(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
If you are looking for something fun to do around Yokosuka Naval Base, you are in luck. Yokosuka City, host to the installation, is home to many amazing parks, museums and fantastic hotels if you’re planning an overnight trip.
Among the many attractions, Soleil Hill Park on the western coast and Kannonzaki Park, Yokosuka Museum of Art and La Vista Kannonzaki Terrace in the east are must-see spots in the city.
Great views, ziplining at Soleil Hill park On the western coast of Yokosuka City, Soleil Hill is a spacious European-style park. The site of the park was originally a housing and radio facility for the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces.
Soleil Hill opened to the public as a park in 2005. The grounds span 28 hectares and boast flower gardens, a Ferris wheel, a restaurant and spa. You can also BBQ year-round with rental grills and supplies available for a delicious lunch. Western-style farmhouses, fountains, shops and storage buildings, modeled after houses in South France, are scattered throughout the park. Soleil Hill was recently renovated and now has a large athletic field, a zipline and various glamping cottages and bungalows. They even have a dog run for fido.
There is plenty to do at the park for the whole family!
Art, glamping, onsen and more – Kannonzaki Park (in the eastern coast) On the east side of Yokosuka, Kannonzaki is a cape blessed with various attractions including a lighthouse, museums, an interesting shrine, tasty restaurants and even a relaxing spa. You can also enjoy a picturesque view of the beautiful blue ocean and mountains in the distance.
Today, most of the cape is designated as prefectural park. As it is very large, it may take you a whole day to walk through it. Since Kannonzaki was utilized as a citadel by the former Imperial Army, you can find old military structures including batteries, brick-made magazines and tunnels dotted around the area. Despite long stairs and slopes, they are well maintained, so you can enjoy a safe and pleasant hike.
The park is also home to the Yokosuka Museum of Art. Not only does the museum have 5,000 works of art, it also has a tasty Italian restaurant and stunning rooftop garden.
The museum building itself is also a sight to behold. Designed in a neo-futuristic style, the museum building’s glass panels, interior bridges, interesting windows and bright white exteriors and interiors make for an interesting contrast to the park’s greenery. In the summer months, don’t miss the hydrangeas leading up to the museum.
Nearby, La Vista Kannonzaki Terrace is a luxurious seaside hotel and spa resort overlooking Tokyo Bay. La Vista has 60 rooms, 15 glamping units and baths with mineral spring water from Aburatsubo in Miura Peninsula.
While in Yokosuka City don’t miss all the attractions no matter what side of town you’re on!
Soleil Hill Park Location: 4 Nagai, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. URL Tel: 046-857-2500
Kannonzaki Park
Location: 4-1262 Kamoi, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture (15 minute drive from Yokosuka Naval Base) Tel: 046-843-8316
Yokosuka Museum of Art
Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (museum), 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Location: 4-1 Kamoi Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture Admission: adult: 310 yen, high school and college students and ages 65 or older: 210 yen URL Tel: 046-845-1211
La Vista Kannonzaki Terrace
Location: 2-1157-2 Hashirimizu, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture URL Tel: 046-841-2200
