Yokosuka
Discover 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. 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.
What to Experience in Yokosuka
Taste of Yokosuka...
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. The tradition of serving curry was also adopted by the Imperial Japanese Navy, who served it to their sailors every Friday. This tradition continues in the modern Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces today. 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. 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.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsFrom 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)....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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.
Money & Budget
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. The tradition of serving curry was also adopted by the Imperial Japanese Navy, who served it to their sailors every Friday. This tradition continues in the modern Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces today. 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.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Yokosuka
black street lamp near body of water during daytime
Taken in Yokohama, Japan (2016)
man in gray polo shirt sitting beside woman in gray and white floral dress holding black
a rocky beach with a body of water in the background
a large body of water surrounded by trees
a bench sitting on top of a lush green hillside
a body of water with a bunch of boats in it
a white light house sitting on top of a lush green hillside
a body of water surrounded by trees and buildings
a man standing on top of a rocky cliff next to the ocean
black street lamp near body of water during daytime
Taken in Yokohama, Japan (2016)
man in gray polo shirt sitting beside woman in gray and white floral dress holding black