First trip to Japan
 

I am traveling on business to Yokosuka in December, to do some work at the Naval Base. I have never been to Japan, but have extensive European travel.

From what I have read here, probably the train in the best way to get from NRT to Yokosuka, is this correct?

Does anyone have a hotel review for any of the Yokosuka hotels? I know there is one within walking distance to the main gate.

Any recommendations on getting around? I do have the option of renting a car.

IMO the train is simplest. If you take the hourly JR "rapid" train, it will eventually stop at Yokosuka. Ask the JR staff at the airport.

Having never stayed near Yokosuka, I'll defer to others on the hotel question.

As for getting around, there's no reason to rent a car (unless you really like to drive).

Thanks!
 

I will forgo the car and just use trains. I have a week to do a 2 day job, so I am in no hurry. I have pretty much decided on the Hotel New Yokosuka, since it is only a couple of blocks from the base. I knew all of this reading and lurking on the forums would pay off!

Thank you!

Good decision. Driving in Japan is probably not a good idea for a first time visitor there on a short visit.

That regular "rapit" train will take over 2-1/2 hours to get you from NRT to Yokosuka Station but is probably your best bet. It only runs about once or twice per hour. You could also take the more comfortable, tourist-oriented Narita Express to Tokyo Station but would then have to transfer to the JR Yokosuka Line local train in the huge, confusing Japan Station. That wouldn't really save any time - just put you in a more comfortable seat for the first half of the trip.

In your off time, plan on using local trains, subways and cabs to do your sight-seeing. Assuming you want to visit Tokyo, you will be using the Yokosuka Line to get to Tokyo and then changing to other lines. Please, please, please purchase a good guidebook for Tokyo with a printed rail and subway map. The subways and train lines will get you anywhere you want to go but are like a pile of spaghetti. Sorting out which line you need can be a challenge without some sort of map. You can also probably get one at the Tourist Information Center in the arrivals hall at NRT before arranging your train.

I would prefer the Narita Express to Yokohama (with the N'Ex/Suica deal it's pretty cheap, in fact about the same the rapid train and you can use the Suica credit to go the rest of the way) and switch to a JR rapid train to Yokosoka in Yokohama. This is a transfer and, as pointed out above, a bit more complicated, but the N'Ex is much more comfortable and considerably faster for that portion of the trip.

Note that about once an hour (sometimes a bit more often) in the early afternoon, the Narita Express goes all the way to Ofuna. This is even closer to Yokosuka and would be preferred depending on your arrival time.

I didn't think about that but agree completely.

The N'EX actually have a few trains that go all the way to Ofuna Stn. Then you can change over to the Yokotsuka line at Ofuna. If the time is not convenient, then connect to Yokotsuka Line at Yokohama Stn.

Some people had said that the Keikyu Line (private) actually runs closer to the Naval base front gate. You can also connect to the Keikyu Line at the Yokohama Stn.

Make sure you get a rapid train if it's Keikyu, wait for it, in no circumstances take a local. I ride this all the time when in Japan but get off a few stations short of the end of the line. Keikyu is cheaper than JR. The JR Yokohama station central exit has turnstiles directly to the Keikyu line, just touch your Suica card and go.

Shuttle Bus
 

If you are traveling on official gov't orders, the easiest way to get to the base is on the CFAY Narita Shuttle. Here is the link where you can sign up:

http://www.cfay.navy.mil/Narita_Bus/...0Web_home.html

It departs from T1 only (near N2 exit) and will drop you off in front of the PSD Office on the base. To get to the New Yokosuka, you will have to go back off base though. It's about a 7-8 minute walk, or you can arrange to have the hotel pick you up from PSD.

-suppo

I would love to tell you how I took the train from NRT to Yokosuka Navy Base. But that was in 1989. I am sure that the hotels have also changed in that time.

Found a Wiki that has been deleated from Wiki but it has some good reading. To bad Wiki deleated it.

http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/The-Honch

This may also help you.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Yokosuka