Let’s Stroll Along the Coastline! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Yokosuka

Located in the southeastern part of Kanagawa Prefecture, the Miura Peninsula is largely occupied by Yokosuka City, which is also known for hosting the U.S. Navy. Yokosuka, a "City by the Sea," boasts abundant parks, facilities and events to enjoy American culture, and opportunities to savor fresh seafood at its fishing ports, making it an ideal area for sightseeing. Now, let’s introduce the carefully selected top 10 must-visit spots in Yokosuka.

1. Mikasa Park

Mikasa Park is home to the historic battleship "Mikasa," recognized as one of the world’s top three memorial warships for its courageous service in protecting Japan's independence during the Russo-Japanese War. The park, listed among Japan's "100 Historical Parks," preserves this legendary ship.

Originally, the "Mikasa" was slated to be displayed at Tokyo's Shibaura Port. However, the Great Kanto Earthquake caused damage to the ship’s bottom, and it was ultimately preserved in Yokosuka, where it had docked. Visitors can explore the ship's interior, and on weekends and public holidays, enjoy free guided tours by volunteers.

Although Mikasa Park is a bit of a distance from Yokosuka Station, it is a beloved relaxation spot for locals, featuring a fountain show synchronized to music and stunning evening illuminations. Families with children will also appreciate the playground and water play area, making it an ideal weekend destination.

2. Sarushima (Monkey Island)

Sarushima, an uninhabited island floating in Tokyo Bay, is surprisingly close—just about 30 minutes from Keikyu Yokosuka-Chuo Station. This natural paradise offers plenty of activities, including swimming, barbecue, fishing, and adventurous explorations.

Once a fortress, Sarushima still houses military relics such as batteries and ammunition depots, preserved in their original state. Visitors can walk through atmospheric pathways with visible bullet marks and explore structures designated as National Historic Sites. Guided tours even allow access to the interiors of ammunition storage and barracks.

Sarushima is also a haven for rare flora and fauna, having been closed to the public for years. A full loop around the island takes just two hours, making it perfect for adventurous exploration. Afterward, enjoy a barbecue for a hearty meal.

Barbecue equipment must be rented as bringing items like fire starters, charcoal, and portable stoves is prohibited. While visitors need to bring their own food, it’s a convenient and enjoyable experience. For those who fish, grilling freshly caught seafood is a treat!

3. Yokosuka Museum of Art

Opened in 2007 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Yokosuka City, the Yokosuka Museum of Art is located in the nature-rich Kannonzaki area. Its beautiful exterior has gained attention from architects and is also known as the "Scenic Museum." Inside, natural light streams in through the circular windows, creating a spacious atmosphere.

The museum holds permanent exhibits, six planned exhibitions annually, and various workshops and events. Some activities are open to children and people with disabilities, so checking the website for available workshops before visiting is recommended.

From the rooftop, Tokyo Bay is visible, and the facility includes an Italian restaurant with ocean-view seating, making it an ideal date spot. Surrounded by forest and sea, the museum is a quintessential Yokosuka tourist attraction.

4. Nagai Seaside Park Soleil Hill

Nagai Seaside Park Soleil Hill is an interactive park where visitors can learn about and experience nature. The vast grounds include rice fields, farms, a petting zoo, large playgrounds, campsites, BBQ areas, a splash pool, restaurants, a mini amusement park, and hot springs, making it a great place for families with children to enjoy a full day.

Recommended activities include harvest experience workshops in greenhouses and farms. For urban children, picking vegetables and fruits is a rare experience. Although canceled during rain, seasonal produce can be harvested year-round, so it’s worth trying.

Other attractions include crafting candles and music boxes and enjoying bread-making experiences. The annual firefly viewing event in June is the park’s most popular event.

5. Verny Park

Transformed into a French-style garden in 2001, Verny Park was once known as “Rinkai Park.” Its current name honors François Léonce Verny, a French engineer who contributed to the construction of the Yokosuka Iron Works located across the bay.

This small yet charming park boasts various attractions, including a café offering panoramic views, the Verny Memorial Hall showcasing Verny’s achievements, and a musical clock tower. The French-style flower beds within the park feature approximately 1,500 rose bushes, making the annual “Rose Festa” in May a major draw for visitors.

You can stroll along the boardwalk by the sea, enjoying the ocean breeze, or admire the naval vessels anchored at Yokosuka Port. With its prime location just a 1-minute walk from Yokosuka Station, Verny Park is an easily accessible destination worth visiting.

6. Dobuita Street Shopping District

Yokosuka is renowned as a place where you can experience authentic American culture without leaving Japan. The Dobuita Street Shopping District, in particular, is a symbolic area of this cultural fusion. Vintage enthusiasts will love browsing shops that offer military gear, souvenir jackets (“sukajan”), American goods, and naval patches.

Here, you can savor Yokosuka specialties like “Navy Curry” and the “Navy Burger.” The district also features bars with an American vibe where you can play pool and enjoy drinks, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a Hollywood movie. With many foreign patrons around, the atmosphere becomes even more immersive.

Dobuita Street also hosts various interactive events, such as bazaars, flea markets, and contests, offering plenty of fun for visitors. It’s like taking a mini trip to America without a passport—how cool is that?

7. Kannonzaki Lighthouse

Known as Japan’s first Western-style lighthouse, the Kannonzaki Lighthouse was built by François Léonce Verny, the French engineer after whom Verny Park is named. The pure white lighthouse, nicknamed the "White Lady," is a beloved symbol of Kannonzaki.

You can admire its beauty from afar, but why not step inside and climb to the top? From the observation deck, you can gaze out over the vast Tokyo Bay and the Chiba Prefecture on the other side. Many visitors are surprised at how close Chiba appears.

Facing west, Kannonzaki Lighthouse is an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset. Watching the sun sink into the horizon is a lovely way to end your sightseeing in Yokosuka.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Yokosuka

Surrounded by sea and forest, Yokosuka boasts numerous natural attractions. At the same time, it has a port town character, with several harbors and the presence of the U.S. Navy giving it a unique "American feel." The “Japan-U.S. Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival,” held every April at the U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base, draws many visitors with its food stalls and events. Why not experience the "America" that can only be found here in Yokosuka?

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Let’s Stroll Along the Coastline! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Yokosuka