Culture
Spring in Verny Park, Yokosuka
Abby RodriguezSpring time is the mark of a new beginning. A fresh start, and with flora blooming in an exquisite variety of different hues!
Originally opened in 1946 and revamped in 2001, Verny Park (ヴェルニー公園) is a French styled garden overlooking Kanagawa’s Yokosuka Port. The park is named after Léonce Verny, a French naval engineer who led the construction of multiple naval facilities in the area in the late 1800s, including Yokosuka Naval Arsenal. Verny made great contributions to Japan’s modernization with his leadership, engineering, and educational skills.
Verny Park is renowned for its stunning rosebeds, which contain over 100 different species. In springtime, the collection of colorful flowers bloom, providing visitors an enchanting scene against the massive Japanese and American naval ships docked in Yokosuka Port. The juxtaposition of the park’s soft landscaping against the war ships’ intimidating forms makes Verny Park a visually intriguing spot. Intoxicating floral scents follow the breeze, weaving through notable sights such as the French style gazebo and fountain, which add to the authentic feel of the park.
Visitors can also stop by the Verny Memorial Museum, which houses information about Verny’s engineering and machinery, as well as the general history of the area. After strolling through the gardens, guests can take a break at Corsaire, the park’s cafe, and enjoy a delicious meal while looking out at the surrounding greenery and sea.
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One minute walk from JR Yokosuka Station.
Spring time is the mark of a new beginning. A fresh start, and with flora blooming in an exquisite variety of different hues!
There is a beautiful park near JR Yokosuka Station called Verny Park. It is named after a Frenchman who came to Japan in 1865.
There are several things that Yokosuka is famous for among people in Kanagawa: the American Navy Base, the Yokosuka Navy Burger and Yokosuka Curry.
Hayama Funny House offers guests a relaxing escape along Kanagawa's Hayama coast, overlooking the Sagami Bay.
If you come to the Hayama Hotel Otowa no Mori, the best way to spend your time might be to do nothing—just relax. Here you will find the atmosphere of a real resort!
Lunch at The Scapes, Hayama: Enjoy really delicious vegetables, a nice tender steak and tasty deserts, a sophisticated atmosphere and stunning seashore view.
Feel at home at this relaxing seaside lounge space that sits along Hayama's famed coastline. UNDER THE PALMO offers a calm, minimal interior—made from local materials by local artisans—that houses a cafe as well as event space for exhibitions, pop-up shops, exercise classes and movie screenings. Sit back and enjoy the cafe menu of drinks, alcohol and food offerings (both desserts and dishes to share). Gaze out at the views of Sagami Bay from the wooden deck terrace, with Enoshima—and even Mount Fuji. UNDER THE PALMO follows in the footsteps of the much-loved CABaN HAYAMA beach terrace, originally located nearby.
At the creative French restaurant, Nature et Sens, diners are treated to an experience for the senses. Seasonal ingredients and Kamakura produce take centerstage in these fantastically beautiful dishes. Enjoy a glass of wine with your meal from their wide selection for the ultimate experience.
There are two, convenient Curry House Coco Ichibanya locations serving the Yokosuka area. Across the street from Yokosuka-Chuo Sta and at Honch Dobuita West building, which is across the street from Shoppers Plaza (Daiei). Simple to order and customize to your liking. Choose your meat, seafood or vegetable. Then select your curry sauce, quantity of rice and spice level. If you're lucky, you might run into the official mascot: Masked Coco Ichi!
Dobuita Shopping Street stretches all the way from Shioiri Station to the Yokosuka Naval Base, and it uniquely fuses both Japanese and American culture. Along the street there are a variety of retail stores, including everything from portrait shops to military-style stores and plenty of bars and eateries. Some establishments along Dobuita Street even accept payment in US dollars! A couple of the popular dining options popular along Dobuita Street include Yokosuka navy curry and Yokosuka navy burgers, with many restaurants offering them on their menus. As the name suggests, both of these foods were inspired by the military presence in the area, and they’re well worth trying – be sure to come hungry! If you’re looking for an iconic souvenir while you’re visiting this part of Yokosuka, keep your eyes peeled for stores selling Sukajan jackets. The beautiful embroidery on the jackets makes for a truly unique memento from your time here.
Mikasa Park is a destination that appeals to both nature lovers and history buffs, and it has been selected on both the 100 Best City Parks in Japan and 100 Best Historical Parks in Japan lists. One of the major drawcards to the park is the impressive display of the Mikasa battleship, which was built in the late 1890s and played an instrumental role in the Russo-Japanese War from 1904 to 1905. Sarushima (Monkey Island) is a popular local day trip destination that can also be seen from the park.
Located at Mikasa Park, the Memorial Ship Mikasa is a warship that holds a significant place in Japan’s maritime history. Built in the late 1890s and officially commissioned from 1902 to 1923, the Mikasa served as the flagship of the Japanese fleet during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 to 1905. After the Mikasa was decommissioned, it was preserved as a memorial ship from 1926 onwards. Significant restorations were undertaken in the early 1960s, and the open to the public ship is seen as a point of national pride.