Yokosuka

Yokosuka is a city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, on Tokyo Bay in the southern part of the prefecture. It is part of the Greater Tokyo Area and lies about 40 kilometers from central Tokyo. The city has a population of around 400,000 residents. Yokosuka hosts a major naval base used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the United States Navy, and its harbor supports shipbuilding, repair, and logistics activities alongside civilian industries.

Historically, the area's development as a port town accelerated in the late 19th century with the founding of the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal in 1869 and subsequent naval facilities. The base and related industries shaped the city's growth through the prewar and postwar periods, and civilian neighborhoods expanded around maritime and industrial employment. The U.S. Navy’s presence after World War II has remained a defining aspect of Yokosuka.

Notable sites include Mikasa Park, where the preserved battleship Mikasa operates as a museum ship, and the Kurihama area, which hosts the Perry Landing Memorial marking Commodore Perry's 1853 arrival. The city maintains museums and cultural venues connected to its naval heritage, and Yokosuka’s cuisine is associated with naval traditions, including Yokosuka curry served in many local eateries.

Transportation and access are provided by JR East’s Yokosuka Line, which links Yokosuka with Tokyo and Yokohama, complemented by private rail services and road networks. The port area continues to play a role in commerce, defense-related activities, and tourism focused on maritime history.