Kantai Collection (Kancolle) is a browser game that has captivated many admirals since its service began in 2013. Visiting the real warships that served as models for the shipgirls appearing in the game and the places with their historical backgrounds—known as “sacred site pilgrimages” among Kancolle fans—becomes a special experience.
This article thoroughly introduces sacred site pilgrimage spots centered around Kanagawa Prefecture. From historically significant locations such as the Yokosuka Chinjufu ruins to locations featured in the anime version “That Sea Someday,” and to shrines and memorial halls connected to the shipgirls, this guide comprehensively explains the sacred sites that admirals should visit.
The Deep Connection Between Kancolle and Kanagawa Prefecture
Server Name at Game Launch: “Yokosuka Chinjufu”
When Kancolle’s service began, one of the first servers established was named “Yokosuka Chinjufu.” This refers to one of the four major naval bases of the Imperial Japanese Navy that once existed in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, symbolizing the connection between the game’s world and actual history.
Yokosuka developed as a key strategic point in Japan’s maritime defense following Commodore Perry’s arrival in the late Edo period. From the Meiji era onward, it functioned as the center of the Imperial Japanese Navy, with numerous warships constructed and deployed there. Today, this tradition continues as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka Regional District Headquarters.
Why Kanagawa Prefecture is the Setting
Kanagawa Prefecture, particularly Yokosuka City, holds the most important position as a sacred site for Kancolle. The reasons are as follows:
- Historical Background: Location of the former Imperial Japanese Navy Yokosuka Chinjufu
- Existing Facilities: Military heritage that can actually be visited, such as the memorial battleship Mikasa and fortification ruins on Sarushima Island
- Accessibility: Located approximately one hour by train from Tokyo
- Appeal as a Tourist Destination: Charming Western-influenced streetscapes and naval curry cuisine
Must-Visit Sacred Sites in the Yokosuka Area
Yokosuka Chinjufu Ruins (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka Regional District Headquarters)
Location: 1-chome Nishi-Henmi-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
The site where the former Imperial Japanese Navy Yokosuka Chinjufu was located is now used as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka Regional District Headquarters. Public access is limited, but you can see the historically significant buildings from the exterior.
Highlights:
- Brick buildings constructed in the Meiji era
- Gate pillars remaining from the Chinjufu period
- Active escort ships docked (visible observation through fences)
Access: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Keikyu Yokosuka-chuo Station, or get off at “Sokanbu-mae” bus stop
Visiting Tips: The base can be entered during self-defense force events held several times a year, allowing for more detailed exploration. It is recommended to check the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force website in advance for public opening dates.
Memorial Battleship Mikasa
Location: 82-19 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
The battleship Mikasa, which served as the flagship of the Combined Fleet in the Russo-Japanese War’s Battle of the Japan Sea, is now preserved and displayed at Mikasa Park as a memorial ship. In Kancolle, she is implemented as “Mikasa” and is a must-see spot for fans.
Highlights:
- A rare opportunity to tour the interior of an actual battleship
- Views from the bridge
- Displays of period documents and equipment
- Recreation of Admiral Togo Heihachiro’s office
Opening Hours: 9:00～17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
Admission: General ¥600, High school ¥300, Elementary and junior high school free
Access: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Keikyu Yokosuka-chuo Station, or get off at “Mikasa Park” bus stop
Advice for Kancolle Fans: The ship’s exhibition materials are extremely comprehensive, allowing you to gain a deep understanding of Imperial Japanese Navy history. Imagining connections to other shipgirls appearing in Kancolle while viewing makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Sarushima Island
Location: Sarushima, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Sarushima, an uninhabited island floating in Tokyo Bay, retains fortification ruins used from the late Edo period through World War II. In Kancolle, this place holds significant meaning as a defensive position and also appeared in the anime version.
Highlights:
- Brick fortification ruins and tunnels
- Remains of ammunition magazines and barracks
- Viewing spots overlooking Tokyo Bay
- Atmosphere full of foreign charm (reputation as resembling Laputa)
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by boat from Mikasa Pier (operations vary by season)
Boat Fare: ¥1,500 round trip (includes island admission fee)
Time Required: Approximately 2-3 hours for island exploration
Precautions:
- Operations may be canceled due to weather conditions
- There are no shops on the island; please prepare food and drink in advance
- Walking shoes are recommended
Verny Park
Location: 1-1 Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
A park named after Verny, a French engineer who guided the construction of the Yokosuka Iron Works (later the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal). The park contains displays related to warships, and you can view escort ships docked at close range across the harbor.
Highlights:
- Main gun turret (41cm cannon) from the battleship Mutsu on display
- Display of ship components such as propeller screws
- Excellent viewing point for observing nearby escort ships
- Beautiful blooming roses in spring
Access: Approximately 1 minute walk from JR Yokosuka Station
Admission: Free
Photography Spot: Popular among Kancolle fans for photographing escort ships together with the park scenery. The sunset view in particular is spectacular.
Yokosuka Naval Curry Headquarters
Location: Various locations in Yokosuka City
“Curry,” an important item in the Kancolle game, is deeply connected to Yokosuka. The city is known as the birthplace of naval curry, with numerous curry specialty shops throughout the area.
Recommended Shops:
- TSUNAMI: Recreates Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force recipes
- Yokosuka Naval Curry Headquarters: Wide selection of retort curry souvenirs
- EM Club: Considered the original source of naval curry
Connection to Kancolle: Some shops provide menus inspired by “Mamiya” and “Iratake,” which appear in-game as “supply ships.” Please taste the authentic naval curry of Yokosuka as a lunch during your sacred site pilgrimage.
Sacred Sites in the Yokohama Area
Nippon Yusen Hikawa Maru
Location: Yamashita-cho, Yamashita Park, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
The Hikawa Maru, which served as a luxury ocean liner before the war and was used as a hospital ship during wartime, does not appear directly in Kancolle but holds high historical value as a vessel from the same era, making it a popular spot for many admirals.
Highlights:
- Luxury liner era interiors
- Hospital ship exhibits
- Tours of the steering room and engine room
Opening Hours: 10:00～17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if a holiday)
Admission: General ¥300
Access: Approximately 3 minutes walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Yokohama Port Osanbashi
Location: 1-1-4 Kaigan-dori, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Functioning as an international cruise ship terminal, Osanbashi is known among Kancolle anime fans as the place visited by the Shiratsuyu-class sisters. The rooftop deck offers panoramic views of Yokohama Port, and occasionally you may see Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships docked there.
Highlights:
- 360-degree panoramic views from the rooftop deck
- Nighttime scenery of Minato Mirai
- Docked large cruise ships and warships
Access: Approximately 7 minutes walk from Nihon-odori Station on the Minatomirai Line
Admission: Free (rooftop deck also freely accessible)
Sacred Sites in the Tokyo Area Near Kanagawa Prefecture
Antarctic Research Vessel Soya (National Museum of Japanese History)
Location: 3-1 Higashi-Yashio, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo
This venue appeared in the Kancolle anime “That Sea Someday” 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 National Museum of Japanese History.
Highlights:
- Antarctic exploration era ship interior recreation
- Tours of the bridge and engine room
- Antarctic exploration history materials
Opening Hours: 10:00～17:00
Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if a holiday)
Admission: Free
Access: Approximately 2 minutes walk from Fune no Kagakukan Station on the Yurikamome Line
Shinagawa Third Battery (Daiba Park)
Location: 1-10-1 Daiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Fortification ruins built by the Edo shogunate in preparation for Perry’s arrival, which also appeared in the Kancolle anime. Now developed as a park, you can see the remains of the era’s batteries.
Highlights:
- Edo period battery ruins
- Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay scenery
- Structure of historical defensive facilities
Access: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Odaiba Kaihinkoen Station on the Yurikamome Line
Admission: Free
Shrine Visits Related to Shipgirls
Kinugasa Shrine
Location: 4-1202 Komayabe, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
A shrine that was enshrined as the shipboard shrine of the heavy cruiser Kinugasa. This place has become particularly special for fans of the shipgirl “Kinugasa” in Kancolle.
Visiting Tips:
- Many ema (wooden plaques) depicting shipgirl “Kinugasa” are dedicated here
- Located in a quiet residential area with a serene atmosphere
- Known as a sacred site among Kancolle fans
Access: From Keikyu Yokosuka-chuo Station, take the bus to “Kinugasa Juji-ro” stop, then approximately 10 minutes walk
Hashizu Shrine
Location: 2-12-5 Hashizu, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
An ancient shrine enshrining Yamato Takeru and Princess Ototachibana, worshipped as the deity of maritime safety. Among Kancolle fans, it is known as a place to pray for the safety of shipgirls.
Highlights:
- Legend of Princess Ototachibana (the story of sacrificing oneself to the sea to save her husband)
- Views of Tokyo Bay from the shrine grounds
- Ema (wooden plaques) dedicated by Kancolle fans
Access: From Keikyu Maborikaigan Station, take the bus to “Hashizu Shrine” stop
Kanau Shrines East and West (Uraga)
Location: Uraga, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Twin shrines enshrined on both sides of Uraga Port. Known as a power spot for maritime safety and fulfilling wishes, it is also popular among Kancolle fans.
Visiting Characteristics:
- “Magatama pilgrimage” visiting both east and west shrines is popular
- Can experience crossing the port on the Uraga ferry
- Also holds historical significance as the site of Perry’s arrival
Access: From Keikyu Uraga Station, take the bus to “Konayacho” stop, approximately 5 minutes walk
Kancolle Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Day Trip Yokosuka Full Experience Course (Approximately 8 hours)
9:00 Arrival at Yokosuka-chuo Station
↓ 15 minutes walk
9:15 Verny Park Exploration (30 minutes)
- Battleship Mutsu main gun observation
- Escort ship photography
↓ 10 minutes walk
10:00 Yokosuka Chinjufu Ruins (Headquarters) Exterior Viewing (30 minutes)
↓ 15 minutes by bus
11:00 Memorial Battleship Mikasa Tour (90 minutes)
- Thorough exploration of the ship interior
- Rest at Mikasa Park
↓ 5 minutes walk
12:30 Naval Curry Lunch (60 minutes)
↓ 10 minutes walk
14:00 Departure from Mikasa Pier to Sarushima Island
- 10 minutes by boat, 120 minutes island exploration
17:00 Souvenir Shopping Around Yokosuka-chuo Station
- Kancolle merchandise
- Naval curry retort packages
18:00 Return Trip
Yokohama and Tokyo Combined Course (1 Night 2 Days)
Day 1: Yokosuka Area
- Morning: Memorial Battleship Mikasa, Sarushima Island
- Afternoon: Yokosuka Chinjufu Ruins, Verny Park
- Evening: Kinugasa Shrine visit
- Overnight: Yokosuka or Yokohama
Day 2: Yokohama and Tokyo Area
- Morning: Hikawa Maru, Yokohama Port Osanbashi
- Afternoon: Shinagawa Third Battery, Antarctic Research Vessel Soya
- Evening: Odaiba exploration
Preparation and Precautions for Kancolle Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Pre-Trip Preparation
Packing Checklist:
- Camera/Smartphone (don’t forget chargers)
- Kancolle character materials (images of favorite shipgirls)
- Stamp booklet for shrine seals
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk considerable distances)
- Beverages (essential for Sarushima Island visit)
Information Gathering:
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force open house dates (base entry possible during events a few times yearly)
- Sarushima operations schedule (may suspend due to weather)
- Operating hours and closed dates for each facility
Etiquette During Visits
Photography:
- Photography-restricted areas exist at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force facilities
- Be considerate of other shrine visitors
- Follow rules at memorial ship exhibits
Cosplay:
- Generally refrain from cosplay in public spaces
- Only engage in cosplay in approved locations during events
Consideration for Local Community:
- Keep quiet at shrines in residential areas
- Always take your trash with you
- Do not trespass on private property
Seasonal Recommendations
Spring (March～May):
- Verny Park roses in bloom (May)
- Excellent weather for exploration
- Beautiful new foliage on Sarushima
Summer (June～August):
- Many Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force public events
- Swimming at Sarushima possible (July～August)
- Heat prevention essential
Autumn (September～November):
- Stable weather ideal for sacred site pilgrimage
- Beautiful autumn leaves (November)
- Many events during this season
Winter (December～February):
- Clear air perfect for photography
- Few tourists; leisurely viewing possible
- Warm clothing necessary
Kancolle Merchandise and Souvenir Information
Kancolle-Related Merchandise Available in Yokosuka
Yokosuka Tourist Information Center (in front of Yokosuka-chuo Station):
- Kancolle seal plates
- Kancolle stamps
- Original merchandise
Memorial Battleship Mikasa Museum Shop:
- Mikasa-related merchandise
- Naval history books
- Original T-shirts, keychains
Naval Curry Headquarters:
- Various retort naval curries
- Kancolle collaboration curries (limited time)
- Curry-related merchandise
Recommended Souvenirs
- Naval Curry Retort Set: Standard Yokosuka souvenir
- Memorial Battleship Mikasa Original Merchandise: Limited items only available here
- Yokosuka Naval Curry Bread: Available at station stores
- Kancolle Shrine Seals: Memorable shrine pilgrimage keepsakes
Access Information
Access from Tokyo to Yokosuka
Train:
- Keikyu Line: Approximately 45 minutes from Shinagawa Station to Yokosuka-chuo Station (using express service)
- JR Yokosuka Line: Approximately 70 minutes from Tokyo Station to Yokosuka Station
Fares:
- Keikyu Line: Approximately ¥630 one way
- JR Yokosuka Line: Approximately ¥990 one way
Discount Tickets:
- Keikyu “Yokosuka Enjoyment Ticket”: Round-trip ticket plus facility discount vouchers
- JR “Kamakura-Enoshima Free Pass”: Includes Yokosuka area
Transportation Within Yokosuka City
Buses:
- Keikyu buses cover the city
- All-day pass (¥830) is convenient
Walking:
- Major spots around Yokosuka-chuo Station are within walking distance
- Approximately 15 minutes walk from the station to Mikasa Park
Taxis:
- Taxi stand in front of the station
- Approximately ¥1,000 to major spots
Accommodation Information
Recommended Hotels in the Yokosuka Area
Mercure Hotel Yokosuka:
- 3 minutes walk from Yokosuka-chuo Station
- Popular with Kancolle fans
- Naval curry served at breakfast
Central Hotel Yokosuka:
- Prime location in front of the station
- Reasonable prices
- Business hotel style
Accommodation in the Yokohama Area
When combining Yokosuka and Yokohama for sacred site pilgrimage, staying in Yokohama is also convenient. The Minato Mirai area has numerous hotels and offers tourism opportunities as well.
Kancolle Events and Collaboration Information
Regularly Held Events
Yokosuka Curry Festival (around May each year):
- Taste comparison of curries from various shops in the city
- Kancolle collaboration planning sometimes implemented
Yokosuka Kaikoku Matsuri (around June each year):
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship exhibits
- Fireworks
- Many Kancolle fans attend
Yokosuka Port Curry Festa (irregular):
- Kancolle collaboration event track record
- Limited merchandise sales
Collaboration Cafes and Shops
Kancolle collaboration cafes and shops are occasionally opened in Yokosuka. Check official websites and SNS for the latest information.
Tips for Deeper Enjoyment
History of Yokosuka Chinjufu
Yokosuka Chinjufu was established in 1884 (Meiji 17), walking alongside Imperial Japanese Navy history through the First Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War, World War I, and World War II. Many warships serving as models for shipgirls departed from here or were constructed here.
Major Constructed Ships:
- Battleships: Nagato, Mutsu (partial)
- Aircraft Carriers: Shokaku, Zuikaku
- Heavy Cruisers: Takao, Atago, Maya, Tori
Relationship Between Shipgirls and Kanagawa Prefecture
Many shipgirls appearing in the game have deep connections to Yokosuka:
- Nagato: Constructed at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal
- Mutsu: Assigned to Yokosuka Chinjufu
- Shokaku and Zuikaku: Constructed at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal
- Takao-class: Constructed at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal
Researching your favorite shipgirl’s relationship with Yokosuka before the pilgrimage allows for deeper enjoyment.
Settings in Kancolle Anime “That Sea Someday”
The anime version unfolds a story centered on the Shiratsuyu-class sisters, with many actual locations in Yokosuka and Yokohama appearing:
- Yokosuka Port
- Yokohama Port Osanbashi
- Antarctic Research Vessel Soya
- Shinagawa Third Battery
Rewatching the anime before visiting allows you to experience greater immersion.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Kancolle Sacred Site Pilgrimage Experience
Kanagawa Prefecture, particularly Yokosuka City, holds the most important position as a sacred site for Kancolle fans. Numerous spots where you can realistically experience the game’s world exist, such as the memorial battleship Mikasa where you can tangibly feel Imperial Japanese Navy history, Sarushima Island with its remaining fortification ruins, and the Yokosuka Chinjufu ruins where the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force currently operates.
When planning a sacred site pilgrimage, keep these key points in mind:
- Research in Advance: Confirm facility opening dates and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force event information
- Plan Efficient Routes: Narrow down the spots to visit in one day
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Anticipate walking considerable distances
- Follow Proper Etiquette: Show consideration for local residents and other tourists
- Research Your Favorite Shipgirl’s Connections: Achieve deeper emotional resonance
While a day trip from Tokyo is entirely feasible, a 1-2 night stay is recommended for thorough exploration. Taste Yokosuka’s naval curry, reflect on the history of the shipgirls, and enjoy a fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage journey.
Please verify the charm of Yokosuka and Kanagawa Prefecture, which supports the world of Kancolle through actual history, with your own eyes. We hope your sacred site pilgrimage becomes a wonderful memory for all admirals.
