Experience the culture and history of Yokosuka, where you can enjoy art and local cuisine while cycling around Tokyo Bay. Popular among tourists, the tour includes notable attractions such as Yokosuka Museum of Art and Rausu Shrine, as well as a wide range of charming spots, including sushi restaurants that pride themselves on using fresh ingredients from local markets, long-established barbecue restaurants, parks with French garden styles, and shopping districts that blend American and Japanese cultures. Let us introduce you to a delightful trip in Yokosuka.

Why not immerse yourself in Yokosuka with your five senses? Visit the Yokosuka Museum of Art and venture out to tourist spots full of history and a unique atmosphere.

Explore Tokyo Bay by Bicycle and Indulge in Local Yokosuka Delicacies, from Yokosuka Museum of Art to Traditional Sushi and Yakiniku

Begin your journey from Yokosuka-Chuo station and rent a bicycle to head towards Yokosuka Museum of Art. Cycling through Yokosuka is a great way to explore and discover new sights. First, visit Yokosuka Museum of Art and immerse yourself in a world of art and history. Then, head to local sushi restaurants and traditional yakiniku (grilled meat) shops that pride themselves on serving fresh ingredients purchased from the nearby market. Cycling around also allows you to fully appreciate the scenic views and atmosphere of Yokosuka.

Enjoy Art with the Sea Breeze at Yokosuka Museum of Art

Yokosuka Museum of Art is a versatile museum located in the heart of Yokosuka city, showcasing a diverse range of artworks. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum regularly holds special exhibitions, offering a wide variety of collections to appreciate from contemporary art to western and Japanese paintings. The museum also boasts an open, naturally-lit interior, a rooftop plaza overlooking Tokyo Bay, and a forested mountain square to enjoy.

The museum primarily collects works from local artists, and as such, numerous pieces from artists with ties to Yokosuka and its surrounding areas are on display. With its stunning architecture, the museum is also recommended for architecture enthusiasts. Furthermore, located in the scenic Kannonzaki area, the museum provides breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay from its outdoor spaces, making it one of Japan’s most picturesque art museums.

Visitors can also enjoy various facilities, including the Italian restaurant “Aquamarine” helmed by a renowned chef and a chic museum shop with a wide selection of items. As such, it is not only an ideal spot for art enthusiasts but also for tourists who wish to indulge in gourmet dining and shopping.

A Wide Range of Genres to Enjoy, from Western and Japanese Paintings to Contemporary Art

Yokosuka Museum of Art features a wide range of genres including Western and Japanese paintings, as well as contemporary art. The museum showcases numerous artworks by locally significant artists, offering a fascinating insight into the area’s culture and history, making it well worth a visit.

Yokosuka Museum of Art: Introduction to Exhibits

Kan-uemon Asai Memorial Room

The Yokosuka Museum of Art features the Kan-uemon Asai Memorial Room, which displays his artwork in themed exhibitions that change four times a year. Additionally, outdoor sculptures are located in front of the museum.

Kan-uemon Asai was a Western-style painter, and in 1996, approximately 300 oil paintings, 280 ink paintings, sketches, and other materials were donated to Yokosuka City by his family. The Kan-uemon Asai Memorial Room showcases his works in themed exhibitions that change four times a year.

Outdoor Sculpture “Valleys (2nd Stage)” by Isao Wakabayashi

In front of the museum is an outdoor sculpture titled “Valleys (2nd Stage)” by Isao Wakabayashi, depicting a row of valleys made of iron, which was created in 1989 and originally installed outdoors. The sculpture is now installed outdoors at the Yokosuka Museum of Art, featuring a straight line of valleys with a zinc-plated finish. The artist, Isao Wakabayashi, coined the concept of the “vibration ruler” to grasp the space between himself and the subject. In this work, he attempted to create a “vibration ruler” as a material illusion in a narrow space surrounded by an iron surface.

Outdoor Sculpture “Point Sound” by Akio Suzuki

The “Point Sound” sound installation in front of the museum is a work by Akio Suzuki. By using plates marked with the shape of an ear and a footstep, the sound of the surrounding environment unique to the location can be heard. Different sounds are played depending on the season, time of day, weather, and collected sounds from the surrounding area, including natural sounds, sounds from the city, and sounds emitted by the museum building itself. This artwork allows viewers to feel the connection between the museum and its surroundings, making it a true work of art.

Outdoor Sculptures “Restoration (Courtyard)” and “Restoration (Pathway)” by Yasunoriko and Masako Takada

“Restoration (Courtyard)” and “Restoration (Pathway),” works by Yasunoriko and Masako Takada, were created in 2019, inspired by “Gulliver’s Travels.” These works were exhibited in an art exhibition that emphasized scaling up and down. While the landscape may appear ordinary, there are parts filled with finely divided concrete blocks. By noticing these small differences, the way we view the work changes. The theme of this artwork is scaling, intending to relatively change the viewer’s sense of scale and familiarity with landscapes.

Information

Address: 4-1 Kamoi, Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture

Opening hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Admission fee: Permanent exhibition: General admission – 380 yen, High school/University students/Seniors (65 years old and above) – 280 yen Special exhibition: Admission fee varies depending on the exhibition. Please check the official website for more details. *Free admission for:

• Junior high school students and younger
• Visitors with disability identification card (please show at the reception)
• High school students (only for residents or students in Yokosuka City)
• City Anniversary Day (February 15th) and Culture Day (the nearest Sunday)

Official website: https://www.yokosuka-moa.jp/

Contact: Tel: 046-845-1211 E-Mail: kouhou@city.yokosuka.kanagawa.jp

How to Access

• By public transport: From Keikyu Line Maborikaigan Station or JR Yokosuka Station, take the bus bound for “Kan-nonzaki” and get off at the bus stop “Yokosuka Museum of Art.”
• By car: 3 km from Yokohama-Yokosuka Road Maborikaigan IC (approx. 5 minutes).
• Parking: Underground parking lot with a capacity of 120 cars, 3 large buses, and 7 motorcycles. Parking fee varies.

Parking fee: Regular cars: 320 yen per hour, 160 yen per additional 30 minutes, maximum fee of 1,600 yen per day. *One hour of free parking with exhibition admission. Motorcycles and mopeds: 210 yen per entry. *One entry of free parking with exhibition admission. Large buses: 1,570 yen per entry.

Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine: A Power Spot for Ancient Japanese Mythology and Love Fulfillment

Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities of marriage, with Emperor Nintoku and his consort, Takuhatachi-no-Mikoto, enshrined as its main deities. The shrine is famous for its power to grant blessings related to love and relationships, making it a popular spot for those seeking such fulfillment. The shrine also holds a special place in Japanese mythology, with stories from ancient texts such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki being passed down through generations.

Since its establishment, Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine has been a symbol of moral guidance for Japanese society and is still highly revered by many. According to legend, the shrine was built over a stone chest containing a “crown” gifted by Emperor Nintoku to the villagers, and has since been a place of deep faith and devotion.

A visit to Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine is highly recommended for those seeking a connection to Japan’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Traditional Japanese Festivals Dating Back to Ancient Times: Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine’s Grand Festival

• Sugawara Shrine Festival (Summer Festival) Sugawara Shrine, located within the grounds of Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine, enshrines the god Susano-no-Mikoto, known as a deity of both disease prevention and turbulent storms. Similar to the festival of Yasaka Shrine, the Sugawara Shrine Festival is held once every two years during the summer. During this festival, the mikoshi (portable shrine) is carried around the town of Hashirimizu.

• Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine Grand Festival (Autumn Festival) The Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine Grand Festival is held every October, where locals gather and perform various rituals.

Information

Address: 2-12-5 Hahirimizu, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa

Opening hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Visitors are welcome all day)
Closed: None

Contact
Tel: 046-841-0179
Nishino-jinja Shrine manages Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine, but there are no staff stationed on site. For inquiries about prayers and purification, please contact Nishino-jinja Shrine.

How to Access

• Take the “Kannonzaki” bus from Keikyu Hamakōgan Station (about 8 minutes)
• Take the “Kannonzaki” bus from JR Yokosuka Station (about 20 minutes)
• Get off at the “Hashirimizu-Jinja Shrine” bus stop for both routes.

Mikasa Park: A Wonderful Park with Art and History

Mikasa Park is a wonderful place that offers visitors a fun time with its theme of “water, light, and sound”. The park features beautiful fountains and a monument that stands 18 meters tall, which dances to music.

Additionally, the world’s oldest steel battleship, the Mikasa, is preserved in the park, with a backdrop of ships passing through Tokyo Bay and views of Sarushima Island.

The park’s flowing streams also have a calming effect on visitors. Come spend a wonderful time at Mikasa Park, where you can experience art and history.

World’s Three Great Memorial Battleships: Mikasa, the Oldest Surviving Steel Battleship in the World

The biggest attraction of Mikasa Park is the preservation of the world’s oldest surviving steel battleship, the Mikasa. This battleship played a significant role in Japanese modern history and is a popular destination among foreign tourists visiting Japan, as it is a rare opportunity to see an actual battleship.

Built in England in 1902, the Mikasa served as the flagship of Admiral Heihachiro Togo, commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet, in the Russo-Japanese War. It is the oldest surviving steel battleship in the world and is recognized as a component cultural property of Japan Heritage.

Visitors can tour the interior of the battleship and walk on its deck and bridge, which is another attractive feature. The interior is open to the public as a museum and houses many historical exhibits centered around the battleship.

The Mikasa is famous as one of the world’s three great memorial battleships, along with Britain’s Victory, which won a historic victory in an important naval battle to defend their country’s independence, and America’s Constitution.

Overview of Battleship Mikasa

Mikasa is a steel battleship that was built in England in 1902 with a displacement of 15,140 tons, a length of 132 meters, a width of 23 meters, and a speed of 18 knots. The ship was equipped with four 30cm main guns, fourteen 15cm secondary guns, twenty 8cm guns, and four 45cm torpedo tubes. Mikasa had a crew of 860 people.

The main gun of Battleship Mikasa is a 30cm turret with a range of approximately 10,000 meters.

Information about Mikasa Park

Address: 82 Inaoka–cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa

Admission Fee for Mikasa Park: Free

Park Hours:

• April to October: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• November to March: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Closed: None

Closed: None

Official Website: http://www.kanagawaparks.com/verny-mikasa/

Contact Information:
Mikasa Park Management Office TEL: 046-824-6291 / FAX: 046-825-4440

Information about Memorial Ship Mikasa

Admission Fees to Memorial Ship Mikasa:

• Adults: 600 yen
• High School Students: 300 yen
• Elementary and Middle School Students: Free

Memorial Ship Mikasa Hours:

• April to September: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• March and October: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• November to February: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Closed: December 28, 29, 30, and 31

Official Website: http://www.kinenkan-mikasa.or.jp/

Contact Information:
Memorial Ship Mikasa
Yokosuka City, Inaokacho 82-19
Public Foundation Mikasa Preservation Society
TEL: 046-822-5225

How to Access

5-minute walk from Yokosuka Chuo Station on the Keikyu Line

By Car: From Yokohama Yokosuka Road, take Honchoyamanaka Road, merge onto Route 16, turn left at “Mikasa Park Entrance” intersection, and then turn right at the end of the road.

Parking: Mikasa Park Parking Lot

Parking Fees:

• Up to 1 hour: 420 yen
• For each additional 30 minutes after the first hour, an additional 210 yen will be charged.
• After 2 hours, the fee will be 840 yen, and then an additional 100 yen per hour will be charged.

Verny Park: A Park Incorporating the French Formal Garden Style

Verny Park is a park that incorporates the French formal garden style. From the park, visitors can see Yokosuka Honmoku, the US Navy base, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Regional Headquarters along the seaside. Additionally, there are events such as the Verny and Oguri Festival held annually.

Relax and Enjoy the Beautiful Park with Approximately 1,700 Blooming Roses

Verny Park has various spots where visitors can enjoy the scenery of each season, such as a beautiful rose garden, fountains, and an outdoor theater. In particular, the rose garden boasts around 130 varieties and approximately 1,700 plants that are in full bloom, captivating visitors. The park also has cafes and restaurants, allowing visitors to spend their time leisurely.

Information

Address: 1-1 Shioiricho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa

Official website: https://www.kanagawaparks.com/verny/

Contact:
Verny Park Management Office
046-845-6660

How to Access

• 5 minutes’ walk from Keikyu Shiomioi Station
• 1 minute’s walk from JR Yokosuka Station

■Verny Park Parking Lot Capacity: 6 regular cars, 2 cars for people with disabilities, 7 large buses (fee required, reservation required for large vehicles) If you wish to make a reservation, please do so from the Times Parking Reservation Service (bus).

Regular car parking: 24 hours in/out Large vehicle parking: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Parking fees: Large vehicles: 2,100 yen (per entry) Regular vehicles: 420 yen (up to the first hour), then 210 yen per 30 minutes

■Nearby large paid parking lots

• Course Bay Side Stores
• Bay Square Parking

Dobuita Street Shopping District: The Birthplace of Sukajan and Fusion of Japanese and American Culture

“Dobuita Street Shopping District” is a retro shopping street located in Yokosuka, lined with American vintage items, Japanese antiques, miscellaneous goods stores, cafes, and more. Each shop has its own unique personality, making it enjoyable just to look around. Additionally, this shopping district is famous as a filming location and you can experience the atmosphere of movies here.

This is also the birthplace of “Sukajan” (Yokosuka jacket). After World War II, it began to be made as a souvenir jacket for American soldiers returning to their country. “Dobuita Street” has been a representative sales location for more than 70 years. Please enjoy the city where the post-war souvenir culture of Japan and America and the gourmet of the port town are fused together.

Many Shops Offering Yokosuka’s Culture and Specialty Foods

The shopping street has many shops offering American culture-related goods and clothing, local Yokosuka foods such as “Yokosuka Navy Burger,” “Yokosuka Cherry Cheesecake,” “Yokosuka Curry,” and restaurants where you can enjoy them. There are also shops specializing in Sukajan, and you can enjoy the unique atmosphere where Japanese and Western cultures mix. It is a shopping district that can be enjoyed by multiple generations.

Information

Address: 2-7 Honcho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Near Yokosuka Dobuita Station)

Official website: https://dobuita-st.com/

Contact: 046-824-4917

How to Access

3-minute walk from Shioiri Station on the Keikyu Line or a 15-minute walk from Yokosuka Station on the JR Line.

Paid parking lots are available nearby.

Sumibi-Yaki-Niku-Tiger / Charcoal-Grilled Tiger: A Century-Old Traditional Butcher Shop Directly Operating a Yakiniku Restaurant

Introducing Sumibi-Yakiniku-Tiger, a charcoal-grilled meat restaurant located in Yokosuka. This restaurant is directly operated by a century-old traditional butcher shop and offers a wide range of dishes using locally sourced ingredients such as Miura Peninsula vegetables, Misaki tuna, and Hayama beef.

Under the concept of “Would you like to eat delicious meat?” the meat is served in finely cut portions that only professional butchers can provide.

Taste the True Deliciousness of Japanese Beef Wagyu

This restaurant is a Yokosuka Matsuzakaya directly operated yakiniku restaurant owned by an owner with a strong attachment to meat. The owner carefully selects the beef to use and is particular about how it is cooked, ensuring that it is optimally cut according to the condition and part of the beef. You can taste the true deliciousness of meat at this restaurant.

Not only meat but also various raw materials such as vegetables are carefully selected. The restaurant has a rule of not using ingredients whose producers cannot be identified. The ingredients produced by farmers and fishermen in Miura Peninsula are processed at the shop and provided fresh on the same day. You can enjoy exceptionally delicious dishes made with carefully selected ingredients.

Enjoy the Best Combination of Delicious Branded Wagyu Beef “Hayama-gyu” and Yokosuka Vegetables

At Sumibi-Yakiniku-Tiger, you can enjoy branded Hayama beef and seasonal Yokosuka vegetables. The owner, who is particular about local ingredients, also recommends the homemade wiener with squid ink, jalapeño, and Harapeño (a type of chili pepper). The staff will recommend the best condiments and sauce for each meat, so feel free to ask.

Information

Sumibi-Yakiniku-Tiger

Genre: Japanese-style Yakiniku

Address: 4F Miura Plaza Building, 2-7 Wakamatsu-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa

Business Hours: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm Closed on Mondays and 3rd Sundays

Takeout available

• Budget: Eat-in | Lunch | ¥1,000 – ¥2,000
• Budget: Eat-in | Dinner | ¥5,000 – ¥10,000

Payment Methods: Credit cards (VISA, JCB, AMEX, Diners) accepted

Official website: http://www.tiger-yokosuka.com/

Contact:
046-821-4129

How to Access

1-minute walk from Yokosuka Chuo Station.

Conclusion: A Feast of Art and Gastronomy in Yokosuka with Tokyo Bay Cycling Tour

This cycling tour in Yokosuka offers a variety of experiences, from historical sights like the Yokosuka Museum of Art and the Jogashima Shrine, to local eateries and parks. You can enjoy local cuisine, including delicious sushi made with ingredients purchased from the local market, and charcoal-grilled meat from a long-standing Japanese-style barbecue restaurant.

In Verny Park, you can also enjoy the beauty of a French garden. The Dobuita Street shopping district, where American and Japanese cultures blend, is also a must-see. Yokosuka’s cycling tour is packed with diverse activities such as museums, shrines, parks, and dining, making it a charming city that you will definitely want to visit again.