[Art and Travel 03] Yokosuka/Uraga: Stamp collecting and historical tour by ferry

Uraga, the setting for the arrival of Commodore Perry's Black Ships.
Uraga Port is a natural harbor that takes advantage of the deep indentation of the sea from east to west. From the Edo period to the present day, ferry boats affectionately known as "ponpon boats" have been a constant companion to people traveling between the port and the town of Uraga, which is divided by the harbor. This time, we will take one of these ferry boats to visit two shrines on either side of the harbor—visiting artistic shrine buildings, goshuin (shrine stamps), and famous historical sites.

[Nishi-Uraga] Kanou Shrine (Nishi-Kanou Shrine)

Two Kanou Shrines stand facing each other across Uraga Port.
First, take a bus and walk for about 8 minutes from Uraga Station on the Keikyu Line to Kanou Daimyojin, also known as "Nishi-Kanou Shrine," located on the west bank.

The shrine's origins date back to 1181 (Yōwa 1) at the end of the Heian period, when the monk Mongaku invited the deity from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto and founded it. It is said that the name comes from the fact that Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed for the overthrow of the Taira clan and that the restoration of the Minamoto clan was "fulfilled." The shrine building, constructed entirely of cypress wood, is adorned with magnificent carvings throughout, renowned as the masterpiece of Goto Yoshimitsu, a leading sculptor of Awa Province.

After finishing your prayers, you can also get a goshuin (temple/shrine stamp). The photo on the left shows the regular version, which has a powerful feel to it, while the one on the right is a limited-edition goshuin (2025 version) from a local area project called "Good Fortune Peninsula Pilgrimage." This project involves visiting three shrines on the Miura Peninsula that are connected to the dragon god, including Nishikano Shrine, and a newly designed 2026 version has also been available since April 18th.

Kanou Shrine (Nishi-Kanou Shrine)
Address: 1-1-13 Nishiuraga, Yokosuka City
Phone number: 046-841-0179
Amulet and Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) reception hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Worship is possible all day)
Closed on: None
Official website: Click here

Uraga Ferry

It's about a 2-minute walk from Nishikano Shrine to the Nishi Ferry Terminal along the coast.
To get to Kanou Shrine on the opposite shore, it is recommended to use the Uraga Ferry.

A short boat trip of approximately 3 minutes, traveling between the west and east ferry terminals.
In 1720 (Kyoho 5), during the mid-Edo period, the Uraga Magistrate's Office was established in Nishi-Uraga, and it is said that from around 1725 (Kyoho 10), ferry boats supported the daily life of the region. The "Atago-maru" currently in service is made of FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic), but in the past, people traveled between the two areas in wooden boats propelled by oars, known as "tenma-bune."

There is no timetable, and it's endearing to see the boat come to greet you with a popping sound when you press the call button while it's on the opposite shore. The route is also unique in that it's called the "Uraga Kaido" and is designated as Yokosuka City Road No. 2073. You can spend a special time enjoying the pleasant sea breeze and the sparkling surface of the water while gazing at the historic scenery of Uraga from the sea.

Uraga Ferry
Address: West Ferry Terminal (1-18-2 Nishiuraga, Yokosuka City), East Ferry Terminal (2-4-21 Higashiuraga, Yokosuka City)
Admission fee: 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
*Yokosuka residents receive half the above price.
*Please check the official website for other boarding fees.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on: during inclement weather and for boat inspections. *Please inquire for details.
Official website: Click here
For inquiries: 046-825-7144 (Triangle Co., Ltd.) (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

[Higashi-Uraga] Kanou Shrine (Higashi-Kanou Shrine)

A four-minute walk from the east ferry terminal leads to Kanō Shrine, also known as "Higashi-Kanō Shrine," located on the east shore. This is another sacred place. With Uraga Port behind you, proceed straight down the path from the torii gate to the main hall. Halfway up the stone steps leading to the main hall, you'll find a cycad tree that is said to have been moved and dedicated by Minamoto no Yoritomo from Izu, a place with which he had strong ties. In front of the main hall are a pair of guardian lion-dogs, each holding a cub; one of them is unusually depicted nursing.

Behind the main hall lies Mt. Myojin, a treasure trove of evergreen trees designated as a Kanagawa Prefecture Natural Monument as the "Kanou Shrine Forest." At the summit are the ruins of Uraga Castle and the site of the fasting ritual performed by Katsu Kaishu before his trans-Pacific crossing on the Kanrin Maru. The history can also be seen in the "paper-cut goshuin (hand-carved)" and "Katsu Mamori" (victory charm) available here.

Kanō Shrine (Higashi Kanō Shrine)
Address: 2-21-25 Higashiuraga, Yokosuka City
Phone number: 046-841-5300
Official website: Click here

Army pier

This is the place where approximately 560,000 repatriates from the South Pacific and mainland China took their first steps back onto their beloved Japanese soil after the end of World War II. In 2006, a monument was erected at Uraga Port to commemorate the history of repatriation and pass it down to future generations. The surrounding area was also renovated to overlook the stairs leading down to the sea. Today, you can relax and enjoy the view of the ocean from the boardwalk and gazebo.

Army Pier (Nishi-Uraga Port Green Space)
Official website: Click here

Why not experience history and art in the towns of Yokosuka and Uraga?

*Please check the official website before visiting.

Text by Mai Shimura (editor/writer)