A Complete Guide to Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise: See Japan's Most Advanced Warships Up Close

Experience the Latest Warships from the Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy Up Close!

Sail slowly alongside Aegis ships in the waters of Yokosuka, marveling at their impressive size of nearly 170 meters in length. Witnessing these vessels from a ship offers an entirely different perspective compared to seeing them from land. Nearby, you may even catch a glimpse of submarines subtly breaking the surface of the water. This unique opportunity to see the cutting-edge vessels of the Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy up close is unparalleled.

This is the “YOKOSUKA Naval Port Cruise.”

Yokosuka is a vital naval base, hosting the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s largest operations hub and the U.S. Navy’s command center in Japan. Visitors flock to Yokosuka for this special cruise experience that is only possible here.

A symbolic representation of the maritime city of Yokosuka, the Naval Port Cruise offers an unforgettable journey. But how can you book tickets? What are the costs? When is the best time to go to secure good seats? If you’re going to join, you’ll want tips to maximize your enjoyment, right? This article provides a comprehensive guide based on real experiences to help you fully enjoy the 45-minute YOKOSUKA Naval Port Cruise!

YOKOSUKA Naval Port Cruise

The YOKOSUKA Naval Port Cruise is a popular sightseeing cruise operating in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It offers visitors a chance to view active Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy bases from the sea.

Business hours

Weekdays 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Weekends & Holidays 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Regular holiday

Open year - round

Telephone number

+081-46-825-7144

Official site

https://yokosuka - gunko.jp/

Parking

Parking available at Coaska Bayside Stores (2 hours free with a purchase of over 1,000 yen)

How to visit

3 - minute walk from Keikyu Shioiri Station

10 - minute walk from Keikyu Yokosuka - Chuo Station

9 - minute walk from JR Yokosuka Station

Address

2F, Coaska Bayside Stores, 2 - 1-12 Honcho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture 238 - 0041, Japan

Aegis Ships, Submarines, and More! See Rare Vessels Up Close!

The highlight of the YOKOSUKA Naval Port Cruise is the opportunity to see ships from the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy. From Aegis ships to submarines and the latest warships, a variety of vessels await your viewing pleasure.

Even those unfamiliar with ships can enjoy the cruise, thanks to detailed explanations provided by the onboard guides!

Unique Seascapes of Yokosuka

Yokosuka Bay, located near the entrance of Tokyo Bay, is known as a natural deep-water harbor. Its depth allows for the movement of large vessels, and during the cruise, you can enjoy the sight of massive tankers passing by.

One such tanker is the “Nissho Maru,” carrying Nissan vehicles. It has the capacity to transport approximately 1,000 cars.

On Clear Days, See the Boso Peninsula!

Yokosuka is close to the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, and on clear days, you can see the peninsula across the horizon. The faint outline visible in the distance is the Boso Peninsula.

With the vast sky and sea, cruising on a clear day is a truly remarkable experience.

Ticket Purchase and Reception Process

The reception desk for the cruise is located on the 2nd floor of Coaska Bayside Stores, where you can purchase tickets and complete boarding procedures.

Reservations can be made in advance via the internet or by phone (046-825-7144). On the day of your cruise, complete the boarding procedure and payment at this reception desk at least 15 minutes before departure.

Even if you don’t make a reservation, you can purchase same-day tickets if there are open spots. However, weekends and holidays tend to be fully booked, so making a reservation in advance is recommended.

You can check the availability of same-day tickets on the official X (formerly Twitter) page for the Yokosuka Naval Port Cruise.

The nearest station is Keikyu Shioiri Station. From there, it’s about a 5-6 minute walk to the reception desk at Coaska Bayside Stores.

Arrive at the Dock 5 Minutes Before Departure

After completing reception procedures, head to the dock at least 5 minutes before departure.

Seats on the boat are not assigned, so boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis. As this is a popular cruise, arriving just 10 minutes early can result in a long queue. For the best seats, head to the boarding area early.

Best Seats: Second Floor! Feel the Sea Breeze Outdoors

Boarding begins at the designated time, and you’ll embark on the cruise.

The first floor has an indoor seating area with three rows of two-person seats.

The second-floor outdoor seating is the most popular. The fantastic view makes this the best option for enjoying the cruise.

For the Best Experience, Opt for the High Chair Seats in the Center!

The second floor offers various seating options, but the best views are from the central high-chair seats.

From here, you can enjoy views on both sides of the ship. While the regular seats on either side are comfortable, the high-chair seats in the center offer an unobstructed view of both sides.

If you don’t mind lightly perching rather than fully sitting, the central high-chair seats provide the ultimate experience. The 45-minute cruise is surprisingly comfortable even in these seats.

Bon voyage as the crew waves you off!

Smooth Sailing with Minimal Rocking and Onboard Restrooms

The vessel used for the YOKOSUKA Naval Port Cruise is the “SeaFriend 7,” a ship specifically designed for this cruise. Launched in 2016, it is optimized for navigating the naval port.

The cruise lasts 45 minutes and progresses at a leisurely pace, ensuring minimal rocking—great for those prone to seasickness.

The ship has three to four restrooms onboard, ensuring a worry-free experience.

Note that there is no onboard shop, so purchase drinks in advance.

Discover the Thrill of Yokosuka’s Naval Port and Refreshing Sea Breeze

Returning to the dock after the cruise, the refreshing sea breeze gently brushes your cheeks. The 45-minute journey leaves a lasting impression. From Aegis ships to state-of-the-art vessels and stealthy submarines, the opportunity to see active naval ships this close is rare in Japan.

The YOKOSUKA Naval Port Cruise is beloved not only for its rarity but also for the expansive sea views, large ships passing by, and glimpses of the distant Boso Peninsula. Yokosuka’s rich maritime scenery is a major draw. The sea breeze and changing landscapes create a special experience.

Seeing Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy ships up close is an unforgettable experience. Photos and videos can’t capture the awe of being there in person. When visiting Yokosuka, make sure to join the YOKOSUKA Naval Port Cruise and embark on this extraordinary journey.