【High School Fleet】 Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
What is High School Fleet?
“High School Fleet” (commonly known as “Hai-Furi”) is an original television anime that aired from April 2016. Produced by Production I.M.S (now LAY-DUCE), it depicts a maritime adventure story of girls aspiring to become Blue Mermaids in Japan, which has become an oceanic nation.
At the beginning of its broadcast, the title was announced as “Hai-Furi,” but after the first episode aired, the official title “High School Fleet” was announced in a novel manner that became a hot topic. Subsequently, in 2020, the theatrical film “High School Fleet” was released, continuing to captivate many fans.
The setting of the work is Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Many actual landscapes and buildings from Yokosuka appear, starting with the “Yokosuka Women’s Marine Academy” that the protagonists attend, making it a popular pilgrimage site among anime fans.
High School Fleet’s Setting: Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Overview and Charm of Yokosuka City
Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, occupies most of the Miura Peninsula and is a city with a population of approximately 400,000. Facing Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay, it has a history of developing as a military port city. It currently has Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force bases and U.S. military facilities, forming a uniquely internationally-flavored culture.
Yokosuka is also known as the birthplace of “Navy Curry,” and is popular as a gourmet spot. It also has abundant tourism resources, including natural landscapes such as Sarushima and Kannon-zaki, and rose gardens at Verny Park.
Why Yokosuka Was Chosen as the Setting
The reason “High School Fleet” chose Yokosuka as its setting is clear. As one of Japan’s most prominent military port cities with deep-rooted history and culture related to the ocean, Yokosuka was the perfect location for this work set in a marine academy.
In the story, the streets and harbor scenery of Yokosuka are depicted with precision, and local residents notice “that’s that place!” with such realism. This realistic background depiction has become a factor in raising fans’ interest in pilgrimage tourism.
Preparation and Access for Pilgrimage Tourism
How to Access Yokosuka
There are multiple major railway stations within Yokosuka, with pilgrimage sites scattered throughout.
Access by Train:
- Keikyu Line: Approximately 45 minutes from Shinagawa Station on the Keikyu Main Line, get off at Yokosuka-Chuo Station
- JR Yokosuka Line: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes from Tokyo Station, get off at Yokosuka Station
- Using Keikyu Limited Express, the shortest route from Shinagawa to Yokosuka-Chuo is approximately 40 minutes
Access by Car:
- Use the Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway and head to the city center from Yokosuka IC
- However, parking in the city center is limited, so public transportation is recommended
Information on Discount Passes
Keikyu Electric Railway sells convenient discount passes for touring the Yokosuka area.
Yokosuka Satisfaction Pass:
- Includes round-trip tickets for designated sections of the Keikyu Line and free ride pass for the Yokosuka area
- Discount benefits at partner facilities
- Economical when moving between multiple stations during pilgrimage tourism
Misaki Maguro Pass:
- Convenient for touring the entire Miura Peninsula
- Includes meal vouchers and leisure facility usage tickets
Pilgrimage Duration and Recommended Route
“Hai-Furi” pilgrimage sites in Yokosuka are concentrated mainly in an area centered on Yokosuka-Chuo Station. If toured efficiently, major spots can be visited in half a day to a full day.
Recommended Model Course (1-Day Plan):
- Morning: Yokosuka-Chuo Station area (Dobita-dori, Y-Deck, etc.)
- Lunch: Yokosuka Navy Curry
- Afternoon: Shinoiri Station area (Verny Park, Military Port Tour)
- Evening: Yokosuka Station area
Complete Pilgrimage Site Guide by Area
① Yokosuka-Chuo Station Area
Yokosuka-Chuo Station is a major Keikyu Line station and the center of “Hai-Furi” pilgrimage tourism. Numerous pilgrimage sites are concentrated around the station.
Y-Deck:
A pedestrian deck connecting the east and west exits of Yokosuka-Chuo Station, a key location frequently appearing in the work. Known as the location where signature activity scenes were filmed in anime Episode 1 and OVA Part 2. A modern-designed overpass and a symbolic landmark of Yokosuka.
Dobita-dori:
A shopping street adjacent to the U.S. military base with an American atmosphere characteristic of Yokosuka, a representative tourist spot. It appears several times as background in the work, with scooter shops, American bars, military shops, and more lining the street.
Stores selling “Hai-Furi” collaborative merchandise are also located here, making it ideal for purchasing pilgrimage mementos. Many restaurants serving Yokosuka Navy Curry are available.
Yokosuka-Chuo Station Front Shopping Street:
The shopping street in front of the station also appears in the work. Everyday street scenery is depicted carefully, making it fun to compare anime scenes with real landscapes while walking through the area.
Towards Mikasa Park:
Mikasa Park, located approximately 15 minutes on foot from Yokosuka-Chuo Station, is a historic spot where the memorial battleship “Mikasa” is preserved. The work features scenes of marine academy students visiting, and displays about warships and maritime matters match “Hai-Furi’s” worldview.
② Shinoiri Station Area
Shinoiri Station is the next station from Yokosuka-Chuo Station, featuring a seaside location.
Verny Park:
A seaside park within walking distance of Shinoiri Station. Named after French engineer Verny, it is known as a beautiful park with approximately 2,000 rose bushes planted.
It frequently appears in scenes with the sea as background in the work. From the park, you can view Yokosuka Main Harbor and moored warships, making it an excellent spot to experience “Hai-Furi’s” maritime world.
Verny Memorial Hall:
A memorial hall in Verny Park where you can learn about Yokosuka’s shipbuilding and naval history. Available for free viewing, it helps deepen understanding of “Hai-Furi’s” worldview.
Military Port Tour Sightseeing Boat Boarding Point:
The “YOKOSUKA Military Port Tour” departing near Verny Park is a popular attraction where you can view Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy vessels up close. For “Hai-Furi” fans, it offers a valuable opportunity to view actual military ships.
A approximately 45-minute sightseeing cruise circles Yokosuka Harbor while listening to guide commentary. With luck, you might see escort ships, submarines, aircraft carriers, and more.
③ Yokosuka Station Area
There are pilgrimage sites appearing in the work around JR Yokosuka Station.
Yokosuka Station Building:
Yokosuka Station was renovated in 2020, but the work depicts the old station building from that period. The atmosphere around the station remains today, serving as a pilgrimage site for commemorative photographs.
Yokosuka Performing Arts Theatre:
A cultural facility near the station where the building’s exterior appears in the work. Characterized by large glass and modern architecture.
Yokosuka Harbor:
The harbor area within walking distance of the station also serves as background for scenes where marine academy students conduct activities.
④ Kinugasa Station Area
The Kinugasa Station area is located 2 stations from Yokosuka-Chuo Station on the Keikyu Line.
Kinugasa Shopping Street:
The model shopping street that appears in the work. A local-focused shopping street retaining a Showa-era atmosphere, depicting everyday scenery.
Kinugasa Mountain Park:
Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, the park possibly serves as background for cherry blossom scenes in the work. From the elevated location, you can overlook the Yokosuka cityscape.
⑤ Other Yokosuka City Spots
Kannon-zaki:
Located at the eastern tip of the Miura Peninsula, at the entrance to Tokyo Bay. With Kannon-zaki Lighthouse and Kannon-zaki Park, this scenic location matches “Hai-Furi’s” maritime-themed worldview.
Hashirimizu Coast:
A beautiful seascape along the coast near Kannon-zaki. A location that may have served as a model for coastal scenes in the work.
Sarushima:
An uninhabited island floating off the coast of Yokosuka, accessible by boat in approximately 10 minutes from Mikasa Pier. Historical fortification ruins from the former Japanese military remain, allowing you to experience “Hai-Furi’s” militaristic worldview.
Pilgrimage Sites in the High School Fleet Theatrical Film
In the 2020 theatrical release of “High School Fleet,” new locations different from the TV series also appear.
Newly Appearing Spots in the Theatrical Film:
- Scenery around Yokosuka Art Museum
- Specific angles of Kannon-zaki Park
- Harbor depictions from new perspectives
The theatrical film features even more detailed background artwork than the TV series, fully showcasing Yokosuka’s charm. Even spots already visited during the TV series may reveal new discoveries when revisited from the theatrical film’s perspective.
Tips for Enjoying Pilgrimage Tourism More
Collaboration Event Information
Yokosuka regularly holds collaboration events with “Hai-Furi.”
Major Past Events:
- “Hai-Furi” booth at Yokosuka Curry Festival
- Theatrical Release Commemoration “Yokosuka Women’s Marine Academy Mock Shop”
- Stamp rally projects
- Life-size panel displays
- Limited merchandise sales
Latest event information can be confirmed on the Yokosuka Tourism Association official website or “Hai-Furi” official Twitter.
Merchandise and Souvenir Information
“Hai-Furi” Collaborative Merchandise:
Stores around Yokosuka-Chuo Station carry “Hai-Furi” related merchandise.
- Original clear files
- Keychains
- T-shirts
- Can badges
- Postcards
Yokosuka-Specific Souvenirs:
- Yokosuka Navy Curry (retort)
- Yokosuka Navy Curry Pan
- Ska jackets
- Warship merchandise
Yokosuka Gourmet
Yokosuka gourmet to enjoy during pilgrimage breaks:
Yokosuka Navy Curry:
A Yokosuka specialty recreating curry served in the navy during the Meiji era. Authentic navy curry can be enjoyed at certified restaurants in the city. The perfect gourmet match for “Hai-Furi’s” worldview.
Yokosuka Navy Burger:
An authentic American burger influenced by the military base. Voluminous and satisfying.
Seafood Cuisine:
Abundant dishes using fresh seafood befitting a port town.
Photography Manners and Etiquette
During pilgrimage tourism, consideration for local residents and other tourists is important.
Manners to Follow:
- No unauthorized entry to private property
- Be mindful not to obstruct passage in shopping streets
- Refrain from loud conversations and noise
- Always bring litter home
- Do not photograph in areas marked as photography prohibited
- Pay special attention when photographing near military facilities
Pilgrimage sites exist through local understanding and cooperation. Follow manners to make it an enjoyable pilgrimage.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Tourist attractions in Yokosuka and the Miura Peninsula to visit along with “Hai-Furi” pilgrimage tourism:
Yokosuka Art Museum:
Located in Kannon-zaki Park, this museum features scenic ocean views. The architecture itself is beautiful, allowing you to enjoy art appreciation and scenery simultaneously.
Soleil-no-Oka:
An experiential agricultural park on the Miura Peninsula. Enjoy flowers and animals throughout the seasons and various activities.
Joga Island:
Located at the southernmost tip of the Miura Peninsula, noteworthy for beautiful coastlines and a lighthouse. Fresh seafood cuisine is also available.
Kamakura and Enoshima:
Popular tourist destinations accessible by train in 30 minutes to 1 hour from Yokosuka. Recommended to visit along with pilgrimage tourism.
Accommodation Information
Various types of accommodation facilities are available in and around Yokosuka.
Hotels in Yokosuka:
- Yokosuka-Chuo Station area: Business hotels are central, convenient for pilgrimage tourism
- Yokosuka Station area: Relatively reasonable accommodation
- Kannon-zaki area: Resort hotels and pensions
Nearby Areas:
- Yokohama: Wide selection from luxury to budget hotels
- Kamakura and Enoshima: Convenient for combining sightseeing with accommodation
For those wanting to enjoy pilgrimage tourism thoroughly, staying in Yokosuka is recommended. The nighttime atmosphere of Yokosuka Harbor is exceptional.
Pilgrimage Sites in Hiroshima Prefecture
While “High School Fleet” pilgrimage sites are centered in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, scenery from Hiroshima Prefecture also appears in some scenes.
Etajima City:
Etajima, home to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Staff College, is suggested as a possible model for the marine academy. Historical structures from the actual naval academy remain, allowing you to experience “Hai-Furi’s” worldview.
Kure City:
Kure, which prospered as a military port, contains the Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime History and Science Museum), where you can learn naval history. The realism of ship depictions in the work is believed to reference the atmosphere of actual military port cities like this.
While Hiroshima pilgrimage sites are not as numerous as Yokosuka, they are worth visiting for fans wanting to deepen understanding of the marine academy and warship worldview.
Summary: Ensuring Successful Pilgrimage Tourism
“High School Fleet” pilgrimage tourism can be efficiently toured centered on Yokosuka-Chuo Station. Major spots are concentrated within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy a full day in one day.
Keys to Pilgrimage Tourism Success:
- Pre-plan pilgrimage sites you want to visit
- Photograph while comparing with anime scenes
- Also enjoy Yokosuka cuisine
- Time visits to collaboration event periods
- Follow manners and show consideration to local area
- Plan with time to spare
Yokosuka is both a pilgrimage site for “Hai-Furi” and a charming port town brimming with history and culture. The appeal of pilgrimage tourism is being able to discover the charm of Yokosuka itself as a city while re-experiencing the anime’s world.
Why not spend a special day immersed in the “High School Fleet” world while feeling Yokosuka’s sea breeze? It will surely become an unforgettable memory.
FAQs
Q1: Can beginners enjoy Yokosuka pilgrimage tourism?
A1: Yes, absolutely. Major sites are concentrated around Yokosuka-Chuo Station and are within walking distance. Sites farther from the station are accessible by local buses. By confirming information in this guide beforehand, even first-time visitors can smoothly conduct pilgrimage tourism.
Q2: How much does pilgrimage tourism cost?
A2: For a day trip from Tokyo, transportation costs approximately 2,000 to 3,000 yen round-trip, meal costs 1,500 to 3,000 yen, and optional activities like military port tours approximately 1,400 yen. Total estimate is 5,000 to 8,000 yen. Using Keikyu discount passes provides further savings.
Q3: Where can I buy “Hai-Furi” collaboration merchandise?
A3: Available at some stores around Yokosuka-Chuo Station. However, items are often limited edition sales during event periods rather than permanent availability. Latest information is available from Yokosuka Tourism Association and “Hai-Furi” official SNS.
Q4: What season is recommended for pilgrimage tourism?
A4: Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) are climatically recommended. Particularly in spring, Verny Park’s roses are in bloom and cherry blossoms can be enjoyed. Summer has many ocean events, making “Hai-Furi’s” worldview easier to experience, though heat precautions are necessary. Winter is relatively warm but sea breezes are cold, requiring cold-weather gear.
Q5: Does the military port tour require reservation?
A5: Generally, same-day tickets are available, but advance reservation is recommended for weekends, holidays, and major vacation periods. Reservation is available on the official website. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes with multiple departures daily.
Q6: Can families with children enjoy the tour?
A6: Yes, absolutely. Yokosuka is developed as a tourist destination with facilities suitable for families. Mikasa Park and the military port tour are attractions children can enjoy. However, as extended walking is involved, planning with extra rest breaks is recommended for visitors with small children.
