Yokosuka and the Memorial Ship Mikasa

A naval port south of Yokohama pairs a preserved early twentieth-century battleship with sea views, curry shops and a ferry to a quiet island.

Published October 18, 2026 at 9:39 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Yokosuka, in Kanagawa, is home to the Memorial Ship Mikasa, a preserved battleship built in Britain in 1902 and now a museum in Mikasa Park. Visitors can board the ship, walk the waterfront and try Yokosuka navy curry. It is reachable from Tokyo by Keikyu or JR line, taking about an hour.

A Port City with a Naval Heritage

Yokosuka lies on the western shore of Tokyo Bay, on the Miura Peninsula south of Yokohama. Its deep, sheltered harbor made it a natural site for a naval base, and in the nineteenth century the Japanese government built a shipyard here with the help of French engineers. The city has remained a port of maritime activity ever since, and ships of different nations are often visible along its waterfront.

Today Yokosuka mixes working docks with parks and promenades. Visitors can walk along the shore, see naval vessels in the distance and visit museums and restaurants. The mixture of Japanese and international influences gives the city a distinctive character, and its history as a gateway for modern shipbuilding is a source of local pride.

The Memorial Ship Mikasa

Mikasa is a preserved battleship moored permanently in Mikasa Park, near Yokosuka-Chuo Station. It was built in Britain and completed in 1902 for the Japanese navy, and it later served as the flagship of Admiral Togo. After decades of service, it was preserved as a memorial and museum, and it is widely described as the only pre-dreadnought battleship still preserved anywhere in the world.

Visitors can walk the decks and explore interior spaces, including the bridge, officers' rooms and displays about the ship's history. Exhibits explain the design and construction, and photographs and models give context. The ship is a rare window into early twentieth-century naval engineering. Check the official website for opening hours, ticket prices and any maintenance closures before you visit.

The ship also shows how Japan's modern navy was built on international cooperation. The design came from British shipyards, and the museum explains the equipment, guns and living spaces in detail. Look for the wooden decks, brass fittings and compact crew quarters, which show how many sailors shared limited space. Information is provided in English, and some audio guidance may be offered. Take your time on the stairs, which are steep.

Mikasa Park and the Waterfront

Mikasa Park surrounds the ship and offers open lawns, flower beds and paths along Tokyo Bay. Cherry trees bloom in spring, and the park is popular with families and walkers. Benches face the water, and from here you can watch boats and sometimes naval vessels from a respectful distance. Nearby, a promenade runs along the port edge.

The park also holds statues and monuments linked to the ship and to the area's history. Cafes and shops line parts of the waterfront, and a short walk takes you to the Dobuita Street shopping lane, which has a retro atmosphere with restaurants and bars. Allow an hour or two for the ship and park, and more if you plan to eat or shop.

Evening brings a different mood. Restaurants and bars around the port light up, and the harbor reflects the lamps along the promenade. For a quieter end to the day, stroll the waterfront after dinner and watch the lights of ships. The area is generally safe and walkable, though the shoreline paths are dark in places, so take a small flashlight if you plan a late walk.

Navy Curry and Yokosuka Food

Yokosuka is famous for navy curry, a dish with roots in the Japanese maritime tradition. Curry was introduced to Japan through Britain, and the navy adopted it as a convenient, nutritious meal for sailors. Today, many restaurants in Yokosuka serve navy curry, often with a salad and milk to follow the traditional set. Menus vary from classic to creative.

Another local specialty is the Yokosuka navy burger, a large hamburger with various toppings. Seafood from Tokyo Bay and the Miura Peninsula, which is known for tuna and for large daikon radishes, also appears on menus. Many cafes near the port serve sweets and coffee. Opening hours differ, and some places close early in the evening, so check before you go if you have a specific restaurant in mind.

If you enjoy curry, ask staff about the story behind the dish at your restaurant. Many shops display old menus and photographs, and some use recipes inspired by those served on historic ships. Prices vary from casual to more elaborate, and a set that includes salad and a drink is common. It is easy to find a good meal within a short walk of the station.

Verny Park and French Connections

Verny Park, named after the French engineer Leonce Verny who helped build Yokosuka's shipyard, lies a short distance from the station. The park has rose gardens, a view over the bay and a small monument commemorating French-Japanese friendship. In spring and autumn, roses bloom and the grounds are especially pleasant. The park is a quiet stop away from the busier waterfront. Visitors can combine it with a walk through the surrounding neighborhood. French influence in Yokosuka is a reminder that Japan's modern industries developed through exchanges with many countries. Each season gives the park a different look, and benches provide a good place for a rest.

The Yokosuka Museum of Art, a short bus ride away, and Kurihama's Perry Park offer additional cultural stops. Perry Park commemorates the arrival of the American naval squadron in 1853 and includes a small museum. These sites sit on the Miura Peninsula's coast, with sea views. Check opening days, since museums often close one weekday, and plan transport in advance if you visit them.

Sarushima Island and Boat Trips

A short ferry ride from Mikasa Pier takes visitors to Sarushima, a small uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay. The island is a nature park with beaches, picnic areas, old brick structures and walking trails. It is popular for barbecues in the warmer months and for gentle exploration. Ferries run on a seasonal timetable, with a short crossing.

There are also harbor cruises that pass the naval base and the shipyard, giving views of naval and commercial vessels from the water. Schedules and routes change, so check the operator's website for the latest information. On rough or windy days, services may be canceled. Bring sun protection and water, as the island has limited facilities.

Dress for the sea breeze, even in warm months. Hats can blow away, and the open lawns offer little shade in summer. Children enjoy the park and the ferry, and strollers can manage the main paths, though the ship itself has stairs and narrow passages. Some parts may not be accessible, so ask staff about options if mobility is a concern.

Getting There and Planning a Visit

From central Tokyo, Yokosuka is reachable by the Keikyu line to Yokosuka-Chuo Station, or by the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Yokosuka Station. The trip takes about an hour. Mikasa Park is a short walk from Yokosuka-Chuo, and Verny Park is a short distance from Yokosuka Station.

A relaxed day combines the ship, a curry lunch, the park and perhaps a walk along the water. Weekdays are quieter. Check the weather, as the waterfront is exposed to wind. Many visitors combine Yokosuka with Kamakura or Yokohama as part of a larger trip. Carry a little cash for small shops and ferry tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors board the Mikasa?

Yes. The ship is open as a museum, and visitors can walk its decks and explore interior spaces such as the bridge and officers' rooms. Check the official site for opening hours, ticket prices and any maintenance closures. Some stairs and passages are steep or narrow, so wear comfortable shoes.

What is Yokosuka navy curry?

It is a curry dish linked to the Japanese naval tradition, often served in a set with salad and milk. Curry reached Japan through Britain, and the navy adopted it as a filling meal for sailors. Many restaurants in Yokosuka offer their own version, from classic to creative.

How far is Yokosuka from Tokyo?

It is about an hour by train from central Tokyo, using the Keikyu line or the JR Yokosuka Line. The ride is simple, and the sights near the station are walkable. It also works well as a day trip combined with Kamakura or Yokohama.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Mount Nokogiri: Chiba's Stone Carvings and Views, Shimoda: Izu's Port and Its Black Ships Story and Sumida River Cruise: Asakusa to Hamarikyu.