturday and Sunday are crowded, because there are sales. For example, eggs, vegetables and fish or meat.
Eat
Yokosuka claims to be the place of origin of the quintessentially Japanese dish curry rice, and it seems everywhere you turn there's a sign for "Navy curry" (海軍カレー kaigun karee). It's not idle boasting though as the dish is believed to have been introduced in the late 19th century by British sailors who regularly ate the easily preserved meal.
Many restaurants feature the "Yokosuka burger", based on an American Navy recipe.
Food "halls" (similar to a grocery store) are under the Saikaya department store, the More's City shopping plaza, and the Avenue 580 shopping arcade. Saikaya and More also feature floors of restaurants, as does the Daiei Shopper's Plaza on the waterfront near Shiori Station.
- Tomato & Garlic, ☏ +81 46-822-8558. More's 9F, Italian restaurant. Serves pizza, salads and dessert. Also a great restaurant if reserving for a party.
Drink
Yokosuka's best-known bar district is known as The Honch, a half-block from the CFAY Naval Base Main Gate and a popular haunt of American sailors. The Honch encompasses parts of Honcho 1-chome, 2-chome and 3-chome and runs parallel to Route 16 from Chūō-o-dori ("Blue Street" in sailor slang, due to the blue composition asphalt) and all the way to Shiori-eki; basically covering the entire commercial district between Yokosuka Chūō and Shioiri stations.
The Honch is home to dozens of different bars, eateries and nightclubs. These establishments range from traditional Japanese-style bars to American-oriented hang-outs that cater primarily to American sailors. Additionally, there are several "buy-me-a-drink" bars located in the area, typically staffed by Filipina women. There are also a number of "Japanese only" bars in the area.
- Rising Sun Bar Across the street from New Yokosuka Hotel. Several beers on tap, including Guinness, large selection of alcohol and many choices for Bourbon drinkers. 2 floors, very reasonably priced Karaoke Shot bar. Always lots of pretty ladies in here. Seems to be the place to be, and the local women hang out here. The second floor of the bar is VFW post 1054's Outpost. Cheap drinks and American bartenders for a more English-friendly feel.
- Budweiser Karaoke Pub & Restaurant . A much-frequented kareoke bar for sailors and civilians. The bar is known by music lovers to have the most English songs available.- They have videos, darts, slot-machines, and Western, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Philippine food and a large variety of salads. The bar is half a block from the New Yokosuka Hotel. Formerly a USS Vandegrift (FFG-48) hangout until it left Yokosuka for San Diego.
- The Chu-Hi Stand Past Shiori Station and under the pedestrian railroad tunnel next to the AM/PM convenience store. The Chu-hi stand has no seats and customers must stand up while drinking at homemade wooden tables. The Chu-hi's are made here by mixing off-the shelf canned flavored chu-hi's with Shōchū. Has a very interesting blend of American and Japanese money on the walls with various drawings or sayings
- Club Best Side A two-story club specializing in hip-hop, the club also boasts a pool table and darts. Fans of reggae music should go on Saturdays, when the bar hosts Reggae Night. As an interesting side note, one of the bartenders is a popular local magician; he also performs for customers. Located near Blue Street, near the money exchange, across from 7 Star snack bar.
- Dynamic Karaoke Bar . A new kareoke bar behind Seiyu Department store. The bar also books private parties. They have Latin nights and Hip Hop nights. The bar often plays hit music.
- Jammins . Popular rock bar located on the Honch. Bar adheres to a strictly all rock policy. There are frequent live band performances from all over Yokosuka and sailors from the US Naval Base.
- Buranko, ☏ +81 46-823-3700. (ブランコ). A coffee shop near the Anjizuka Station. There was Buranko in the old days, but there is no now. It is small shop. There is good atmosphere.
- Buffalo's Located about halfway down Dobuita Street and well known for it's operating hours, often opening before noon.
- Geodana's A hip-hop club near the end of Dobuita Street. There are also several stores that sell "urban" clothing under the same name
- Pumpkin Live House Easily recognizable by the many band stickers and fliers adorning the bar's outside hall, the Pumpkin is a 'proper' live music venue specializing in punk rock. Contrary to popular belief, the bar welcomes Japanese and foreigners alike, and the staff speaks perfect English. The bar has a schedule for upcoming gigs for the month posted on the outside of the bar. Admission prices vary from gig to gig, but the usual range is from ¥1,000 to 3,500. Of course, when not hosting any events, admission is free. Located directly left of Geodona's.
- George's A country and western bar located on Dobuita Street across from Rock City . George also owns several other bars in the Honch, including Rock City. Has a beer pong table and also a pool table, a lot of "country" or people who grew up in small towns enjoy the atmosphere here
- Station Navy Bar Amazing mix of Philippine and American style pub, great music, great atmosphere, a lot of room and great bartenders who speak flawless English. one of the top new bars in yokosuka honch area.
- Popeye's Located slightly off the beaten path, this is the quintessential dive bar. The bar stools are made of stacked milk crates with a thin cushion stapled to the top, and the margins of the room are littered with old car parts. A staircase in the back enticingly leads upstairs, but it is piled high with clutter and unusable. The pool table gets a lot of use, despite its tattered appearance. The bar is notorious for its extremely strong drinks, which are nonetheless priced similarly to other bars in The Honch. Order a Long Island Iced Tea, and watch Popeye (the bartender) fill it up to see for your own eyes.
Sleep
- The Central (also known as Centrazzo), ☏ +81 46-827-1111. Older business hotel behind Keikyu Yokosuka Chuo station. Known for its small rooms.
- Hotel Goddess (near the CFAY Yokosuka Naval Base from main gate). Although this is probably not the kind of place you'll want to be at in case you want to stay for awhile, it still is worth mentioning. A 'love hotel' (ahem) used frequently by sailors and their companions for the evening. Despite the somewhat morally ambiguous nature of the place, the facility itself is pretty nice, actually. Easily spotted by the large replica of the Statue of Liberty on its roof, and the Irish bar "The Morrigans" on the ground floor.
- The Harbour Inn (Near Keikyu Shiori station), ☏ +81 46-822-0001. Pleasant older rooms, good rates.
- Mercure Hotel Yokosuka. The nicest hotel in this part of Yokosuka. Formerly part of the Prince and Trinity chains. This hotel is directly across from the Daiei mall. The staff is exceptionally courteous and speak English. Rooms are larger here than most other hotels in the area. ☏ +81 46-821-1111.
- Hotel New Yokosuka. A large, newer hotel a couple blocks from the CFAY Yokosuka Naval Base main gate. Caters to foreigners (and sometimes referred to as "Little America"). All front desk staff speak English. Handsome bar and lobby. Tel ☏ +81 46-820-1111
- The Palace Hotel, on Wakamachicho Street, a few blocks from Yokosuka Chuo station.
- Hotel Rich, ☏ +81 46-525-1111. Owned & operated by the Yokosuka Hotel across the street, this is formerly a "love hotel" so each room is different; one room has kareoke machine.
- Sagami Inn (A mile from Yokosuka Chuo station), ☏ +81 46-825-1222. Older, small hotel. Manager speaks English.
- Hotel Yokosuka, end of Yonegahama Street, ☏ +81 46-525-1111. An older, but well-kept hotel.
Go next
- Nokogiriyama — Famous cliffs with a large, outdoor stone Buddha; take the Tokyo Bay Ferry from Kurihama across to Chiba
- The beach towns of Zushi and Hayama are nearby.
- Kamakura is only 20 minutes, ¥210, from Yokosuka Station (JR line).
- Miura
- Fujisawa
- Chigasaki
- Yokohama
- Kawasaki
- Machida
| Routes through Yokosuka |
| END ← | S  N |
→ Zushi → Kamakura |
| Misakiguchi ← Uraga ← | S  N |
→ Yokohama → Kawasaki → Shinagawa |
| END ← | S  N |
→ Zushi → Yokohama |
| END ← | S  N |
→ Yokohama → Sagamihara → Hachioji |
| Ōiso ← Kamakura ← Zushi ← | W  S |
→ Miura |