📍 Discovering Miura Anjin’s Legacy: A Walking Tour in Yokosuka
Follow the footsteps of William Adams, the first English samurai in Japan!
This self-guided walking tour takes you through key historical sites in Yokosuka, where Miura Anjin (William Adams) lived, served the Tokugawa shogunate, and left a lasting legacy.
Starting at Anjinzuka Station, you will visit Anjinzuka Memorial, Kashima Shrine, and Jōdoji Temple before reaching Yokosuka Station. Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating stories of Japan’s first Western samurai and his impact on Japanese history.
🔹 Tour Overview
🔹 Start: Anjinzuka Station (Keikyū Line)
🔹 Stops:
1️⃣ Anjinzuka Memorial – His symbolic burial site
2️⃣ Kashima Shrine – A shrine linked to his descendants
3️⃣ Jōdoji Temple – His family temple
🔹 End: Yokosuka Station
🔹 Estimated Duration: 2–3 hours (including walking and sightseeing)
🗺 Route Details
1️⃣ Anjinzuka Station (按針塚駅) – Starting Point
🚉 Access:
・From Tokyo Station: Approx. 1 hour
Tokyo Station → Shinagawa Station (JR)
Shinagawa Station → Anjinzuka Station (Keikyu Line)
・From Haneda Airport: Approx. 1 hour
Haneda Airport Terminal 1 & 2 Station → Keikyu Kamata Station (Keikyu Line)
Keikyu Kamata Station → Anjinzuka Station (Keikyu Line)
🗺 Address：2-chome, Nagaura-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa 237-0072, Japan
📍 Why start here?
- The station’s name, Anjinzuka, literally means “Anjin’s Mound,” reflecting William Adams’ deep ties to this area.
- From here, it’s about a 20-minute walk to Anjinzuka Memorial.
2️⃣ Anjinzuka Memorial (按針塚) – A Tribute to the First English Samurai
🗺 Address：3-57, Nishi-Hemmi-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa 238-0046, Japan
🚶 Walking Time: 20 minutes (1.2km) from Anjinzuka Station
⏳ Recommended Visit Time: 20–30 minutes
📍 What to See?
- Memorial Monument (1918): Built to honor William Adams (Miura Anjin), though his actual grave is in Hirado, Nagasaki.
- Panoramic View: Overlooking Tokyo Bay, symbolizing his maritime legacy.
- Information Signs: Learn about Adams’ role in Tokugawa diplomacy and shipbuilding.
📌 Did you know?
William Adams was the inspiration for John Blackthorne in the hit TV drama Shōgun!
3️⃣ Kashima Shrine (鹿島神社) – A Samurai Shrine
🗺 Address：2-70, Nishi-Hemmi-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa 238-0046, Japan
🚶 Walking Time: 17 minutes(1.1km) from Anjinzuka Memorial
⏳ Recommended Visit Time: 15–20 minutes
📍 Why visit?
- Dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, the deity of warriors.
- Local legend says Anjin’s son founded this shrine.
- Goshuin stamp available – Collect a special shrine seal featuring Anjin’s name.
📌 Tip: Enjoy the quiet, peaceful atmosphere and the traditional torii gate.
4️⃣ Jōdoji Temple (浄土寺) – Miura Anjin’s Family Temple
🗺 Address：1-11, Nishi-Hemmi-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa 238-0046, Japan
🚶 Walking Time: 1 minute (80m) from Kashima Shrine
⏳ Recommended Visit Time: 20–30 minutes
📍 What to See?
- Anjin’s family temple – His soul is enshrined here.
- Historic architecture and serene gardens.
- A Goshuin temple stamp is available as a keepsake of your visit.
📌 Did you know?
Adams’ story was rediscovered in the late 19th century by British merchants in Yokohama!
5️⃣ Yokosuka Station (横須賀駅) – End of the Tour
🗺 Address：1-chome, Higashi-Hemmi-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa 238-0045, Japan
🚶 Walking Time: 8 minutes (550m) from Jōdoji Temple
📍 Why finish here?
- The station area offers naval history sites and local specialties.
- Try Yokosuka Navy Curry, a famous dish with origins in the Japanese Navy.
📌 Recommended Stop: Yokosuka Navy Curry Restaurant 🍛
🎯 Useful Travel Tips for American Visitors
✔ Best Season to Visit: Spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (cooler weather).
✔ Recommended Gear: Comfortable walking shoes – there are some slopes.
✔ Language: While many signs are in Japanese, historical sites often have English information boards.
✔ Transportation: Use a Suica or Pasmo card for easy train travel.
🔹 Why Take This Walking Tour?
✔ Discover the real-life samurai behind Shōgun
✔ Explore Japan’s hidden history of East-West cultural exchange
✔ Enjoy a relaxing, history-filled walk through traditional Japan
📍 Step into history and experience the journey of Japan’s first English samurai! 🇯🇵✨
📍 Want to see what this journey is like in real life?
If you’re curious about what it’s like to walk this historical route, check out this detailed travel journal, featuring personal experiences and stunning photos:
Explore the journey through the eyes of someone who has walked in Miura Anjin’s footsteps!
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