Yokosuka Naval Port and Dobuita Street Course

This course explores Yokosuka, a port town where Japanese and American ships line the harbor, by cruise and street walking. It suits anyone who loves history and vehicles, or who wants to wander a slightly unusual port town. You can enjoy a unique atmosphere where American and Japanese cultures blend. Plan about six hours, with plenty of time to play, food included. The spots gather within walking distance, so it is an easy course to cover on foot.

Course Route

10:00 Start at Yokosuka Chuo Station Set off from the Keikyu station toward the harbor. It is about a ten minute walk from the station to the naval port cruise boarding point.

10:20 Board the naval port cruise A popular cruise that lets you see Maritime Self Defense Force and US Navy ships up close. It takes about 45 minutes, with fares of 1,600 yen for adults and 800 yen for elementary pupils (a discounted rate is set on some weekdays). The moored ships change from day to day, and because it is popular, booking in advance is recommended.

11:30 Explore Dobuita Street Walk the shopping street where souvenir jackets and military goods line up and Japanese and American air mingle. It is a few minutes on foot from the boarding point.

12:30 Lunch with the famous navy burger The giant burger holding an open flame grilled patty is a soul food of Yokosuka. Specialty shops dot the area around Dobuita Street. It is very filling, so head there hungry.

14:00 Roses and harbor views at Verny Park In a park where roses of French origin bloom, enjoy the harbor scenery together with the moored ships. It is right beside JR Yokosuka Station and free to stroll.

14:45 Tour the battleship Mikasa at Mikasa Park One of the three great memorial ships of the world. Step onto the deck and touch the naval history of the Meiji era. Admission is 600 yen for adults. With exhibits such as VR and a ship handling simulator, a careful visit takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

16:00 Finish with a harbor view Walk the Umikaze seaside path and close the day in the sea breeze. A waterfront promenade continues from Mikasa Park.

Highlights

• The naval port cruise that lets you see Japanese and American ships up close
• The streetscape of Dobuita Street where the two cultures blend
• The battleship Mikasa, one of the three great memorial ships of the world
• The roses and harbor view of Verny Park

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: The roses of Verny Park peak in spring and autumn. The naval port cruise runs mainly during the day, and on clear days the view from the deck is superb.
• Avoiding crowds: The naval port cruise fills up especially on weekends, so booking ahead is reassuring. The Mikasa is relatively quiet right after opening.
• Time needed: About 45 minutes for the cruise, 60 to 90 minutes for the Mikasa, and about six hours in all including street walking and lunch.
• Budget: The naval port cruise (1,600 yen for adults) plus the Mikasa (600 yen) comes to about 2,200 yen in admission and boarding fees. Including a navy burger lunch, budget about 4,000 to 5,000 yen per person.
• Nearby spots: The Mikasa pier, where boats depart for Sarushima island, is close by, so with time to spare you can explore the uninhabited island. The shopping complexes of the Shioiri area are also within walking distance.

Access and Tips

• Keikyu Yokosuka Chuo Station and JR Yokosuka Station are your bases, and the spots are walkable
• The naval port cruise is popular, so booking in advance is reassuring
• The navy burger is very filling, so it helps to arrive hungry
• The harbor side can be windy, so a light jacket keeps you comfortable

A Quick Tip

Yokosuka offers a different flavor from other tourist spots, with naval history and an exotic mood as its charms. Brushing up a little on the names and history of the ships beforehand makes the port cruise and the Mikasa tour far more interesting. The cruise can be suspended in bad weather, so checking the day operating status before you go is reassuring.