JAPAN USA Friendship Base History Tour
Join us for the JAPAN USA Friendship Base History Tour, taking place in October and November 2024. This unique tour offers an exclusive opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural ties between Japan and the U.S. through guided visits to significant sites within the U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base and the surrounding area. Don’t miss this chance to delve into the fascinating history that has shaped the relationship between these two nations.
- About Japan USA Friendship Base History Tour 2024
- [1] Application Method and Schedule for Lottery and Registration
- [2] Tour Schedule and Overview
- [3] Two-Stage Application Process
- [4] Additional Notes
- [5] Apply Here
- [6] Optional Tours – Indicate Your Interest in Advance
- [7] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- [8] Contact Information
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About Japan USA Friendship Base History Tour 2024
The JAPAN USA Friendship Base History Tour (hereafter referred to as the Base Tour) provides a rare opportunity to enter the usually restricted U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base. During the tour, participants will visit historical sites related to the “Yokosuka Iron Works” and the “Old Navy,” while experiencing American lifestyle and culture.
Due to its popularity, participation in the tour is determined by lottery. Please note the schedule for application, lottery, and registration as detailed below.
Additionally, starting from 2024, optional tours have been introduced to enhance your experience of Yokosuka. These optional tours will provide deeper insights into Yokosuka’s history beyond the base’s historical spots. Details can be found under [6] Optional Tours.
Organizer
Yokosuka City Tourist Association
Co-Organizer
Yokosuka City
Support
U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base
Official Websites
[1] Application Method and Schedule for Lottery and Registration
Applications will not be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis but through a lottery system. Please apply within the specified period below.
The application process involves two stages: application (lottery) → (if selected) formal registration.
*Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.
*Applications via postcards or phone calls are not accepted.
| Date | Overview | Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| July 19 (Friday) 10:00 AM – | Application Opens | Apply via the Yokosuka City Tourist Association website |
| August 9 (Friday) 5:00 PM | Application Deadline | |
| August 20 (Tuesday) 5:00 PM | Notification of lottery results (by email) | Winners will receive a URL for formal registration |
| August 20 (Tuesday) to September 6 (Friday) 5:00 PM | Formal Registration Period for Winners | Complete formal registration and payment via the website. |
| October 26 (Saturday) November 17 (Sunday) | Tour Day | Please remember to bring your U.S. Navy ID. |
[2] Tour Schedule and Overview
Tour Dates
October 26 (Saturday) and November 17 (Sunday)
*Each day will have three groups (40 people per group).
*Lottery results will be emailed to the representative by August 20 (Tuesday) 5:00 PM.
Assembly Time
Varies by group (see details below)
Meeting Point
In front of JR Yokosuka Station ticket gate
JAPAN USA Friendship Base History Tour Itinerary (October and November)
1. Check-in
JR Yokosuka Station
2. Walk and Explore
Verny Park (Approx. 30 minutes)
3. Bus Ride
To U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base
- Old Yokosuka Naval District Headquarters and Conference Hall (Disembark)
- Chief Petty Officer Club (Disembark)
- Dry Docks 1-3 (Disembark)
- Small Coast Wall (Disembark)
- Dry Dock 6 (View from bus)
- Food Court (Disembark for lunch)
- Kosano Park (Interaction with U.S. personnel)
4. Departure
From the Base
5. Shopping
Strawberry Yokosuka Port Market
6. Disband
At Keikyu Yokosuka Chuo Station or JR Yokosuka Station
Tour Cost
¥5,000 per person
Includes
- Bus fare
- Guide fee
- Headset rental
- Materials
- Insurance
- Administrative fees
Note
- Lunch is free at the base food court.
- No entry fees or additional costs for U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base.
- The itinerary is subject to change due to base requirements.
Departure and Disbanding Times (Applies for both dates)
| Group | Departure from JR Yokosuka Station | Disbanding at JR Yokosuka Station |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 9:00 AM | Around 2:30 PM |
| Group 2 | 9:30 AM | Around 3:00 PM |
| Group 3 | 10:00 AM | Around 3:30 PM |
1. Departure times are the same for October and November.
2. You cannot choose your group, but those wishing to join the optional tour will be assigned to Group 1.
3. Group assignments will be included in the lottery notification.
4. Check-in starts 30 minutes before departure. Guides will begin the Verny Park tour as participants complete check-in.
Tour Participation Conditions
- Must be a Japanese national, elementary school age or older (minors must be accompanied by a guardian).
- Must be able to tour independently without assistance (no staff available for sign language interpretation, braille guidance, or walking assistance).
- The representative must be able to complete the application and payment online via credit card. No bank transfers accepted.
- Must agree to participate in a survey about the tour.
- Must consent to provide personal information to the U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base for entry approval.
Note: Incorrect information at the time of application may result in denied entry.
[3] Two-Stage Application Process
Stage 1: Application and Lottery
- Applications are only accepted via the online form.
- Postcards, emails, phone calls, FAX, or in-person applications are not accepted.
- Information required: [Name (Kanji and Romanized), Date of Birth (Year, Month, Day), Age, Gender, Address, Nationality, Contact Information (email address and phone number)].
- Maximum of 4 applicants per group.
- Lottery results will be emailed to the representative by August 20 (Tuesday) 5:00 PM.
Stage 2: Formal Registration
- Only winners from Stage 1 need to complete this stage.
- An email with a registration link will be sent to winners.
- Complete registration and payment via the link before the specified deadline.
Agreement to the following conditions is required:
1. Application via PC or smartphone.
2. Payment by credit card only.
3. All participant details are needed.
4. Only Japanese nationals can participate.
5. Review the “Tour Participation Conditions.”
Formal Registration Deadline: September 6 (Friday) 5:00 PM
Late registrations will be considered as withdrawal.
[4] Additional Notes
Application Notes
- Applications will be rejected if conditions are not met, or if there are errors in the representative’s information.
- Duplicate applications are not accepted.
- Only one application per person is allowed.
What to Bring on the Day
- ID: Passport (valid), My Number Card with photo (valid), Resident Basic Card with photo (valid), Driver’s License (valid) with additional documents (police certificate or residence certificate), or other specified IDs.
- Children under elementary school age are not required to bring ID. Middle and high school students need a student ID with photo. University students should bring valid ID from the list.
Cancellation Fees
- Cancellation fees apply from 10 days before the tour date. Contact Yokosuka City Tourist Association to cancel.
- Cancellation fees: ¥1,000 (20%), ¥1,500 (30%), ¥2,000 (40%), ¥2,500 (50%), ¥5,000 (100%) for no-show or unnotified absence.
[5] Apply Here
Applications are accepted via Google Forms.
Access the form through the link below and enter the required information.
Application Period July 19 (Friday) 10:00 AM – August 9 (Friday) 5:00 PM
Lottery Result Notification August 20 (Tuesday) 5:00 PM
Successful applicants must complete formal registration and payment by the given deadline. Details will be provided in the lottery result notification.
[6] Optional Tours – Indicate Your Interest in Advance
Following the Base Tour, we offer optional tours at an additional cost.
Optional Tour Details
Tour Name
Exploring the Old Navy War Ruins (3.5 hours)
Cost
¥3,900 per person (including tax)
- This is a limited optional tour for Base Tour participants.
- Interest in optional tours will be solicited during the application process.
- The optional tour will not be affiliated with the U.S. Navy Yokosuka Base.
Optional Tour Itinerary
1. 2:30 PM Depart from JR Yokosuka Station
2. Navy Arsenal Buildings View from bus
3. Third Seaward Fort Remains 20 minutes
4. Kaiyama Underground Ruins 45 minutes
5. 5:30 PM Arrive at JR Yokosuka Station
Highlights
Kaiyama Underground Bunker
The underground tunnels dug during World War II are located within Kaiyama Green Space in the Oppama area. These hand-dug tunnels are said to extend over approximately 2 kilometers. Remnants of rooms, likely used as warehouses or meeting rooms, as well as traces of old cooking stoves, can still be seen. Currently, a part of the tunnels is open to the public only with guided tours. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore them.
3rd Naval Fort Remnants
“Kaibou” refers to artillery fortifications built on artificial islands in the sea. The Third Kaibou was located in the waters of Yokosuka City. Among the three Kaibou, it was the deepest with a depth of approximately 39 meters. The construction was extremely challenging, taking 29 years from 1892 (Meiji 25) to complete. However, just two years after its completion, the Great Kanto Earthquake caused extensive damage, turning the artificial island into a reef. Since 2000, dismantling operations have been underway, and some of the salvaged structures are now preserved and displayed in Yokosuka City. The Third Kaibou has also been recognized as one of Japan’s Cultural Heritage assets.
Navy Arsenal Buildings
The old Arsenal Building, now used as an office by a company, survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and is one of the very few structures from before the earthquake that remain. It is a valuable building that preserves the appearance of the Arsenal Department from the Taisho era.
[7] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For FAQs about the JAPAN USA Friendship Base History Tour, please refer to the PDF provided.
https://yokosuka-kanko.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pdf
[8] Contact Information
Yokosuka City Tourism Association
Kanagawa Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-1063 (Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents)
Address 8th Floor, Asahi Yokosuka Building, 13-1 Ogawa-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 238-0004
Contact Information
Phone 046-822-8256 (Weekdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed on weekends and public holidays)
Fax 046-827-1682
Email yokosuka-info2020@yokosuka-kanko.com
Accommodations
https://yokosuka-kanko.com/accommodations
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