Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise

Yokosuka, a port on the west coast of Tokyo Bay, has thrived as a military port since the landing of the US Navy's Perry Fleet 160 years ago. Home to US naval facilities and the Maritime Self-Defense Force headquarters, it is the most renowned Japanese naval base besides Kure. From the Combined Fleet to the later Maritime Self-Defense Force's 66th and 88th Fleets, Yokosuka has always been the most important home port for Japanese naval vessels.

We've already visited Yokosuka, Kure, Maizuru, Sasebo, and Ōminato, with the exception of Ōminato in the northeast. However, Yokosuka and Kure offer the best value for viewing naval vessels, thanks to their large number of vessels.

Any visit to Yokosuka is a must-see, taking the YOKOSUKA Naval Port Tour, a sightseeing boat operated by Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture. This cruise allows visitors to visit active Maritime Self-Defense Force and US naval bases from the sea, admiring various US and Japanese naval vessels.

Also located on the harborfront is COASKA Bayside Stores, a massive shopping mall highly recommended for shopping and window shopping. It also boasts numerous restaurants where you can enjoy a hearty meal. I chose Sariya. Although I'd been to the naval port for Navy curry, the breakfast buffet at the hotel already had curry, which was a bit greasy. Sariya also boasts stunning ocean views, allowing you to watch ships entering and leaving the harbor. It's highly recommended for a Chinese meal.

If I had to choose the most regrettable aspect of my trip to Yokosuka, it would have been that the US aircraft carriers weren't in port. Otherwise, I'd have loved seeing one in person.

Another ten-minute walk, past US military facilities, takes you to the other side of the harbor. The battleship Mikasa, preserved in Mikasa Park, is a symbol of the city. This battleship once bore the fate of Japan, engaging in fierce naval battles. It's the oldest surviving steel battleship in the world, and its historical significance is undeniable today.

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Post by 梁子謙 | Aug 29, 2025