At the foot of a pretty peninsula and bordering the mouth of Tokyo Bay lies Yokosuka, a picturesque port city with historically strong ties to the navy. Located 41.7 miles (67.2 kilometers) south of Tokyo, Yokosuka offers an exciting maritime feel in a beautiful setting. Its strategic importance is vital: it houses a naval base that’s utilized by Japanese and American forces. A large array of attractions reflect this town’s nautical past such as immense historical battleships and numerous monuments to memorable naval events. There’s also a great selection of waterfront parks and eateries to add to the enchantment. Apart from hotels to stay, there are also other accommodations such as Airbnb vacation rentals available in the city. If you want to experience this seaside community firsthand then you must read on to discover the top things to do in Yokosuka, Japan.
1. Nagai Uminote Park Soleil Hill
Posted by on Sunday, March 5, 2023
Nagai Uminote Park Soleil Hill is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike. The park offers stunning views of the Yokosuka Bay, with a beautiful walking trail that winds its way along the shoreline. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride while taking in the picturesque scenery. The park is especially worth visiting during spring when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The park also features a children’s playground, making it a great place for families to spend an afternoon.
Additionally, there are several food vendors in the park offering snacks and refreshments to visitors.
Nagai Uminote Park Soleil Hill
Address: 4 Chome Nagai, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0316, Japan
Website: Nagai Uminote Park Soleil Hill
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 9am - 6pm; Fri: 10am - 6pm
2. Kinugasa Yama Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Kinugasa Yama Park is a small but lovely park that offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. The park is known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring, creating a stunning pink canopy over the park. The park also has a playground for children and a small shrine dedicated to the god of fire.
Additionally, there are several walking trails that lead to the top of the hill, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Kinugasa Yama Park
Address: 4 Chome-922 Koyabe, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0026, Japan
Website: Kinugasa Yama Park
3. Revisit Japanese naval history at Mikasa Park
There are two enticing reasons to visit Mikasa Park: to marvel at the mammoth 19th-century battleship Mikasa - one of the grandest historical ships on the globe - and to enjoy the dazzling water fountain show. During the day at this harborfront attraction, visitors can explore the magnificent ship and other interesting monuments. There’s even a fun play area for the young ones. As night falls the fantastic water fountain show begins. This display is a genuine treat: offering aquatic movements paired with synchronized symphonic music and vibrant lights that create mesmerizing patterns against the dark sky.
Mikasa Park
Address: 82 Inaokacho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0003, Japan
Website: Mikasa Park
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 5.68 USD
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4. Stroll amongst lush blooms at Verny Park
Immerse yourself in a bit of France’s vibrant atmosphere in Yokosuka at Verny Park. Situated along the water, this lovely park showcases a divine French-garden design that features an impeccably manicured lawn, a collection of gorgeous flower beds, a tranquil fountain, and a Western-style cottage that’s truly appealing to the eyes. Verny Park offers at least 130 species of beautiful blooms so, needless to say, it’s the place to spend a blissful spring afternoon.
Verny Park
Address: 1 Chome-1 Shioiricho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0042, Japan
Website: Verny Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 3.85 USD (parking)
5. Find great souvenirs at Dobuita Shopping Street
If shopping’s on your agenda then the only direction is to Dobuita Shopping Street. Find every kind of delightful souvenir from delicately crafted jewelry to eye-catching bomber jackets reflective of Yokosuka’s naval history. Besides enticing merchandise, this popular stretch of real estate is also packed with fun arcades, tasty eateries, and lively bars where you can drop in for a cold pint and a game of darts. Its close proximity to a United States military base means Dobuita Shopping Street offers a robust blend of not just Japanese but American influence as well.
Dobuita Shopping Street
Address: 2 Chome Honcho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0041, Japan
Website: Dobuita Shopping Street
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Climb up the historic Kannonzaki Lighthouse
Located on the pleasant Miura Peninsula is the Kannonzaki Lighthouse. It boasts some of the best beaches in Yokosuka as well as a dramatic rugged coastline, Considered the first Western-style lighthouse to be erected on Japanese soil, Kannonzaki Lighthouse is a towering concrete eight-sided white structure that’s prominently displayed on the cliffs at the entrance of Tokyo Bay. Tackle the climb up the winding spiral staircase that leads to the observation tower and you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the bay, You can also watch a platoon of ships entering and exiting the area.
Kannonzaki Lighthouse
Address: 4 Chome-1187 Kamoi, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-0813, Japan
Website: Kannonzaki Lighthouse
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 1.90 USD
7. View contemporary Japanese artwork at Yokosuka Museum of Art
Residing off the coast of Tokyo Bay, Yokosuka Museum of Art offers an ideal locale for those looking for fun things to do in Yokosuka. This museum doesn’t just offer beautiful artwork but also showcases a fabulous example of neo-futuristic architecture. Boasting a brilliant steel-framed exterior, a curvy steel-grated rooftop walkway, an observatory with telescopes, and more, visitors can view impressive art in an inspiring atmosphere. Even dining is a splendid experience with an Italian restaurant that provides views of the ocean. Guests can watch sailboats glide by while savoring their favorite pasta dish.
Yokosuka Museum of Art
Address: 4 Chome-1 Kamoi, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-0813, Japan
Website: Yokosuka Museum of Art
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 2.84 USD
8. Stop and smell the flowers at Kurihama Flower Park
For diehard flower fans, a trip to Kurihama Flower Park is an absolute treasure. This opulent attraction in Yokosuka is blanketed with bold-colored poppies in springtime and delicate cosmos in Autumn. This is not to say that during other times of the year, Kurihama Flower Park is bare. Various gardens throughout the park feature a variety of seasonal flowers to keep this vibrant sweet-smelling tourist spot colorful all year round. The grounds are also equipped with a playground, a delicious restaurant, an exciting miniature golf course, and an archery range to keep you entertained.
Kurihama Flower Park
Address: 1 Shinmeicho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-0832, Japan
Website: Kurihama Flower Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Watch the sunset from Mabori Kaigan
Wondering what to do for a grand time in Yokosuka? Grab a bottle of your favorite wine, pack a goodie basket, and head to Mabori Kaigan’s beautiful coast to experience a lovely evening sunset. Watching the sun slowly disappear from the horizon is a wonderful low-key way to complete your busy day. Residing along the inviting coastline of Mabori Kaigan are tall palm trees, a convenient paved walkway, and neatly maintained grounds. Sights of the sunset are enhanced by the expansive ocean views.
Mabori Kaigan
Address: 35.2622° N, 139.7103° E
Website:
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Make a wish at Kano Shrine
Held in high regard as a shrine of utmost power and strength, Kano Shrine is a truly magical place. The setting is outstanding with the East and West Kano Shrines facing each other and the bustling Uraga Port situated between the two structures. Kano Shrine was built with the hope that the Genji clan would be restored and when the opposing Heike clan collapsed, it appeared as if the wish had been fulfilled. As a result, it’s customary for visitors to make a wish at this captivating site. Kano Shrine is accessed via a handy three-minute ferry ride.
Kano Shrine
Address: 1 Chome-1-13 Nishiuraga, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-0824, Japan
Website: Kano Shrine
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
11. Enjoy local craft beers at Yokosuka Beer
Yokosuka Beer is the ideal establishment to end a hectic day of sightseeing. Boasting a wide selection of craft beers from Weizen to pale ales to black IPAs to a distinctively bold beetroot Belgian-style ale, Yokosuka Beer is first-rate for brew fanatics possessing a discriminating taste for suds. The place is energetic with the first floor offering a brewery, a nice standing bar, or a unique camping-themed room to sip your beer of choice. The second floor provides a cheery restaurant with a full-service delectable menu that’s sure to satisfy hungry patrons.
Yokosuka Beer
Address: Japan, 238-0008 Kanagawa, Yokosuka, 1-23 Otakicho
Website: Yokosuka Beer
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 10pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6.40 - 7.53 USD
12. Take a cruise around Yokosuka Naval Port (from USD 88.0)
If you have a desire to view more battleships, then take an amazing cruise throughout the Yokosuka Naval Port that features marvelous Japanese and American warships. The home of the United States Navy Base, visitors to Yokosuka should not miss the opportunity to view these humongous ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers up close. Led by a knowledgable guide, this excursion offers informative material about the port and Japan’s wartime history. Participants of the tour also have the chance to taste local cuisines like navy curry and large American-style hamburgers called navy burgers.
Private Tour - Explore Yokosuka's Navel Port and Battleships
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
An unforgettable experience
At first glance, Yokosuka may seem like an ordinary port city. However, if you take a longer look you discover breezy parks blooming with colorful flowers, charming shops filled with top-notch souvenir items, stellar historic battleships, ancient shrines, and so much more. Choosing Yokosuka as one of your stops on a Japanese adventure can only ensure an unforgettable experience.
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