Kantai Collection – A Complete Guide to Sacred Sites in Kanagawa Prefecture
Kantai Collection (Kancolle), a browser game that has captivated many admirals since its service launch in 2013, offers a unique experience through visiting sacred sites. These are real locations connected to the naval ships that serve as models for the game’s ship girls and their historical backgrounds.
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to Kancolle sacred sites centered around Kanagawa Prefecture. From historically significant locations such as the former Yokosuka Naval District Headquarters to the settings featured in the anime “Itsuka Ano Umi De,” and to shrines and memorial halls connected to the ship girls, this guide comprehensively explains the sacred sites that admirals should visit.
The Deep Connection Between Kantai Collection and Kanagawa Prefecture
“Yokosuka Naval District Headquarters” as the Server Name at Game Launch
When Kancolle’s service began, one of the first servers established was named “Yokosuka Naval District Headquarters.” This was one of Japan’s four major naval districts that once existed in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, symbolizing the connection between the game’s world and actual history.
Since Commodore Perry’s arrival in the late Edo period, Yokosuka has developed as a crucial point of Japan’s maritime defense. After the Meiji Restoration, it functioned as the core of the Japanese Imperial Navy, with many warships being built and deployed there. Today, its tradition continues as the Headquarters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka District.
Why Kanagawa Prefecture Became the Setting
Kanagawa Prefecture, particularly Yokosuka City, holds the most important position as a sacred site for Kancolle. The reasons include:
- Historical Background: Location of the former Imperial Japanese Navy Yokosuka Naval District
- Existing Facilities: Preserved military heritage such as the Memorial Ship Mikasa and Sarushima’s gun emplacement remains that can actually be visited
- Accessibility: Located about one hour from Tokyo by train
- Appeal as a Tourist Destination: Streets full of exotic charm and naval curry cuisine
Must-Visit Sacred Sites in the Yokosuka Area
Yokosuka Naval District Headquarters Ruins (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka District Headquarters)
Location: 1-chome Nishiheyama-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
The site of the former Imperial Japanese Navy Yokosuka Naval District is currently used as the Headquarters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka District. While public access is limited, you can observe historically significant buildings from the exterior.
Points of Interest:
- Brick buildings constructed in the Meiji era
- Gateposts remaining from the Naval District period
- Views of active escort ships moored (viewable through fencing)
Access: About 15 minutes walk from Keikyu Line Yokosuka-Chuo Station, or by bus to “Sohkanbu-mae” stop
Visiting Tips: The base can be entered during several annual Self-Defense Force events held throughout the year. It is recommended to check the JMSDF website in advance for public opening dates.
Memorial Ship Mikasa
Location: 82-19 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
The battleship Mikasa, which served as the flagship of the Combined Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War’s Battle of the Sea of Japan, is now preserved and displayed as a memorial ship in Mikasa Park. In Kancolle, “Mikasa” is implemented as a playable ship girl, making this an essential spot for fans.
Points of Interest:
- A rare opportunity to view the interior of an actual battleship
- Views from the bridge
- Exhibits of contemporary equipment and materials
- Recreation of Admiral Togo Heihachiro’s quarters
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (final entry 4:30 PM)
Admission: General 600 yen, High School Students 300 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students Free
Access: About 15 minutes walk from Keikyu Line Yokosuka-Chuo Station, or by bus to “Mikasa Park” stop
Advice for Kancolle Fans: The onboard exhibits are extremely comprehensive and offer deep understanding of Japanese Imperial Navy history. Your visit will be more enjoyable if you imagine connections with other ship girls featured in Kancolle while viewing the exhibits.
Sarushima
Location: Sarushima, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Sarushima, an uninhabited island floating in Tokyo Bay, retains the ruins of a fortress used from the end of the Shogunate period through World War II. This location holds important significance as a defensive position in Kancolle and also appeared in the anime adaptation.
Points of Interest:
- Brick gun emplacement ruins and tunnels
- Ammunition depot and barracks remains
- Observation points overlooking Tokyo Bay
- Exotic atmosphere (often compared to Castle in the Sky)
Access: About 10 minutes by boat from Mikasa Pier (service frequency varies by season)
Boat Fare: 1,500 yen round trip (includes island entry fee)
Time Required: About 2 to 3 hours for island exploration
Important Notes:
- Service may be suspended due to weather conditions
- There are no shops on the island; prepare food and drinks in advance
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Verny Park
Location: 1-1 Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
A park named after Verny, a French engineer who directed the construction of the Yokosuka Ironworks (later Yokosuka Naval Arsenal). The park features naval exhibits and offers close-up views of escort ships moored across the water.
Points of Interest:
- Display of the main gun turret (41cm gun) of the battleship Mutsu
- Exhibits of ship components such as screws and propellers
- An ideal vantage point for viewing moored escort ships
- Beautiful blooming roses in spring
Access: About 1 minute walk from JR Yokosuka Station
Admission: Free
Photography Spots: Popular among Kancolle fans for photos combining escort ships and park scenery. The scenery at twilight is particularly beautiful.
Yokosuka Naval Curry Specialty Shops
Locations: Multiple locations throughout Yokosuka City
Curry is an important item within the Kancolle game itself. Yokosuka is known as the birthplace of naval curry, and the city has many specialty curry restaurants.
Recommended Establishments:
- TSUNAMI: Recreates Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force recipes
- Yokosuka Naval Curry Honpo: Abundant retort curry for souvenirs
- EM Club: Considered the original naval curry establishment
Connection to Kancolle: Some restaurants offer menus named after “Mamiya” and “Irakago,” which appear in-game as supply ships. As part of your sacred site pilgrimage, definitely try the authentic naval curry at its birthplace.
Sacred Sites in the Yokohama Area
Nippon Yusen Hikawa Maru
Location: Yamashita Park, Yamashita-cho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
The Hikawa Maru, which served as a luxury liner before World War II and as a hospital ship during wartime, does not appear directly in Kancolle but holds high historical value as a contemporary vessel, making it a popular destination for many admirals.
Points of Interest:
- Luxury liner period interior
- Hospital ship displays
- Visits to the wheelhouse and engine room
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (final entry 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (or the following business day if Monday is a holiday)
Admission: General 300 yen
Access: About 3 minutes walk from Minatomirai Line Motomachi-Chukagai Station
Yokohama Port Grand Pier
Location: 1-1-4 Kaigan-dori, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Functioning as an international passenger ship terminal, the Grand Pier is known among Kancolle anime fans as the location visited by the Shiratsuyu-class sisters. The rooftop deck offers panoramic views of Yokohama Harbor, and occasionally you may see Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels moored here.
Points of Interest:
- 360-degree panoramic views from the rooftop deck
- Yokohama port nightscape
- Moored large passenger ships and naval vessels
Access: About 7 minutes walk from Minatomirai Line Nihon-odori Station
Admission: Free (rooftop deck also freely accessible)
Sacred Sites in the Tokyo Area Near Kanagawa Prefecture
Antarctic Research Vessel “Soya” (Museum of Modern Maritime Science)
Location: 3-1 Higashiyashio, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo
This location appeared in the Kancolle anime “Itsuka Ano Umi De” and became a topic of discussion as a place visited by the Shiratsuyu-class sisters. The Soya, which served as an actual Antarctic research vessel, is now preserved and displayed at the Museum of Modern Maritime Science.
Points of Interest:
- Recreation of the ship during Antarctic observation operations
- Bridge and engine room visits
- Historical records of Antarctic observation
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (or the following business day if Monday is a holiday)
Admission: Free
Access: About 2 minutes walk from Yurikamome Funakagaku-kan Station
Shinagawa Daisan Battery (Daiba Park)
Location: 1-10-1 Daiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Gun emplacement ruins constructed by the Edo Shogunate in preparation for Perry’s arrival, which also appeared in the Kancolle anime. Now developed as a park, visitors can observe the remains of the historical gun emplacements.
Points of Interest:
- Edo period gun emplacement ruins
- Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay scenery
- Historical defense facility structures
Access: About 15 minutes walk from Yurikamome Odaiba-Kaihin-Koen Station
Admission: Free
Shrine Pilgrimage of Ship Girls and Related Locations
Kinugasa Shrine
Location: 4-1202 Oyabe, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
This shrine was enshrined in the ship’s shrine of the heavy cruiser Kinugasa. It holds special significance for fans of the ship girl “Kinugasa” in Kancolle.
Pilgrimage Tips:
- Many ema (votive plaques) featuring the ship girl “Kinugasa” are offered here
- Located in a quiet residential neighborhood with a calm atmosphere
- Known as a sacred site among Kancolle fans
Access: From Keikyu Line Yokosuka-Chuo Station by bus to “Kinugasa-Juji-ro” stop, about 10 minutes walk
Hashizu Shrine
Location: 2-12-5 Hashizu, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
An ancient shrine dedicated to Yamato Takeru and Princess Otachibana, worshipped as a deity of maritime safety. Among Kancolle fans, it is known as a place where people pray for the safety of the ship girls.
Points of Interest:
- The legend of Princess Otachibana (who threw herself into the sea to save her husband)
- Views of Tokyo Bay from the shrine grounds
- Ema (votive plaques) offered by Kancolle fans
Access: From Keikyu Line Maboriumi-Kaigan Station by bus to “Hashizu-Jinja” stop
Kanai Shrine, East and West (Uraga)
Location: Uraga, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Two Kanai Shrines are located on either side of Uraga Harbor. Known as a power spot for maritime safety and wish fulfillment, it is popular among Kancolle fans as a pilgrimage destination.
Pilgrimage Features:
- The “comma-shaped jewel pilgrimage” (visiting both shrines) is popular
- You can experience crossing the harbor on the Uraga ferry boat
- Also holds historical significance as the location of Perry’s arrival
Access: From Keikyu Line Uraga Station by bus to “Konya-cho” stop, about 5 minutes walk
Sample Models Courses for Kancolle Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Full-Day Yokosuka Experience Course (Duration: Approximately 8 hours)
9:00 AM Arrival at Yokosuka-Chuo Station
↓ 15-minute walk
9:15 AM Verny Park Tour (30 minutes)
- View the main gun of battleship Mutsu
- Photography of escort ships
↓ 10-minute walk
10:00 AM Yokosuka Naval District Headquarters (Headquarters) Exterior View (30 minutes)
↓ 15 minutes by bus
11:00 AM Memorial Ship Mikasa Tour (90 minutes)
- Detailed ship interior viewing
- Rest in Mikasa Park
↓ 5-minute walk
12:30 PM Lunch with Naval Curry (60 minutes)
↓ 10-minute walk
2:00 PM Depart from Mikasa Pier to Sarushima
- 10-minute boat ride, 120 minutes island exploration
5:00 PM Souvenir Shopping around Yokosuka-Chuo Station
- Kancolle merchandise
- Retort naval curry
6:00 PM Return
Yokohama and Tokyo Coordination Course (1 Night, 2 Days)
Day 1: Yokosuka Area
- Morning: Memorial Ship Mikasa, Sarushima
- Afternoon: Yokosuka Naval District Headquarters ruins, Verny Park
- Evening: Kinugasa Shrine pilgrimage
- Accommodation: Yokosuka or Yokohama
Day 2: Yokohama and Tokyo Areas
- Morning: Hikawa Maru, Yokohama Port Grand Pier
- Afternoon: Shinagawa Daisan Battery, Antarctic Research Vessel Soya
- Evening: Odaiba sightseeing
Preparation and Notes for Kancolle Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Pre-Visit Preparation
Packing Checklist:
- Camera/smartphone (remember chargers)
- Kancolle character materials (favorite ship girl images, etc.)
- Ema book (for shrine visits)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you will walk considerable distances in a day)
- Beverages (essential especially when visiting Sarushima)
Information Gathering:
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force general public opening schedules (base interior access permitted during several annual events)
- Sarushima operation schedules (service suspended due to weather)
- Operating hours and closures for each facility
Etiquette When Visiting
Photography:
- Some Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force facilities have photography-restricted areas
- At shrines, be considerate of other worshippers
- Follow facility rules at display sites like Memorial Ship Mikasa
Cosplay:
- Generally avoid cosplay in public spaces
- Participate only in places and events where permission is granted
Consideration for Local Communities:
- Keep noise down at shrines in residential neighborhoods
- Always take garbage with you
- Do not trespass on private property
Recommendations by Season
Spring (March to May):
- Verny Park roses are in full bloom (May)
- Excellent weather for sightseeing
- Beautiful new greenery at Sarushima
Summer (June to August):
- Many Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force public opening events
- Swimming at Sarushima (July-August)
- Heat protection measures essential
Fall (September to November):
- Stable weather ideal for sacred site pilgrimages
- Beautiful autumn leaves (November)
- Many events during this season
Winter (December to February):
- Clear air ideal for photography
- Few tourists, allowing leisurely viewing
- Warm clothing necessary
Kancolle Merchandise and Souvenir Information
Kancolle-Related Merchandise Available in Yokosuka
Yokosuka Tourism Information Center (in front of Yokosuka-Chuo Station):
- Kancolle ema plaques
- Kancolle stamps
- Original merchandise
Memorial Ship Mikasa Museum Shop:
- Mikasa-related merchandise
- Naval history books
- Original T-shirts, keychains
Naval Curry Honpo:
- Various retort naval curries
- Limited-time Kancolle collaboration curry
- Curry-related merchandise
Recommended Souvenirs
- Naval Curry Retort Set: A classic Yokosuka souvenir
- Memorial Ship Mikasa Original Merchandise: Exclusive items available only here
- Yokosuka Naval Curry Bread: Available in station stores
- Kancolle Ema (Votive Plaques): Memorable souvenirs from shrine visits
Access Information
Access from Tokyo to Yokosuka
Train:
- Keikyu Line: About 45 minutes from Shinagawa to Yokosuka-Chuo Station (using limited express)
- JR Yokosuka Line: About 70 minutes from Tokyo Station to Yokosuka Station
Fares:
- Keikyu Line: Around 630 yen one way
- JR Yokosuka Line: Around 990 yen one way
Economical Tickets:
- Keikyu “Yokosuka Enjoy Pass”: Includes round-trip fare and facility discount vouchers
- JR “Kamakura and Enoshima Free Pass”: Includes the Yokosuka area
Getting Around Yokosuka City
Buses:
- Keikyu Bus covers the entire city
- One-day pass (830 yen) is convenient
Walking:
- Major spots near Yokosuka-Chuo Station are within walking distance
- About 15 minutes walk from the station to Mikasa Park
Taxis:
- Taxi stand at the station
- About 1,000 yen to major spots
Accommodation Information
Recommended Hotels in the Yokosuka Area
Mercure Hotel Yokosuka:
- 3 minutes walk from Yokosuka-Chuo Station
- Popular among Kancolle fans
- Naval curry served at breakfast
Central Hotel Yokosuka:
- Convenient front station location
- Reasonable prices
- Business hotel type
Accommodation in the Yokohama Area
When combining Yokosuka and Yokohama sacred sites, staying in Yokohama is also convenient. The Minatomirai area has numerous hotels and allows you to enjoy additional sightseeing.
Kancolle Events and Collaboration Information
Regularly Held Events
Yokosuka Curry Festival (Approximately May each year):
- Taste-test curries from various city shops
- Kancolle collaboration projects sometimes implemented
Yokosuka Kaikoku Festival (Approximately June each year):
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship displays
- Fireworks display
- Many Kancolle fans in attendance
Yokosuka Port Curry Festa (Irregular):
- Past Kancolle collaboration history
- Limited merchandise sales
Collaboration Cafes and Shops
Kancolle collaboration cafes and shops occasionally open in Yokosuka City. Check official websites and social media for the latest information.
Trivia for Deeper Enjoyment
History of Yokosuka Naval District
The Yokosuka Naval District, established in 1884 (Meiji 17), progressed through Japanese naval history including the First Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War, World War I, and World War II. Many ships modeled after ship girls in Kancolle departed from or were built here.
Major Ships Built:
- Battleships: Nagato, Mutsu (partially)
- Aircraft Carriers: Shokaku, Zuikaku
- Heavy Cruisers: Takao, Atago, Maya, Tori-kai
Relationship Between Ship Girls and Kanagawa Prefecture
Many ship girls appearing in the game have deep connections with Yokosuka:
- Nagato: Built at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal
- Mutsu: Assigned to Yokosuka Naval District
- Shokaku and Zuikaku: Built at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal
- Takao-class: Built at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal
Your pilgrimage will be more fulfilling if you research the relationship between your favorite ship girl and Yokosuka in advance.
Settings in the Anime “Itsuka Ano Umi De”
The anime adaptation features the Shiratsuyu-class sisters as protagonists and includes many real locations from Yokosuka and Yokohama:
- Yokosuka Harbor
- Yokohama Port Grand Pier
- Antarctic Research Vessel Soya
- Shinagawa Daisan Battery
Rewatching the anime before your visit will enhance the sense of immersion.
Conclusion: How to Maximize Your Enjoyment of Kancolle Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Kanagawa Prefecture, particularly Yokosuka City, holds the most significant position as a sacred site for Kancolle fans. From the Memorial Ship Mikasa where you can experience the history of the former Japanese Imperial Navy firsthand, to Sarushima with its fortress ruins, and to the Yokosuka Naval District Headquarters where the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force operates today, numerous spots allow you to experience the game’s world in reality.
When planning your sacred site pilgrimage, remember the following key points:
- Research in Advance: Check facility opening dates and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force event information
- Plan an Efficient Route: Narrow down which spots to visit in a single day
- Dress Appropriately: Anticipate walking considerable distances
- Follow Proper Etiquette: Show consideration for local residents and other tourists
- Research Your Favorite Ship Girl: You can achieve deeper emotional connection
While a day trip from Tokyo is feasible, 1 to 2 nights allow you to thoroughly explore. Enjoy the local naval curry, reflect on the history of the ship girls, and make your sacred site pilgrimage journey an unforgettable experience.
Please verify for yourself the historical significance supporting the Kancolle world and the appeal of Yokosuka and Kanagawa Prefecture as it exists today. We hope your pilgrimage as admirals becomes a wonderful memory.
