📍 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
⭐Recommended Rating
Historical Value: ★★★
Visual Appeal: ★★★
Experiential Value: ★★
William Adams, known in Japan as Miura Anjin, was an English navigator who arrived in Japan in 1600 as the sole survivor of a five-ship fleet. He became a trusted foreign advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu, introducing shipbuilding and navigation techniques, and helped construct Japan’s first Western-style sailing ship. For his contributions, Ieyasu granted him a 250-koku fief in Hemimura, Miura District (present-day Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture), and bestowed upon him the samurai title “Miura Anjin.”
Adams passed away in 1620 in Hirado, Nagasaki. In his will, he requested a memorial tower to be built “on a place overlooking Edo Bay.” This wish was fulfilled with the construction of Anjinzuka in Tsukayama Park, Hemmi. Two stone pagodas—one for Adams and one for his wife—stand side by side and are designated as a national historic site.
| Year Built | 1620 (Memorial tower constructed) / Restored and refurbished around 1902–1923 |
|---|---|
| Constructed By | According to the will of William Adams and his son Joseph |
| Structure & Features | Tuff stone tower for Adams and andesite tower for his wife, in the Hōkyōintō style |
| Restoration History | Discovered in 1902, restored in 1906, designated national historic site in 1923 |
| Current Condition | Well-preserved, located within Tsukayama Park |
| Cultural Designation | National Historic Site (Grave of Miura Anjin) |
| Notes | Keikyū “Anjinzuka Station” is named after the site. Famous for cherry blossoms and festival. Offers scenic views from the hilltop. |
🗺 Address：3-57, Nishi-Hemmi-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa 238-0046, Japan
🚶 Access
21 minutes (1.2km) from Anjinzuka Station
⏳ Estimated Visit Time
Quick visit: Around 10 minutes
Thorough visit: Around 30 minutes (including park stroll and cherry blossom viewing)
📍 Highlights
- Anjin Memorial Towers: The tuff stone tower on the right commemorates Miura Anjin; the andesite tower on the left honors his wife. The dignified appearance of the towers reflects the spirit of the samurai.
- Hilltop View: Offers panoramic views of Edo Bay, just as Adams once envisioned.
- Cherry Blossom Festival: Every April, the “Miura Anjin Cherry Blossom Festival” is held, with lanterns and cherry blossoms creating a magical night scene.
- Seasonal Attractions: In spring and autumn, the entire park is bathed in seasonal colors, perfect for a scenic walk.
📌 Trivia
- Origin of the Station Name: “Anjinzuka Station” was named after this memorial and remains a source of local pride.
- Diplomacy and Cherry Blossoms: Each year, representatives from the UK, the Netherlands, and other nations attend the festival, honoring historical ties.
- Proof of Personal Fiefdom: Adams was the only Westerner in Japanese history granted land and retainers, a testament to his extraordinary achievements.
3️⃣ Kashima Shrine (鹿島神社) – A Samurai Shrine
⭐Recommended Rating
Historical Value: ★★★
Visual Appeal: ★★
Experiential Value: ★
Kashima Shrine is the guardian shrine of the former Hemmi Village, where Miura Anjin (William Adams) was granted land. It is believed to stand on the site of his former residence. The shrine was originally founded in 1410 (Ōei 17) and was relocated and rebuilt by Anjin’s son, Joseph. During the late Edo to Meiji period, the shrine was moved to its current location due to the development of the area as a military port. The carvings on the main hall were created by Goto Kisaburo, a master sculptor from Uraga. This spot is a rewarding visit for travelers interested in traditional shrine architecture and historical craftsmanship.
| Founded | 1410 (Ōei 17) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Miura Tōtōmi-no-kami (Lord of Hemmi Village) |
| Structure & Features | Wooden shrine buildings; hall carvings by Goto Kisaburo |
| Reconstruction & Relocation | Rebuilt and donated by Joseph, son of Anjin, in 1633; relocated to current site in 1895 |
| Current Status | Main hall, torii gate, and carvings are well preserved |
| Cultural Designation | Guardian shrine of former Hemmi Village; historical site related to Anjin |
| Notes | Located along a walking route from Keikyū Hemmi Station and JR Yokosuka Station |
🗺 Address：2-70, Nishi-Hemmi-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa 238-0046, Japan
🚶 Access
17 minutes(1.1km) from Anjinzuka Memorial
⏳ Estimated Visit Time
Quick stroll: Around 10 minutes
Thorough visit with local walk: About 30 minutes
📍 Highlights
- Main Hall and Torii Gate: A tranquil structure preserving the traditional ambiance since its Muromachi-era origins.
- Shrine Carvings: Intricate wooden carvings by Uraga’s renowned craftsman, Goto Kisaburo.
- Path to Jōdoji Temple and Anjinzuka: The shrine grounds connect to a path leading to Jōdoji Temple and Anjin’s grave.
- Seasonal Enjoyment: Enjoy spring blossoms and autumn foliage in the peaceful, history-rich shrine setting.
📌 Trivia
- From Fief to Shrine: Built on the land granted to Anjin, with records showing his son contributed to the shrine’s reconstruction.
- Naval Port Relocation History: The original site, now part of the JMSDF Yokosuka District Headquarters, was relocated here due to naval expansion.
- Key Spot on the Historical Walking Route: Kashima Shrine is a natural waypoint for historical walkers heading from JR Yokosuka Station toward Anjinzuka and Jōdoji Temple.
4️⃣ Jōdoji Temple (浄土寺) – Miura Anjin’s Family Temple
⭐Recommended Rating
Historical Value: ★★★
Visual Appeal: ★★★
Experiential Value: ★★★
Jōdo-ji Temple was founded during the Kamakura period by Hatakeyama Shigetada and later became the memorial temple for Miura Anjin (William Adams), a rare English samurai who served Tokugawa Ieyasu and introduced Western navigation to Japan. Items related to Anjin, including his personal Buddhist statue and relics, are still preserved in the main hall. The temple is cherished as a place that quietly celebrates Anjin’s legacy and cultural exchange through events such as the annual memorial service and jazz concerts. As you pass through the temple gate, the dramatic tides of history seem to echo gently throughout the lush grounds.
| Founded | Kamakura period (by Hatakeyama Shigetada) |
|---|---|
| Sect | Jōdo Shinshū Honganji-ha (Nishi Honganji branch) |
| Became Memorial Temple | Early Edo period, as Miura Anjin’s memorial temple |
| Main Hall Rebuilt | 1712 (Shōtoku 2) |
| Current Status | Main hall, gate, and items related to Anjin are well preserved |
| Cultural Designation | Yokosuka City Important Cultural Property (e.g., Bronze Kannon Statue) |
| Notes | Hosts annual memorial services, festivals, and other community events |
🗺 Address：1-11, Nishi-Hemmi-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa 238-0046, Japan
🚶 Access
1 minute (80m) from Kashima Shrine
⏳ Estimated Visit Time
Quick highlights: About 15 minutes (main hall and exhibit viewing)
In-depth visit: 45 minutes to 1 hour (grounds walk and attending events)
📍 Highlights
- Personal Buddhist Statue – Bronze Kannon Bodhisattva: A rare cultural property from the Kamakura period, said to have been used by Anjin for personal prayer.
- Temple Treasures Related to Anjin: Sutras written on palm leaves, embroidered altar cloths, and items donated by Anjin are kept in the exhibit hall.
- Anjin Memorial Service & Festival: Held annually in April, with additional events like autumn jazz concerts celebrating both history and local culture.
- Tranquility and Greenery of the Temple Grounds: Walking paths lead to Anjinzuka and Kashima Shrine, letting visitors explore nature and history in every season.
📌 Trivia
- English Samurai Connection: Anjin’s personal Buddhist statue is designated an Important Cultural Property by Yokosuka City.
- Cross-Cultural Exchange Hub: The temple hosts a local radio show, “Miura Anjin Through the Seasons,” as part of its outreach efforts.
- Hilltop Grave Connection: Near the temple lies Anjinzuka, the grave built at his request with a view of Edo Bay. It’s a recommended stop on foot.
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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