Yokosuka: Gardens, Harbor Views and Island History

Yokosuka reveals different sides of its history: French-designed parkland, views of the main harbor and traces of fortifications on Sarushima. There are also maritime experiences, gardens and places that offer a view of the city as a whole. If you are planning a trip, you can use these different highlights as a guide and consider which themes you would like to shape your days.

Garden Design and Harbor Views at Verny Park

Verny Park was designed in the French garden style and completed at the end of Japanese fiscal year 2001. French flower beds, fountains and Western-style pavilions define the grounds. The park is also home to around 1,300 roses from about 130 varieties, mostly French varieties. Plantings may change with the seasons.

The waterfront promenade offers views of Yokosuka Main Port and is ideal for a stroll. The park also features busts of the engineer Verny and the finance magistrate of the time, Oguri Kozukenosuke Tadamasa. Here, garden design, harbor views and the memory of two historical figures come together in one park.

Maritime History and Traces of Fortifications

At Mikasa Park, water, light and sound take center stage: fountains move to music, and the many monuments include one that stands 18 meters tall. From the park, ships in Tokyo Bay and Sarushima can be seen behind the museum ship Mikasa. As the park is undergoing redevelopment, construction work may affect some features.

The museum ship Mikasa is preserved at Mikasa Park. It served in the Russo-Japanese War and is considered one of the world's three great historic memorial ships. Sarushima offers a different historical perspective: the island is designated a National Historic Site and is included in Japan's Japan Heritage program. Former military facilities remain among the dense greenery, including brick tunnels and gun emplacements. Structures from the fortification era are also part of this valuable historical heritage.

Citywide Orientation and Experiences

The Yokosuka Route Museum treats the entire city as a “museum” of interconnected attractions and experiences. It presents more than 60 places across a range of categories: architecture, historic monuments, industrial landmarks, naval history, parks and gardens. This gives travelers a thematic overview without limiting the city to a single focus.

The Yokosuka Museum of Art is also part of the citywide offering. It sits directly on Tokyo Bay and is surrounded on three sides by the lush natural landscape of Kannonzaki Prefectural Park. From Yokosuka Station or Maborikaigan Station, take a Keikyu bus bound for Kannonzaki to the “La Vista Yokosuka Kannonzaki Terrace and Yokosuka Museum of Art” stop; from there, it is a two-minute walk. Bus services may change, so check the timetable before traveling.

The Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise lasts 45 minutes and travels through the calm waters of the Japanese and American naval bases. Along the way, you can see ships up close, including submarines and supply ships. Aircraft carriers can be seen if they are in port; cruise operations and sightings may vary. Check current cruise availability in advance.

Green Spaces and Local Highlights

Kurihama Flower Park makes use of the natural terrain. Its featured areas include Adventure Land, with a Godzilla slide, and a herb garden with the Yuttari footbath. If you plan to visit these facilities, check their availability before your trip.

In the wider Yokosuka area, Dobuita Street is known for its eye-catching Sukajan jackets with elaborate embroidery, including both vintage styles and new jackets, as well as several pubs and restaurants. Individual businesses may change. One local food specialty is the Yokosuka Navy Burger: the brand is based on a recipe prepared in the style of the Japanese Navy. Businesses around the naval base sell it to visitors.

Choose a Vacation Rental That Fits Your Plans

When looking for a vacation rental in Yokosuka, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: park walks and harbor views, naval and island history, or exploring the city as a whole? This lets you tailor your choices to your preferred itinerary without committing to just one theme.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Iwa, Naka District, Hadano, Manazuru, Yugawara, Hiratsuka, Hakone, Isehara.

Return to the main travel overview: Kanagawa Prefecture.