Yokosuka (横須賀) is a major city inKanagawa 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.
The city's famous foods areKaigun (Navy) curry and a radish calledMiura daikon. Yokosuka is also the home city of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
From Narita Airport, the fastest and most expensive way to reach Yokosuka is to take the Narita Express toShinagawa, 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 theNarita 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.
The limited express Keikyu trains make the run toYokosuka-Chuo (横須賀中央) in 50-60 minutes fromShinagawa 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 ofTokyo Station, takes you toJR 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).
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.
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.
(updated May 2024)
(updated May 2024)Yokosuka claims to be the place of origin of the quintessentially Japanese dishcurry 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 asThe 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.
| 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 |
| Thiscity travel guide toYokosukais ausable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but pleasefeel free to improve itby editing the page. |
