Yokosuka
From World travel guide
Yokosuka (横須賀) is a major city in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan.
Contents |
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.
Get in
The fastest way to reach Yokosuka is to take the Keikyu Line train into Yokosuka-Chuo (横須賀中央) station.
By air
If traveling directly to Yokosuka from Narita Airport, you can take the Narita Express to Yokohama and switch to the Keikyu Line (2 hours; ¥3930 [¥3310 JR fare + ¥620 Keikyu fare]). With the Japan Rail Pass it costs only ¥620 for the Keikyu line.
From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu line and change trains at Keikyu-Kamata station (50 minutes; ¥790).
By train
The fastest Keikyu trains make the run to Yokosuka-Chuo in 43 minutes from Shinagawa station (¥620). Many trains from the Toei Asakusa subway line continue on to the Keikyu Line. The ride takes about one hour from Nihombashi (日本橋) station (¥900).
You can also take the slower JR Yokosuka Line on the lower level of Tokyo Station. Take any train bound for Yokosuka or Kurihama (75 minutes; ¥1050; no charge with Japan Rail Pass).
Get around
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.
- 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 Russian forces.
- The Perry Landing Park (ペリー上陸記念公園) marks the place where the infamous "black ships" landed, forcing the Tokugawa Shogunate to accede to the opening up of Japan to international trade. The park is located in Kurihama (久里浜), a few stops away on the Keikyu Line.
- Yokosuka Research Park, 3-4 Hikari-no-Oka (shuttle bus from Keikyu's YRP Nobi station), [1]. 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.
Do
Buy
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). 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.
Drink
Sleep
The Hotel New Yokosuka offers the best accommocations in the city of Yokosuka. It has easy access (and free transportation) to the Naval Base and their friendly staff will ensure your stay is memorable.
Get out
- From Kurihama, you can catch the Tokyo Bay Ferry to the cliffs of Nokogiriyama in Chiba.
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