Hemi Gate Guardhouses

The Hemi Gate Guardhouses bore witness to the history of the Yokosuka Naval Port. The port was bustling with sailors from docked vessels and naval ships, as well as, their families and people welcoming the sailors’ return. It was also used for the imperial visit by the emperor.

Yokosuka Modern Heritage Museum Thibaudier Residence

The oldest western-style building on Honshu constructed around 1869 for the assistant superintendent of the Yokosuka Arsenal. Inside there are several features such as the roof truss transferred from the original residence, a reproduced room from the time, and panels showing the history of the Yokosuka Arsenal.

Hashirimizu Reservoir

The Yokosuka Arsenal required a great amount of water so Verny planned for the springs of Hashirimizu to serve as its supply. Earthen water pipes were constructed contributing to the establishment of a waterworks facility.

Hashirimizu Lower Gun Battery Site

A gun battery established by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1886 that was built upon the Hatayamazaki Battery Site established during the late Edo shogunate. The Hashirimizu are contains many place names from Japanese legends. At the water’s edge, you will be able to see remains of the gun battery formed of huge boulders still remaining to this day.

Atagoyama Park

The temple bell at the summit of this mountain was rung to notify the people of the arrival of Perry’s ships. It was a huge incident and officials from different domains, intellectuals, scholars, and curious onlookers all gathered at the summit.

East Kano Shrine and West Kano Shrine

Although there was no form of telecommunications at the time, news of Perry’s arrival quickly spread across the nation. Yoshida Shoin, Sakuma Shozan, and other shishi samurai gathered at the Tadoya inn on the east side of Uraga. Nearby, spies from other domains lurked about attempting to collect information.

Kannonzaki Lighthouse

Perry made a miscalculation. Since Uraga Harbor looked liked the mouth of a river, he passed it and headed for Kannonzaki. Realizing the error, he ordered the ships to back up. It was the first time the Japanese saw ships backing up. They were astounded and thought the ships were performing divine miracles. Perry gave Kannonzaki the name “Cape Kamisaki.”

Hashirimizu Lower Gun Battery Site

Perry named the area around Hatayamazaki in Hashirimizu “Point Rubicon,” in reference to the Rubicon River, the breaking point of Caesar’s victory in conquering Rome. For Perry, success depended on whether this line could be crossed.

Dobuita Street

An area bustling with tourists lining up to try local dishes during the day that transforms into an old-fashioned street with neon signs and bars during the night. You will feel like you are traveling in another country as you hear English freely being exchanged around you.

Memorial Ship MIKASA

The MIKASA was commissioned in England in 1902 and achieved victory over the Russian Baltic Fleet as the flagship of the Combined Fleet under Admiral Togo during the Russo-Japanese War. She was later preserved as a memorial ship in 1926 and placed in Yokosuka.

Yokosuka Modern Heritage Museum Thibaudier Residence

The oldest western-style building on Honshu constructed around 1869 for the assistant superintendent of the Yokosuka Arsenal. Inside there are several features such as the roof truss transferred from the original residence, a reproduced room from the time, and panels showing the history of the Yokosuka Arsenal.

Cruise of Yokosuka Naval Port

A cruise where passengers can take a close look at U.S. Navy and JMSDF ships. Depending on the timing, you may even see an aircraft carrier or icebreaker entering port. Enjoy entertaining commentary by the cruise tour guides as well!

Kannonzaki Gun Battery Group

Kannonzaki Lighthouse

The Kannonzaki Lighthouse is the first western-style lighthouse built in Japan. Verny, the superintendent of the Yokosuka Arsenal, was requested to construct the initial lighthouse. It used bricks fired at the Yokosuka Arsenal and was first lit on New Year’s Day of 1869. The current lighthouse was constructed a third time after the previous versions were destroyed by earthquakes in 1922 and 1923.