Yokosuka Navy & History Walking Tour

With John Bradford, YCAPS Executive Director

Yokosuka Navy & History Walking Tour

With John Bradford, YCAPS Executive Director
Sunday, November 16th, 2025, 10:00 to approx 15:00 JST

John Bradford will lead a group of YCAPS members on a walking tour around central Yokosuka. The area is compact and flat, and it will be possible to see a variety of locations and learn more about their historical context. The tour will begin at 10:00 am and take around five hours, followed by an optional visit to a “Sailor Bar” for an afternoon drink.

The itinerary for the day is:

• 9:45: Meet at The Statue of Togo Heihachiro in Yokosuka’s Mikasa Park (15 minute walk from Yokosuka-chuo station on the Keikyu line.)
• First, we will visit Admiral Togo’s flagship Mikasa, now a museum. We’ll enjoy a private briefing on the history of the ship and its key role in the Russo-Japanese War.
• From the Mikasa, we will go to the Yokosuka Port market, where we can enjoy the view of Tokyo Bay while sipping coffee, eating an early lunch or doing some souvenir shopping.
• We will then walk about 15 minutes to Verny Park, where we will learn about the founding of Yokosuka, its key role in the industrialization of Japan and modern role as the home of the US Navy 7th Fleet and JMSDF Defense Fleet. We will be able to see the Navy ships, the historic dry docks and two small museums dedicated to key elements of 19th century Yokosuka.
• The final stop will be Dobuita street, the famous fusion point of American and Japanese street culture that gave birth to cultural icons such as the Suka-jan jacket and the career of musician Hide (Japan X).
• Approximately 15:00: The tour will formally end within walking distance of Yokosuka-chou, Shiori and JR Yokosuka stations; however, those interested can join the host for an afternoon drink in one of Dobuita’s “Sailor” bars.

There will be ample opportunity for toilet breaks and to purchase drinks at vending machines. However, the route will take us through some narrow and crowded streets, as well as uneven surfaces. Therefore, it is not suitable for those in wheelchairs or with other ambulatory limitations, nor for small children or strollers.

All participants take part in this event at their own risk.

RSVP required: Please confirm your spot via Richard Walton at richard.walton@ycaps.org. Spaces will be limited to 25 participants, so please RSVP early.

Cost: There is no charge for participating in the walk itself; however, there is an admission fee of JPY600 for the Mikasa. Participants will pay for their own drinks and food at the Port Market with each individual paying separately.