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Yokosuka City straddles the Miura Peninsula, with its less-populated west coast facing Sagami Bay with views of Mount Fuji, while the east coast is urbanized and faces the busy shipping lanes going into Tokyo Bay. There is a hill which overlooks the downtown and harbor area of Yokosuka, and it is the site of 平和中央公園 ("Heiwa Chuo Koen" or Central Peace Park, in English.) Back during Japan's Meiji era (1868~1912), due to its unobstructed view of Tokyo Bay, the hill was fortified, and a Japanese Imperial Army coastal artillery facility was built there -- called: "Yonegahama Battery." The site was demilitarized after World War II, and then in 1970, it was converted into a public park. Central Peace Park is a nice green & breezy place to go for a jog, walk, or picnic, and it provides spectacular views of the city below and out over Tokyo Bay and its surroundings. There are several interesting monuments, including a statue of one of the first commanders of Yokosuka Navy Base, Captain Benny Decker, and during early spring weeks many blooming cherry blossom trees can be seen. Recently, a small playground area for children has been added. Located adjacent to the park are Yokosuka Cultural Hall and Yokosuka Museum of Nature and Human Culture, and there is a large surrounding parking lot, so access by car is possible. In summary, this scenic hilltop park, located close to the Yokosuka downtown area and the navy base, is a great place to "get away from it all" for a while and just to enjoy and relax. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please give us a call.

written by Goodfield