My first Trip to Yokosuka

[lindav]

I need help with organizing my trip to Yokosuka, Japan to visit my son in March/April for 2 weeks.

Basically, I need to know everything, I will be flying out from Ft Lauderdale, FL mostly likely thru LAX to Tokyo. Please advise on how to get to Yokosuka which way is the best way NAVY Shuttle bus or taking a train, prices for both choices and time travel, which hotels you recommend and since I am making such a long journey I would like to see the rest of Japan's attactions. Perhaps there is tour company in Yokosuka that offers sighseeing tours across Japan, for ex. I would like to see Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto, etc. My son just moved there 2 months ago so he doesn'y have any info for my questions.

Please help with these arrangements, I would like to start putting my trip together ASAP.

Can't wait to see my baby. Love him and miss him so much.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

[angeldi999]

Hi, it appears your son got there about the same time as my son...mid August?  I can't give you any information about logistics, unfortunately because I have not been there but do plan to visit also perhaps about this time next year.  So curious what you come up with. 

Diane

[lindav]

I will do that

[NavyMomx2]

I went to Yokosuka last year (April).  I flew into Tokyo and my daughter met me at the airport (direct flight from DC to Tokyo).  She arranged for us to take the shuttle to the base.  While I was there, the weather was cool and very rainy and sometimes foggy.  We did not go to Fuji but we did go to Yokohama, Hase (to see the Buddha) and just all around Yokosuka.  Have your son check with MWR on base about day trips, etc.  I stayed at the BOQ on base, which was very close to my daughter's barracks.  It was affordable and not nearly as expensive as staying at a hotel in town.  I had a little suite that had a kitchen area, living room and bedroom.  I do not remember the pricing but it was definitely good.  Have your son check with other sailors who have been there for awhile about everything.  Hope the information helps.

[lindav]

Thank you for your advice, I will tell my son to check things out, he is on the ship right now

[NavyMomx2]

You are most welcome.  Hope you have a wonderful trip.  I only stayed for a week - it went by very quickly but that's all the time my daughter was able to get.  Enjoy.

[lindav]

Is it safe to be traveling by myself there

[NavyMomx2]

From what I've seen, it is very safe.  I didn't really need to go out and about alone - I was always with my daughter.  Of course, the base is secure and having been a military spouse once and having lived on base and worked on a base for more than 17 years, I am fairly comfortable with everything.  Also worked in Iraq as a civilian so I was very comfortable.  Have a super time! 

[lindav]

Thank you, I guess after Iraq everything sounds safe

[NavyMomx2]

Actually, Iraq wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  But I was confined to a Marine base, surrounding by troops from all services who always carried weapons!  It was an amazing experience.  In fact, I went over there to work twice !!!

Anyway, I'm sure you will have a wonderful time in Yokosuka and surrounding areas.  Enjoy yourself.

[Anti M]

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.   In 12 years, I was only bothered a couple times, by drunken business men, and then they were easy to scare off.  I never heard of pickpockets, and things such as lost wallets and purses on trains generally get back to the owner still full of cash. People off base leave their doors unlocked.   

Most of the theft near the base is by sailors or dependent teenager kids.  

 

Bikes and umbrellas though, those are fair game!

[lindav]

Thank you for your reply, I look forward in seeing my son and that part of the world

[katlanta]

Hi - I would definitely by a Japan book like Fodor's.  I just came back from Japan - last week of Aug into Sept. - I was there one week.  My son kept me hopping.  If your son can get you on the shuttle from the airport, that is the ideal.  I believe your son will have to meet you at the airport in order for you to get on that bus tho.  My son met me and had us signed up for the bus, but by the time I got through security, we had missed the one he reserved for us.  He said ok mom - do you want to wait for the next one (it was 5:30 ish and next one was at 7:30 or do you want to take the train?  I said - TRAIN.  I want to GET there! ;-0  It is a 2 hour trip - maybe even 2 1/2 hours (bus or train).  We talked a LOT about doing Mt. Fuji, but in the end did not go.  You have to actually make a two day trip out of it because you climb Fuji at night so you get to summit in time for sunrise.  We would have had to plan our trip independent of any MWR trips offered - John tried or asked or whatever and he couldn't sign ME up due to liability issues.  Japan is also extremely expensive.  some of this stuff I'm just putting in off the top of my head.  no particular order.  also - accommodations.  there are two places on base to stay - Navy Lodge Gateway Inn.  Calling direct (internationally) is better than calling central reservations - although Gateway has an 800 number and then if they don't have anything, they'll transfer you to Navy Lodge to check there.  There was no space at either place when I went.  Navy Lodge is currently renovating 1/2 of its 175 rooms and then add to that that you are low on totem pole as non-dependent dependent ;-) traveling on leisure - staying there is not guaranteed.  Tey will only take your reservation 30 days before arrival (IF they have something) so you probably want to line something else up and then cancel if you get the Navy Lodge.  I stayed at Hotel New Yokosuka which is a couple of blocks (within eyesight) of the main gate.  Nice enough place w/ English speaking front desk and nice breakfast included in the rate.  double navy lodge rate.  ok - dinner time - hope all this info helps.  I had a GREAT time!