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.


 * Kurihama Area tourist association has a separate Japanese-only guide site.

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).

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.



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.



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.


 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.

Go next

 * Nokogiriyama &mdash; 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