Spring in Yokosuka is the perfect time for a unique experience!
The highly anticipated “Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025” will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025. On this special day, the U.S. Navy Base in Yokosuka—normally closed to the public—will open its gates, offering visitors the chance to enjoy authentic American food, thrilling live performances, and exclusive ship tours.

This rare opportunity only happens in spring! Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind festival where the U.S. and Japan come together for a day of excitement, culture, and unforgettable memories!

What is the Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025?

A Celebrated Japan-US Friendship Event in Springtime Yokosuka

The Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival is a highly anticipated annual event that takes place every spring in Yokosuka. For one special day, the U.S. Navy Base in Yokosuka, which is normally closed to the public, will open its gates—offering a rare chance for visitors to experience the strong cultural ties between Japan and the United States.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of exciting activities, including authentic American food stalls, live performances, and exclusive ship tours. A major highlight of the festival is the mouthwatering selection of American favorites—juicy hamburgers, cheesy pizza, and smoky BBQ—making it a must-visit attraction every spring.

A Rare Opportunity to Explore the U.S. Navy Base in Yokosuka

As one of the most important U.S. military bases in Japan, the Yokosuka Naval Base is usually off-limits to the public. However, during the Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival, selected areas of the base will be specially opened, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unique naval atmosphere for a day.

As you step onto the base, the scent of sizzling barbecue and fresh pizza fills the air, while the sounds of live music and the cheers of excited festival-goers create an unforgettable atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, including entertaining stage events, interactive games, ship tours, and an electrifying live performance by the Seventh Fleet Band.

Year after year, thousands of visitors flock to Yokosuka to take part in this beloved spring tradition, celebrating the friendship between Japan and the U.S. Whether you’re a fan of military history, American culture, or simply looking for a fun-filled day, this event offers something for everyone.

⚠️ Identification Required for Entry

To enter the event, all visitors must present a valid form of identification as specified by the U.S. Navy Base in Yokosuka. Entry will not be permitted without the required identification, so please make sure that everyone in your group has the necessary documents before arriving.

Note: A driver’s license alone will not be accepted for entry.

Additionally, entry into the venue and participation in activities such as ship tours may be subject to height restrictions, dress code regulations, and specific ID requirements. Please check the official Yokosuka City website (Japanese) for the most up-to-date entry guidelines before attending.

Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025

Event Details (Date, Location & Access)

📅 Event Date & Schedule

●Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
●Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (subject to cancellation in case of severe weather)
🚨 Last Admission: 3:30 PM – No entry allowed after this time.

🚨 Note: The event may be canceled due to weather conditions. Please check the official website for updates before attending.

📍 Venue – U.S. Navy Base Yokosuka

This event takes place at the U.S. Navy Base in Yokosuka, where selected areas will be specially opened to the public for the festival.

Entry & Exit Gates:

Mikasa Park Gate
⏰ Open: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (final entry at 3:30 PM)

Temporary Womble Gate
⏰ Open: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (final entry at 1:00 PM)

🚨 Important Notes:
⚫︎Please decide which gate to use and join the designated entry queue accordingly.
⚫︎Entry queues may close early, and event hours are subject to change at the discretion of base authorities. Please plan accordingly.

How to Get There

🚉 By Train:

⚫︎Keikyu Line: Approx. 15-minute walk from Shioiri Station or Yokosuka-Chuo Station
⚫︎JR Line: Approx. 25-minute walk from Yokosuka Station

🚌 By Bus:

⚫︎The Mikasa Park Shuttle Bus is a convenient option for getting to the event site.

🚗 🚫 No Parking Available

⚫︎No parking is available at or near the venue. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation.

📞 Contact Information

For General Event Inquiries:

Yokosuka City Culture, Sports & Tourism Division
📞 Phone: 046-822-8567 (Weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM)

For Event Status & Cancellations on the Day of the Event:

Yokosuka City Call Center
📞 Phone: 046-822-4000 (Available from 7:00 AM on the event day)

🚨 For the latest updates, please check the official event website:
👉 www.cocoyoko.net/event/spring-fes.html(Japanese)

🔔 Event updates will also be shared on Yokosuka City’s official X (formerly Twitter).

⚠️ Event Participation Guidelines

Attending the Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025 requires compliance with specific regulations set by the U.S. Navy Base in Yokosuka. Please review the following guidelines carefully before attending.

🚪 Entry Requirements

A valid identification document designated by the U.S. Navy Base is required for entry.

🚫 Driver’s licenses alone are NOT accepted.

⚫︎Visitors without the required identification will not be permitted to enter. Please ensure that every attendee has the necessary documentation.

⚫︎Visitors who are neither Japanese nor U.S. citizens may not be allowed entry depending on the results of the nationality verification process conducted by the U.S. Navy Base.

Prohibited Items & Activities

🚫 The following items and activities are strictly prohibited:

⚫︎Entry with skateboards, bicycles, or similar transportation devices is not permitted.
⚫︎Flying drones within the base or in the surrounding area is strictly prohibited.
⚫︎Fireworks, explosives, and hazardous materials are not allowed.
⚫︎Alcoholic beverages and glass bottles are prohibited.
⚫︎Pets (dogs, cats, etc.) are NOT allowed inside the base.

🐶 Service dogs (guide dogs, assistance dogs, and hearing dogs) are permitted ONLY if accompanied by both the handler and an additional escort. The handler must present an official service dog certificate or identification on the event day.

Transportation & Parking Information

🚗 There is no parking available at the venue or in the surrounding area.
Please use public transportation to attend the event.

🚫 Strictly Prohibited Items

The following items are not allowed inside the venue under any circumstances:

⚫︎Carry-on suitcases & large luggage (including suitcases)
⚫︎Tents
⚫︎Binoculars & telescopes
⚫︎Folding tables
⚫︎Large cameras & video cameras

⚠️ Items Allowed Under Certain Conditions

These items may be brought in, but only under specific conditions:

⚫︎Cooler boxes → Allowed only if they can be carried with one hand and do not have wheels.
⚫︎Cameras & video cameras → Only compact, handheld models are allowed.
⚫︎Silver carts (assistive walkers) → Allowed only for individuals who require them for physical support.

✅ Items That ARE Allowed

The following items are permitted at the venue:

⚫︎Baby strollers & buggies (Outdoor carts, including camping wagons, are NOT allowed.)
⚫︎Water bottles (Only if they do not contain alcohol)
⚫︎Folding chairs
⚫︎Tripods for cameras
⚫︎Cigarettes (including e-cigarettes) and lighters

🚨 Important Notes

⚫︎All attendees are subject to baggage inspection upon entry.
⚫︎Prohibited items cannot be stored at the venue. If an item is not allowed, you will need to dispose of it or leave it outside the event area.

🚗 Reminder: No parking is available near the venue. Please use public transportation.

🚢 Tentative Ship Tour – Get an Exclusive Look at U.S. Navy Vessels!

The Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025 offers a rare opportunity to see U.S. Navy ships up close, an experience not usually available to the public. Specific boarding requirements apply, including a minimum height of 120 cm.

⚫︎ Visitors must present a valid ID before boarding. Please ensure you have the necessary identification with you.
⚫︎ Expect long wait times. Large crowds gather for ship tours every year, often leading to significant delays. Due to high demand, ship tour registration often closes around 1:00 PM, depending on the crowd size.

■ Ship Tour Rules & Safety Guidelines

🔹 Eligibility:
⚫︎ Minimum height requirement: 120 cm

🔹 The following individuals CANNOT board for safety reasons:
⚫︎ Those who cannot walk unassisted (wheelchairs, canes, or walkers are not allowed)
⚫︎ Anyone under the influence of alcohol
⚫︎ Pregnant individuals
⚫︎ Those wearing high heels or roller shoes
⚫︎ Those wearing kimono or yukata

【⚠️ Important Boarding Rules & Restrictions】

１. ID check is required before boarding. Please carry your ID at all times.
２. No smoking or eating/drinking is allowed.
３. Parents/guardians must always keep an eye on their children.
４. No restrooms are available on board.
５. Running is strictly prohibited.
６. Follow the designated route. Reversing direction along the route is not allowed.
７. No smartphone use while walking.
８. Watch your step! Be cautious of uneven surfaces. Always hold onto the handrails when using stairs.
９. Large bags are not allowed. Leaving personal belongings unattended is prohibited.
10. No tripods allowed. Photography is permitted.
11. Follow all instructions given by event staff.
12. Enjoy your time on board!

🚨 Disclaimer: The U.S. Navy assumes no responsibility for injuries or accidents that may occur during the ship tour.

🆔 Important Information Regarding Identification – Please Read Carefully

To ensure security, all visitors entering the U.S. Navy Base Yokosuka for the Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025 will undergo identity verification and security screening, including baggage inspection and metal detector checks.

This process ensures the security of the base by verifying attendees’ identities and preventing prohibited items, such as hazardous materials and alcohol, from being brought inside.

⚠️ Identity Verification Requirements

⚫︎ Visitors must present a valid government-issued identification document that includes nationality, as designated by the U.S. military.
⚫︎ Entry to the base will not be permitted if identity and nationality cannot be verified with an accepted ID.
⚫︎ Passports and other officially designated ID documents are required.

🚨 Important Notes About Identification

⚫︎ Driver’s licenses alone are NOT accepted for entry.
⚫︎ Health insurance cards cannot be used as identification.
⚫︎ Only the listed identification documents below will be accepted.
⚫︎ Identification documents with an expiration date must be valid on the day of the event.
⚫︎ Only original documents will be accepted. Photocopies are strictly prohibited.
⚫︎ Children under the age of 12 (regardless of nationality) do NOT need to present identification.
⚫︎ All ages listed refer to the age as of the event date.

🆔 Required Identification for Entry (Bring ONE from categories A to D)

To enter the Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025, you must present one of the following official identification documents. Please ensure that your ID is valid and meets the specified requirements.

A. Single-document verification (Present ONE from the list below)

⚫︎ My Number Card (For Japanese nationals only. Notification cards are NOT accepted.)
⚫︎ Basic Resident Registration Card (For Japanese nationals only. No longer issued.)
⚫︎ Passport (For foreign nationals, only passports with a valid residence permit stamp are accepted. Entry may still be denied based on base regulations after identity verification.)
⚫︎ Residence Card (Special Permanent Resident Certificate is also accepted. Entry may still be denied based on base regulations after identity verification.)

※ Identification documents must be valid on the day of entry.

B. Driver’s License + ONE additional document from a–d (TWO documents required)

⚫︎ Driver’s License (Only for Japanese nationals. Must be issued in Japan and valid at the time of entry.)
⚫︎ PLUS one of the following supporting documents (a–d):
a. Resident Record (Juminhyo) with registered domicile
b. Family Register Individual Record (Koseki Kojin Jiko Shomeisho)
c. Full Family Register Record (Koseki Zenbu Jiko Shomeisho)
d. Police-Issued Registration Certificate or Domicile Confirmation Sheet (The document name may vary depending on the police station.)

C. Disability Certificate + ONE additional document from a–c (TWO documents required)

⚫︎ Physical Disability Certificate (Must be valid at the time of entry.)
⚫︎ PLUS one of the following supporting documents (a–c):
a. Resident Record (Juminhyo) with registered domicile
b. Family Register Individual Record (Koseki Kojin Jiko Shomeisho)
c. Full Family Register Record (Koseki Zenbu Jiko Shomeisho)

D. Student ID + ONE additional document from a–c (TWO documents required)

⚫︎ Student ID with Photo / School Handbook (Only for Japanese middle and high school students aged 13–18.)
⚫︎ PLUS one of the following supporting documents (a–c):
a. Resident Record (Juminhyo) with registered domicile
b. Family Register Individual Record (Koseki Kojin Jiko Shomeisho)
c. Full Family Register Record (Koseki Zenbu Jiko Shomeisho)

E. Identification is NOT required for children aged 12 and under

⚫︎ Children aged 12 and under do not need to present identification, regardless of nationality.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

◆ If entering as a family, can we submit one Juminhyo (Resident Record) with registered domicile for all members, or does each person need their own?

→ If all family members enter together, one Juminhyo (Resident Record) with registered domicile for the entire family is acceptable. However, please note that for ship tours, identity verification will be required again.

If family members plan to separate inside the base, the Resident Record must be carried by those participating in the ship tour.

◆ My Juminhyo (Resident Record) only lists the domicile up to the prefecture level. Is that acceptable?

→ Yes, this is not a problem. The format of domicile listings may vary by municipality, but as long as the domicile section includes a valid Japanese address, it will be accepted.

◆ What kind of ID should Non-Japanese nationality guests bring?

→ Foreign nationals must bring a valid passport (with a residence permit stamp) or a Residence Card (Special Permanent Resident Certificate is also accepted).

⚠️ Entry is subject to U.S. Navy regulations, even after ID verification.

◆ I am 13–18 years old but don’t have a physical student ID. What should I do?

→ Please prepare one of the identification documents listed under Category A or C.

◆ Yokosuka Residents: Long Wait Times Expected at Yakusho-ya Chuo Branch

→ On the day of the event, obtaining a Juminhyo (Resident Record) with registered domicile at Yakusho-ya Chuo Branch may take 1–2 hours. Please plan ahead and obtain the necessary documents in advance.

📢 Event Updates & Contact Information

For the latest updates on the Japan-US Friendship Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025, please check the official website or contact the relevant offices below.

📞 For General Event Inquiries

Yokosuka City Culture, Sports & Tourism Division
📞 Phone: 046-822-8567 (Weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM)

📌 For further details, please check the official website:
👉 www.cocoyoko.net/event/spring-fes.html　(Japanese)　

👉 U.S. Navy Event Announcement – Seahawk Umitaka

Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025

🔔 Event updates will also be posted on Yokosuka City’s official X account (formerly Twitter).

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