The Japan US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2024 is a rare opportunity to step inside the normally restricted U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base, offering an unforgettable cultural experience with American food stalls and more. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into essential details, guidelines, and tips to ensure you make the most of this exclusive event.

Event Basic Information: Japan US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2024

Parts of the Yokosuka Naval Base will be opened to the public, where you can enjoy American food stalls and stage shows!

1. Participation in this event requires prior online registration. Please note that you cannot participate without registration.
2. Registration will be open from February 21st (Wednesday) 12:00 PM to March 4th (Monday) 11:59 PM. You can register from the bottom of the Official Page.
3. When registering, please make sure to read all the precautions and terms related to event participation.
4. Admission requires presentation of identification specified by the Yokosuka Naval Base. Entrance is not permitted with only a driver’s license; please check the required identification documents on this page.

Date

March 23, 2024 (Saturday) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Cancelled in case of inclement weather) ※Last entry is at 3:30 PM

Entry Requirements

To enter, prior registration and an identification document specified by the Yokosuka Naval Base are required. Please check this page for detailed information on pre-registration and identification documents. You can access the pre-registration page from the bottom of the Official Page.

Venue

Yokosuka Naval Base (Partially open)

※Entry and exit to Yokosuka Naval Base are through the “Mikasa Park Gate” (refer to the map)

Access

Keikyu Shioiri Station and Yokosuka Chuo Station are 15 minute walk away from Mikasa Park, while JR Yokosuka Station is 25 minute walk away.

For convenient transportation to Mikasa Park, we recommend the Mikasa Circulation Bus.

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Contact Information

For inquiries about the pre-registration system: Japan-U.S. Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2024 Pre-registration Office
※Contact information will be provided after the start of registration (from 2/21).

For general inquiries about the event

Yokosuka City, Cultural, Sports, and Tourism Department, Tourism Section Phone: 046-822-8294 (Weekdays 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM)

For information on the event’s status on the day

Yokosuka City Call Center Phone: 046-822-4000 (After 7:00 AM on the event day)
※Updates will be posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Important Notes for Event Participation

To all participants attending the event, we kindly request your attention to the following points:

Online Registration Requirement

To attend the event, online registration is mandatory. Without prior registration, participation will not be permitted.

Identification Requirement

Entry to the event requires presenting identification as specified by the Yokosuka Naval Base. Lack of the required identification will result in denied entry. Ensure that all individuals in your party have the necessary identification; note that a driver’s license alone is not sufficient for entry.

Nationality Restrictions

Individuals of nationalities other than Japanese or American may face entry restrictions based on the results of Yokosuka Naval Base’s nationality verification. Be aware of this possibility.

Prohibited Entry Items

Entry with skateboards, bicycles, and similar means of transportation is prohibited. Drones within the venue or in the vicinity are strictly forbidden. Pets, such as dogs, are not allowed on the base. The bringing of fireworks, explosives, dangerous substances, alcohol, bottles, etc., is not permitted.

Security Checks

Upon entry, identity verification and baggage inspection will be conducted, and significant congestion is anticipated. Be aware that entry may take some time.

No Parking Available

There is no parking available at the venue. We suggest using public transportation.

Belongings and Storage

The event venue does not provide storage for belongings, including items prohibited for entry.

Prohibited Items for Entry

The following items are prohibited for entry.

× Prohibited Items

• Suitcases (including carry-on cases)
• Tents
• Telescopes
• Folding tables
• Large cameras or video cameras

△ Conditionally Allowed Items

• Cool boxes (size should be portable by one hand and without wheels)
• Cameras, video cameras (size should be portable by one hand)
• Silver carts (allowed only if necessary for physical reasons)

〇 Permitted Items

• Baby strollers, buggies (outdoor carts and camping carts are prohibited)
• Water bottles (allowed only if the content is not alcohol)
• Folding chairs
• Camera tripods
• Tobacco, electric cigarettes, lighters

Ship Viewing (Scheduled)

• Prior to boarding for ship viewing, identification verification is required.
• Please bring a valid form of identification for ship viewing.
• A queue for ship viewing usually forms, and it may take time to board.
• Registration for ship viewing tends to close around 1:00 PM due to congestion.
• Consider this information as a reference for planning your visit during the designated registration periods.

▼Important Points Regarding Identification Documents

When entering the Yokosuka Naval Base for events or activities held at the venue, identity verification and baggage inspection using metal detectors may be conducted. This is done to ensure the safety of the base, confirming the identity of visitors and checking for prohibited items, such as dangerous substances or alcohol, brought onto the base.

For identity verification, especially, presenting an official document designated by the U.S. military base that confirms identity, including nationality, such as a passport, is required. If identity (individual or nationality) cannot be confirmed with the provided identification, entry to the base is not allowed. When attending this event, please ensure you have one of the following identification documents:

• Passport or other officially designated public document by the U.S. military base for identity verification.
• Entrance is not permitted with a driver’s license alone.
• Health insurance cards cannot be used as identification.
• Only the listed identification documents are accepted.
• Validity is required, and only documents within their expiration date are accepted.
• Original documents only; copies are not accepted.
• Children under 12 (regardless of nationality) are exempt from presenting identification.
• The listed ages are based on the full age at the time of the event.

Please bring one of the following required forms of identification (A to D)

A. Any one of the following for confirmation:

• My Number Card (Limited to Japanese nationals / Notification cards not accepted)
• Resident Basic Registry Card (Limited to Japanese nationals / New issuance terminated)
• Passport (For foreign nationals, must have a residence permit stamp. Entry may be refused based on base regulations after identity verification.)
• Residence Card (Special Permanent Resident Certificate also accepted / Entry may be refused based on base regulations after identity verification.)

B. Driver’s License + One of the following (a–d) for confirmation (Total of 2 documents)

Driver’s License (Limited to Japanese nationals / Must be issued in Japan / Must be within the expiration date) + One of the following (a–d):

a. Residential certificate with registered domicile
b. Family register individual certificate
c. Family register full certificate
d. Written proof or registered domicile confirmation paper issued by the police (Issued by the police; names may vary by police station)

C. Disability Certificate + One of the following (a–c) for confirmation (Total of 2 documents)

Disability certificate (Must be within the expiration date) + One of the following (a–c):

a. Residential certificate with registered domicile
b. Family register individual certificate
c. Family register full certificate

D. Student ID or School Record Book + One of the following (a–d) for confirmation (Total of 2 documents)

Student ID or School Record Book (Limited to Japanese nationals aged 13–18 / Must be issued by a Japanese junior high school or high school) + One of the following (a–d):

a. Residential certificate with registered domicile
b. Family register individual certificate
c. Family register full certificate

E. Children Under 12

Children under 12 are not required to present identification.

Frequently Asked Questions about Identification

Q: When entering with family, is it acceptable to obtain one family register with the registered domicile for everyone, or is it necessary for each individual to obtain one?

A: If the entire family enters together, it is acceptable to obtain one family register with the registered domicile. However, please note that when participating in ship viewing, identification needs to be presented again. If family members will be separate inside the base, the family register with the registered domicile should be carried by the person participating in ship viewing.

Q: Is it acceptable for the family register to list only the prefecture of the registered domicile?

A: Yes, it is acceptable. The format of recording the registered domicile may vary depending on the issuing municipality. As long as a part of your Japanese address is listed in the registered domicile section, it is acceptable.

Q: What kind of ID should guests with non-Japanese nationality bring?

A: For guests with non-Japanese nationality, please bring your passport (with valid residential status) or residence card (or Special Permanent Residence Certificate). Please note that after confirming your ID, you may not be allowed to enter the U.S. Navy base due to regulations set forth by the U.S. Forces.

Q: I am between 13 and 18 years old and do not have a student ID. / I only have a digital student ID. What should I do?

A: Please prepare identification as listed in A or C.

Q: Regarding the congestion at Yakushoyachuo store (For Yokosuka residents)

A: On the day of the event, it may take 1-2 hours to obtain a family register with the registered domicile at the Yakushoyachuo store, so please be aware of this.

▼Important Notes Regarding Pre-registration

• Pre-registration Period: February 21 (Wednesday) 12:00 PM to March 4 (Monday) 11:59 PM
• Lottery Results Notification: March 8 (Friday)
• Notifications will be sent to the email addresses provided during the pre-registration period on March 8 (Friday).

Important Information

1. Entry is allowed only through pre-registration. Please apply through this page within the specified period. In case of a large number of applications, a lottery will be conducted (there is a high chance of lottery during the morning hours).
2. For registration, you need information about the representative (applicant) and, if applicable, the names, nationalities, and ages of accompanying individuals. (No registration is required for those under 6 years old as of the event day).
3. In one registration, you can choose entry time slots for up to your 3rd preference. (After entry, you can stay inside the venue until the end of the event. *Re-entry is not allowed after exit.)
4. Each person is allowed only one registration. If duplicate registrations are found, they will be considered unsuccessful. (Switching the representative and accompanying person in the application is also considered duplication.)
5. Up to 6 individuals (1 representative and 5 accompanying individuals) can be entered in one application. For groups of 7 or more, please apply separately. You cannot use the same email address for registration twice. If you are applying as a group, please use different email addresses.
6. Before applying, ensure that you can receive emails from the domain “@eventcom.jp.” Please check your email settings accordingly.
7. A “Registration Completion Email” will be sent upon successful registration. If you do not receive this email, further notifications, including lottery results, cannot be sent. Please follow the instructions below if the email is not received.

If you do not receive the Registration Completion Email

• Check other email folders such as the spam/junk folder, as it might be directed there.
• If you have email filters that restrict receiving emails, please review your settings, allowing reception from “@eventcom.jp.” If issues persist, contact the provided inquiry contact below.
• Depending on network conditions, email delivery may be delayed. Wait for some time and re-check your email folders.
• If the issue persists, contact the Japan-U.S. Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2024 Pre-registration Office.

On-site Entry Information

• Please come to the venue after the specified time in the winning notification email.
• If you have accompanying individuals, please enter together. Individual entry is not allowed.
• The entry process involves checking the entry QR code, verifying identification, and passing through metal detectors and bag inspections. This process takes time, so please be prepared in advance.
• After entry, you can stay inside the venue until the end of the event (17:00). However, note that re-entry is not allowed after exiting.

Cancellation Information

• If you are unable to attend on the day after winning, there is no need to provide cancellation notice.
• Changes to accompanying individuals are allowed within the number of winners. However, the conditions for entry remain the same. Please reconfirm the necessary identification and precautions for the actual attendees.
• For inquiries regarding the pre-registration system, contact <Japan-U.S. Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2024 Pre-registration Office>. Contact information will be made public after the start of registration (from 2/21).

Afternote

Embark on a unique cultural journey at the Japan-U.S. Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2024 by following this detailed guide. From pre-registration to event day logistics, ensure a seamless and memorable experience at this exclusive event. Don’t miss the chance to explore the U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base and enjoy a taste of American culture in Yokosuka!

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