Yokosuka Yaki-Yaki Festival 2027 – Japan

Overview

There are several things that Yokosuka is famous for among people in Kanagawa: the American Navy Base, the Yokosuka Navy Burger, and Yokosuka Curry. While there are several festivals in the city, the Yokosuka YY Festival YY Norimono Festa is a great chance to get up close with those two famous imported foods and with various forms of transportation that define this port city.

This festival is a mix of various different elements of Yokosuka all located in the popular Verny Park along the waterfront just outside of the Japanese Navy Self Defense Force base in Yokosuka. The festival brings together different forms of transportation and offers different areas within the park and the neighboring JSDF base and JR Yokosuka Station as well.

Verny Park is a harborfront park filled with seasonal flowers like roses, plus a wooden boardwalk and terrace cafe, named in honor of Léonce Verny, a French naval engineer who played a crucial role in Japan’s modernization by leading the construction of naval facilities in the late 1800s, including the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal. The park features over 1,700 roses of approximately 160 species and offers open and direct view of ships docked at the port, conveniently located right next to JR Yokosuka Station.

The festival area is not big and the park is quite narrow for the throngs of people visiting. However, it is worth a trip just to get onboard a working Naval ship and get a chance to eat a real Navy Burger. The event is known locally as YY Norimono Festa, where norimono means vehicles, and YY stands for Yokosuka Yaki-Yaki or Yokosuka Vehicle Festival.

Cultural Significance & Origins

The cultural significance of Yokosuka YY Festival lies in its celebration of Yokosuka’s unique identity as a city where Japanese and American naval cultures have coexisted for over 150 years.

Yokosuka’s history as a naval port began in 1865 when French engineer Léonce Verny was invited by the Tokugawa Shogunate to build the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal. After the Meiji Restoration, the arsenal became the core of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and after World War II, it became home to both the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force JMSDF and the United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

Two foods symbolize this cultural exchange. Kaigun curry literally translates to Navy curry. Kaigun karē traces its origins back to late 19th century when Japanese sailors suffered poor nutrition combined with navy’s improving technology that allowed ships to stay at sea for longer periods, unintentionally creating deteriorating health conditions from lack of protein and vitamin B deficiency causing beriberi. The Imperial Japanese Navy adopted British Royal Navy’s curry as nutritious, easy to preserve meal that could be made in large quantities. Yokosuka has officially claimed itself as a curry town since May 20, 1999, promoting dish of Kaigun Navy curry as part of city’s revitalization in partnership with Yokosuka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It was based on remarks of then JMSDF Commandant, Yokosuka District made at retiring ceremony in 1998: Popularity of curry and rice throughout Japanese dining tables is rooted in Yokosuka’s navy curry.

Yokosuka Navy Burger is more recent creation. The Navy Burger was created by Culinary Specialist 1st Class Bradley J. Fenton and joins Kaigun Curry as culinary contribution from US Navy to city of Yokosuka. It was created from recipe given to city by American Navy and now served at select restaurants in town. Yokosuka mayor and Rear Admiral James D. Kelly tried first Navy Burgers together, symbolizing friendship.

The YY Norimono Festa brings these together with transportation theme, showcasing how trains, ships, helicopters, buses, and emergency vehicles have shaped Yokosuka as port town that went from small fishing town to massive naval port.

Traditions, Rituals & Customs

The festival does not have ancient religious rituals but has developed its own modern customs.

Reusable Festival Culture: Like many Japanese festivals, visitors are expected to follow hanami picnic etiquette, sitting on designated areas, queuing in orderly lines for food, and separating trash.

Naval Ship Boarding Ritual: Perhaps the star attraction is the base that is open for visitors to enter and, better still, the opportunity to step aboard not one but two JSDF ships anchored at the base. Visitors queue in long lines, remove shoes or wear shoe covers, and follow designated routes onboard, listening to crew explanations. This open base custom is rare opportunity as JMSDF bases are normally closed.

Helicopter Viewing: Visitors also have opportunity to actually step inside real working Navy helicopter that is parked on dock, with crew members explaining controls and allowing photos.

Train Wandering Custom: In JR Yokosuka Station area, custom is to wander inside different train parked in station each day, with last year featuring Black Ship train to view. Visitors explore driver’s cab, passenger compartments, and learn about train signals.

Navy Costume Dress-up: For kids, tradition is to dress up in Navy costumes provided by JMSDF and have picture taken in front of ships docked nearby, with parents taking photos.

Navy Burger and Curry Tasting: The custom of comparing Navy Burger and Yokosuka Curry, eating both at festival to decide favorite, is popular local tradition. Many families buy both and share.

Vehicle Stamping Rally: Children collect stamps from different transportation areas, including train station, JSDF base, Verny Park emergency vehicle display, and bus display, earning small prize.

What to Expect at the Festival

Expect a compact, crowded, family-friendly transportation festival with strong naval atmosphere and excellent food.

The festival is divided into three main areas within walking distance.

JR Yokosuka Station Area: This area predictably focuses on train transportation with different train parked in station each day available for wandering inside. Just across tracks was educational area that allowed visitors to learn about train signals and more about trains and even view maintenance train. The Black Ship train, named after Commodore Perry’s black ships that arrived in nearby Uraga, is often featured.

JSDF Base: Perhaps star attraction, base open for visitors to enter. Opportunity to step aboard not one but two JSDF ships anchored at base, typically destroyers or supply ships, with sailors guiding tours. Visitors also have opportunity to actually step inside real working Navy helicopter parked on dock. There are souvenirs to be bought featuring Japanese Navy and for kids chance to dress up in Navy costumes and have picture taken in front of ships. Expect long queues of 30 to 60 minutes for ship boarding.

Verny Park: Here things become like typical Japanese festival with numerous food stands selling every imaginable Japanese festival grub. The real reasons to eat here though are aforementioned Navy Burger and Curry. Apparently, Navy Burger is burger made from recipe given to city by American Navy and now served at select restaurants in town. While 800 yen price was bit steep for just burger, it was good burger. Yokosuka Curry is also served at another tent for more reasonable price. Also located in this long narrow park were kids area featuring bouncy castle and area featuring various emergency vehicles from city of Yokosuka. Boat tours of port area are also available as well. There was even display featuring bus transportation of Yokosuka.

The area of festival is not big and park is quite narrow for throngs of people visiting. However, it is worth trip just to get onboard working Naval ship and chance to eat real Navy Burger. Rose gardens in Verny Park with 1,700 roses of 160 species provide beautiful backdrop.

Date & Schedule

Event Dates: Late May 2027 (Dates TBD)

Typical Schedule Based on Previous Editions:
Festival Hours: The Yokosuka YY Festival, also known as YY Norimono Festa, is typically held over one weekend in late May, often Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM each day. Some years it extends to include Friday afternoon.

JR Yokosuka Station Area Schedule:
9:30 AM: Station area opens, special train display opens for interior viewing. Different train parked in station each day available for wandering inside.
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM: Educational area about train signals and maintenance train viewing, with staff explaining signals and safety.
3:30 PM: Last entry to train interior.

JSDF Base Area Schedule:
9:30 AM: JMSDF Yokosuka base gate opens for visitors after security check, ID required for adults.
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM: Ship boarding open, with two JSDF ships anchored at base open for tours, last boarding around 3:00 PM. Helicopter interior viewing open with queue management.
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Navy costume dress-up for kids and souvenir shop open featuring Japanese Navy goods.
4:00 PM: Base closes to visitors.

Verny Park Area Schedule:
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM: Food stands open including Navy Burger and Yokosuka Curry tents. Navy Burger for approximately 6 USD and curry for approximately 5 USD.
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM: Kids area with bouncy castle open, emergency vehicle display, bus transportation display, and rose garden viewing.
10:00 AM to 3:30 PM: Boat tours of port area available, departing every 30 minutes, cost approximately 7 USD to 10 USD, advance sign-up required at park info booth.

Please note exact times are announced by Yokosuka City and JMSDF Yokosuka District.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Main Events & Programme

Train Transportation Showcase at JR Yokosuka Station:
Special Train Display: Different train parked in station each day available for wandering inside, such as Black Ship train decorated with Perry arrival history, or E259 series Narita Express, or local Yokosuka Line trains.
Educational Area: Just across tracks, educational area allows visitors to learn about train signals, railway safety, and view maintenance train with explanation of track inspection.
Signal Experience: Visitors can operate mock train signals and learn how railway signaling works.

JSDF Base Open Day:
Ship Boarding: Perhaps star attraction, two JMSDF ships anchored at base open for visitors. Typically JS Murasame class destroyer, JS Uraga mine sweeper, or supply ship JS Tokiwara. Visitors walk through deck, bridge, and crew areas with sailor guides.
Helicopter Display: Real working Navy helicopter such as SH-60K Seahawk parked on dock, visitors can step inside cockpit and cargo area, with pilots explaining rescue operations.
Navy Costume Experience: For kids, chance to dress up in JMSDF Navy costumes including sailor uniforms and take picture in front of ships docked nearby, with free photo service by JMSDF.
Souvenir Sales: Souvenirs featuring Japanese Navy including caps, patches, and ship models sold at base shop.
JMSDF Band Performance: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka Band performs marches and popular songs, often featuring thank you as always theme, at Verny Park stage at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Verny Park Festival Area:
Navy Burger and Curry Tasting: Main food program with Navy Burger made from US Navy recipe and Yokosuka Curry Kaigun curry served at separate tents. Burger uses beef patty, special sauce, and bun according to US Navy specification. Curry is Japanese style with beef, onions, and secret spices based on Imperial Japanese Navy recipe.
Japanese Festival Food Stalls: Numerous food stands selling every imaginable Japanese festival grub including yakisoba, takoyaki, yakitori, cotton candy, and shaved ice.
Kids Area: Bouncy castle, mini train ride, and face painting for approximately 2 USD to 4 USD per activity.
Emergency Vehicle Display: Various emergency vehicles from city of Yokosuka including fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and disaster response vehicles, with opportunity to sit inside and take photos.
Bus Transportation Display: Display featuring bus transportation of Yokosuka including Keikyu Bus and vintage buses, with interior viewing.
Boat Tours: Boat tours of port area available, offering close-up views of US Navy base ships including USS destroyers and JMSDF submarines, with guide explaining port history.

Traditional Dress, Arts & Crafts

Navy Uniforms: JMSDF sailors wear official navy blue uniforms, white summer uniforms, and working coveralls. US Navy personnel sometimes appear in US Navy uniforms during joint events.

Children’s Navy Costumes: Special small-sized JMSDF sailor costumes provided for kids to dress up, including caps with anchor emblem, navy blue shirts, and white trousers, for photo opportunities.

Verny Park Rose Art: Verny Park’s 1,700 roses of 160 species create living art, with rose arches and flower beds designed in French style honoring Léonce Verny. Rose Festival in May overlaps with YY Festival, with rose pruning demonstrations.

Train Art: Black Ship train features artwork depicting Commodore Perry’s arrival in 1853 in nearby Uraga, with historical illustrations on train body.

Ship Model Crafts: Souvenir shop sells handmade ship models, including JMSDF destroyers and US Navy ships, crafted by local model makers for approximately 15 USD to 50 USD.

Emergency Vehicle Design: Emergency vehicles displayed feature Yokosuka City emblem and custom paint with cherry blossom and anchor motifs.

Traditional Food & Local Specialties

Yokosuka Navy Burger: Burger made from recipe given to city by American Navy, now served at select restaurants in town. Official Navy Burger must use beef patty over 130 grams, special bun, lettuce, tomato, and original sauce according to city ordinance. Price at festival is approximately 6 USD, previously 800 yen. Created by Culinary Specialist 1st Class Bradley J. Fenton, it joins Kaigun Curry as culinary contribution from US Navy to city. Served with fries for approximately 2 USD extra.

Yokosuka Curry Kaigun Curry: Yokosuka City’s signature dish and nod to rich naval history. Kaigun curry traces origins back to late 19th century. Japanese sailors’ poor nutrition combined with navy’s improving technology that allowed ships to stay at sea longer created health issues. Curry was adopted as nutritious meal. Yokosuka has officially claimed itself as curry town since May 20, 1999. Festival curry served with rice, beef, and pickles for approximately 5 USD, more reasonable than burger. Authentic version includes milk and salad as served in navy.

Japanese Festival Grub: Verny Park food stands sell every imaginable Japanese festival food including takoyaki octmodel balls for approximately 4 USD, yakisoba fried noodles for approximately 5 USD, yakitori chicken skewers for approximately 3 USD, okonomiyaki for approximately 6 USD, and cotton candy for approximately 3 USD.

Yokosuka Local Sweets: Yokosuka is known for cheesecake and cherry-blossom-themed sweets due to Verny Park roses, sold at stalls for approximately 3 USD to 5 USD.

Craft Beer and Drinks: Local Yokosuka craft beer and American soft drinks sold for approximately 4 USD to 6 USD, reflecting US base influence.

Location & Festival Areas

Primary Venue: Verny Park, 1-1 Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture 238-0041, Japan. Harborfront park filled with seasonal flowers, wooden boardwalk, and terrace cafe, along waterfront just outside Japanese Navy Self Defense Force base in Yokosuka. The park is long narrow park stretching approximately 500 meters along waterfront.

Secondary Venues:
JR Yokosuka Station Area: JR Yokosuka Station, 1-1 Hemi-cho, Yokosuka, located immediately adjacent to Verny Park, with special train display on platform and educational area across tracks.
JMSDF Yokosuka Base: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka District Headquarters, adjacent to Verny Park, with ships anchored at base piers visible from park. Base entrance for festival is via Verny Park gate with security check.

Area Connections: All three areas are within 5 minutes walk of each other, with festival maps guiding visitors between train, base, and park.

Surrounding Area: Dobuita Street, famous for Yokosuka navy curry and navy burger restaurants, is 10 minutes walk from Verny Park. US Navy base main gate area is nearby but not part of festival.

Getting to the Festival

By Train: Take JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Yokosuka Station, approximately 75 minutes from Tokyo, cost approximately 6 USD to 8 USD, or take Keikyu Line from Shinagawa to Shioiri Station, approximately 60 minutes, cost approximately 5 USD to 7 USD, then walk 10 minutes to Verny Park. From Yokohama, take JR Yokosuka Line to Yokosuka Station, approximately 35 minutes, cost approximately 4 USD. Verny Park is right next to JR Yokosuka Station, with highlight being few places in Yokosuka that have such open and direct view of ships docked at port and also open to public.

From Shinagawa: Keikyu Line rapid service to Yokosuka-Chuo Station, then bus or walk 15 minutes to Verny Park.

By Car: Take Yokohama-Yokosuka Road to Yokosuka Interchange, then Route 16 to Shioiri area. Parking around Verny Park is extremely limited during festival as park is narrow for throngs. Use paid parking at Daiei Mall now AEON Mall right next to Verny Park, fee approximately 2 USD to 3 USD per hour, or at Yokosuka-Chuo Station area.

On Foot: From Shioiri Station on Keikyu Line, walk 10 minutes along waterfront to Verny Park.

Accessibility: Verny Park has flat boardwalk accessible for wheelchairs. JR Yokosuka Station has elevators. JSDF base has some steps for ship boarding, may be difficult for wheelchairs, but helicopter viewing area is flat.

Where to Stay Nearby

Yokosuka is day-trip city from Tokyo and Yokohama, but overnight options available.

Yokosuka Central Area: Hotels such as Hotel New Yokosuka, Mercure Hotel Yokosuka, and Central Hotel Yokosuka offer rooms for approximately 70 USD to 120 USD per night and are 10 to 15 minutes walk to Verny Park.

Yokosuka-Chuo Area: Business hotels including APA Hotel Yokosuka-Chuo and Hotel Hokke Club Yokosuka offer rooms for approximately 60 USD to 100 USD per night, close to Dobuita Street curry restaurants.

Yokohama Base: Many visitors stay in Yokohama, with hotels such as APA Hotel Yokohama Bay Tower and Hotel New Grand for approximately 80 USD to 150 USD per night, 35 minutes train ride to Yokosuka.

Tokyo Base: Staying in Tokyo with day trip to Yokosuka is common, with Tokyo hotels for approximately 100 USD to 200 USD per night and 75 minutes train ride.

Budget Options: Guesthouses and hostels in Yokosuka such as Yokosuka Guest House charge approximately 30 USD to 50 USD per night.

Early booking recommended for rose festival period in May as Verny Park rose festival coincides.

What Visitors Can Participate In

Ship Boarding: Visitors can step aboard not one but two JSDF ships anchored at base, walking through decks with guided explanations, requiring ID check and security screening. Queue early for less wait.

Helicopter Interior Tour: Visitors can actually step inside real working Navy helicopter parked on dock, sitting in pilot seats and taking photos, with crew explaining controls.

Train Interior Exploration: Visitors can wander inside different train parked in JR Yokosuka Station each day, such as Black Ship train, exploring driver’s cab and passenger seats.

Navy Costume Dress-up: For kids, chance to dress up in Navy costumes and have picture taken in front of ships docked nearby, free, with JMSDF staff helping with costume and photography.

Navy Burger and Curry Tasting: Visitors can purchase and eat authentic Navy Burger and Yokosuka Curry at Verny Park tents, comparing flavors and voting in unofficial taste contest.

Emergency Vehicle Experience: Visitors, especially children, can sit inside fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances from city of Yokosuka, with staff explaining equipment and allowing siren demonstration.

Boat Tours: Visitors can join boat tours of port area, offering close-up views of US Navy and JMSDF ships including submarines and destroyers, with guide explaining naval history, cost approximately 7 USD to 10 USD, sign-up required.

Stamp Rally: Children can collect stamps from train, base, park, and bus areas to earn certificate.

Things to Do Before or After the Festival

Verny Park Rose Viewing: Before or after festival, enjoy Verny Park’s 1,700 roses of 160 species in full bloom during May Rose Festival, with French-style gardens honoring Léonce Verny, free.

Dobuita Street: Visit Dobuita Street, famous for Yokosuka navy curry and navy burger restaurants, with many restaurants offering them on menus, plus military souvenir shops selling sukajan souvenir jackets. Located 10 minutes walk from Verny Park.

Yokosuka Naval Port: Take additional boat tours or visit Mikasa Park with Battleship Mikasa, flagship of Admiral Togo in Russo-Japanese War, admission approximately 4 USD.

Sarushima Island: Take ferry from Mikasa Pier to Sarushima, uninhabited island with historic fortress ruins, beach, and hiking trails, ferry cost approximately 10 USD round trip.

Uraga and Kannonzaki: Visit Uraga where Commodore Perry’s Black Ships arrived in 1853, and Kannonzaki Lighthouse.

Yokosuka Art Museum: Visit Yokosuka Museum of Art near Kannonzaki with ocean views, admission approximately 3 USD to 5 USD.

Daiei Mall Shopping: AEON Mall formerly Daiei Mall right next to Verny Park has shops including one where you can buy Yokosuka navy curry retort packs as souvenir for approximately 5 USD to 8 USD.

Local Food & Restaurants

During Festival: Verny Park food stands offer Navy Burger for approximately 6 USD and Yokosuka Curry for approximately 5 USD, plus typical Japanese festival grub including yakisoba, takoyaki, and yakitori.

Yokosuka Navy Curry Restaurants: Many restaurants along Dobuita Street serve Yokosuka navy curry as signature dish. Yokosuka Navy Curry Honpo Restaurant offers unique dining experience with international curry options and nautical-themed ambiance, roots trace back to Japanese Imperial Navy where it served simple healthy food to sailors. Curry served with milk and salad as in navy tradition, price approximately 7 USD to 10 USD.

Navy Burger Restaurants: Select restaurants in town serve official Navy Burger from recipe given by American Navy. Restaurants such as TSUNAMI and Honey Bee serve burgers for approximately 8 USD to 12 USD including fries, with large portions.

Dobuita Street Eateries: Dobuita Street offers diverse eateries including curry shops, burger joints, American diners, and izakaya serving US base influenced dishes like tacos and steaks for approximately 8 USD to 15 USD.

Verny Park Cafe: Terrace cafe in Verny Park offers coffee for approximately 3 USD to 4 USD and light meals with views of ships.

Convenience Stores: Lawson and FamilyMart near JR Yokosuka Station sell drinks and snacks for approximately 1 USD to 3 USD.

Ticket Information & Access

Festival Admission: The Yokosuka YY Festival is free to enter at all three areas, Verny Park, JR Yokosuka Station display, and JSDF base open day. No ticket required for general entry.

Ship Boarding: Boarding JSDF ships is free but requires security check with ID such as driver’s license or passport for adults. No advance reservation, first-come first-served with queue.

Train Display: Wandering inside special train at JR Yokosuka Station is free, no ticket required beyond normal train station entry.

Food Costs: Navy Burger at festival costs approximately 6 USD, previously 800 yen price noted as bit steep but good burger. Yokosuka Curry costs approximately 5 USD, more reasonable. Other festival foods cost approximately 3 USD to 6 USD per item.

Boat Tours: Boat tours of port area cost approximately 7 USD to 10 USD per person, sign-up at Verny Park info booth, limited seats.

Kids Activities: Bouncy castle and mini train ride cost approximately 2 USD to 4 USD per ride, emergency vehicle display free.

Parking: Parking at AEON Mall next to Verny Park costs approximately 2 USD to 3 USD per hour, all-day maximum approximately 10 USD to 12 USD.

Official Event Information

The festival is organized by Yokosuka City, JMSDF Yokosuka District, and JR East Yokohama Branch.

Official Website URL as text: https://en.japantravel.com/kanagawa/yokosuka-yy-festival/1436

Yokosuka City Official Tourism URL as text: https://www.cocoyoko.net/

JMSDF Yokosuka District Official URL as text: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/yokosuka/

Verny Park Official URL as text: https://www.city.yokosuka.kanagawa.jp/4605/sisetu/fc00001092.html

Location Address as text: Verny Park, 1-1 Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture 238-0041, Japan, along waterfront just outside Japanese Navy Self Defense Force base, plus JR Yokosuka Station, 1-1 Hemi-cho, Yokosuka, and JMSDF Yokosuka Base.

Phone Number as text: 046-822-8301 Yokosuka City Tourism Division, and 046-822-4000 JMSDF Yokosuka District general affairs

Access Information: Conveniently located right next to JR Yokosuka Station, with open and direct view of ships docked at port.

Rose Festival Note: May brings Rose Festival in Verny Park, with June and maybe August bringing Norimono Festival along with open day for Japanese naval base.

Location

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