Important Notice: Event Cancelled

Yokosuka Curry Festival 2025, originally scheduled for May 17–18, has been cancelled due to forecasted strong winds and safety concerns.
The Open House at the JMSDF Yokosuka District Headquarters has also been cancelled.
We appreciate your understanding and hope to welcome you to a future edition of the festival.

Discover the true taste of Japan at one of the country’s most beloved curry events.
Held on May 17–18, 2025, the Yokosuka Curry Festival 2025 invites you to Verny Park—a beautiful seaside venue—for two days of flavor, culture, and fun. This year’s edition moves from the usual Mikasa Park to Verny Park, offering more space and a refreshing waterfront atmosphere.

The festival features over 30 curry booths—from the iconic Navy Curry and original recipes from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to spicy curry bread and creative regional specialties from across the country. Visitors can explore a range of themed zones, including the Curry Buffet, the Curry Bread Festival, the National Curry Zone, and a dedicated JMSDF Curry Zone—each offering unique flavors and cultural stories.

Beyond food, enjoy live music performances and even a rare chance to tour JMSDF ships docked nearby. Whether you’re a foodie, a cultural explorer, or just looking for a flavorful weekend, this event has something for everyone.

Join thousands of curry lovers and make Yokosuka your next flavorful stop in Japan.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF /海上自衛隊): Japan’s naval defense organization, responsible for maritime security and disaster response. At the festival, official curry recipes from various JMSDF bases across Japan are featured.

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📍 Verny Park
1-1 Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

🗓 Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18, 2025
🕘 From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (event ends at 16:00)

🎮 Street Fighter 6 eSports Experience also takes place during the festival!
Click here for full details on the experience event

What is Yokosuka Curry Festival 2025?

The Yokosuka Curry Festival is an annual celebration of Japan’s rich curry culture, deeply rooted in the history of this coastal city. Known as the birthplace of “Navy Curry”—a hearty dish once served aboard naval ships—Yokosuka has long been associated with bold, flavorful meals inspired by maritime traditions.

Each year, the festival draws thousands of visitors eager to explore the many dimensions of Japanese curry. From traditional recipes with historical roots to creative regional interpretations and fusion flavors, it offers more than just food—it’s a full sensory experience that connects you with one of Japan’s most beloved everyday dishes.

In 2025, the event moves to Verny Park, a scenic waterfront location known for its rose gardens and shipyard views. This change from the usual Mikasa Park venue provides extra space and a refreshing seaside atmosphere, perfect for enjoying curry under the open sky.

Organized by the city of Yokosuka, the festival warmly welcomes international visitors as part of its commitment to cultural exchange. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a devoted curry fan, this event promises a flavorful and unforgettable journey through the heart of Japanese culinary culture.

Festival Highlights and Curry Zones

The Yokosuka Curry Festival is more than just a gathering of food—it’s a flavorful journey across Japan’s diverse curry culture, organized into several themed zones. At the heart of it all is the “Curry Town Yokosuka” Zone (located in Map Area C, the central section of the venue), where local curry legends shine.

The biggest attraction here is the Curry Buffet. After paying at the “Buffet Payment Tent”, you’ll receive a tray and rice made with premium Japanese-grown Yukiwakamaru rice from Yamagata Prefecture. You can then visit participating booths to collect five different curries, including three types of Yokosuka Navy Curry and two JMSDF Curry offerings. Add some Fukujinzuke pickles (福神漬け) —provided at the buffet zone—and enjoy creating your very own custom curry plate.

Fukujinzuke (福神漬け): A traditional Japanese relish made from thinly sliced vegetables such as radish, eggplant, and lotus root. The vegetables are first lightly salted, then pickled in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Fukujinzuke is mildly sweet and is often served as a topping for Japanese curry.

Yokosuka Curry Bread Festival 2025

Don’t miss the Yokosuka Curry Bread Festival 2025 either. For ¥1,000, you can try a set of four curry breads, including two Yokosuka Navy Curry Breads, one original recipe, and one sponsored curry bread. (Bread selection is fixed.)
Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these curry-filled breads offer a perfectly portable taste of Yokosuka’s creativity.

With only 2,000 sets available per day, both the curry buffet and bread festival are popular attractions—be sure to arrive early!

Discover Regional Flavors in the National Curry Zone

Beyond local favorites, the Yokosuka Curry Festival also brings together curry masters from across Japan. In the National Curry Zone, vendors from various regions serve up their take on Japan’s most loved comfort food—each with a unique twist. From Hokkaido’s rich beef curry to Okinawa’s island-spiced variations, this area offers a cross-country tasting tour all in one place.

Taste the Fleet: National JMSDF Curry Zone

Right next to it is the National JMSDF Curry Zone, featuring official recipes from Maritime Self-Defense Force bases across the country. Each dish reflects the culinary identity of its respective base, making it not just a meal, but a taste of naval life in different parts of Japan.

Live Music That Sets the Festival Mood

While exploring the festival, visitors can also enjoy live music performances on the open-air stage. The event showcases a variety of acts, from local bands to traditional Japanese ensembles, creating a festive soundtrack to accompany your curry tasting.

Tour a Real JMSDF Ship (Scheduled)

One of the most anticipated features is the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship tour (scheduled). This rare opportunity lets visitors explore a real JMSDF vessel docked nearby, offering an up-close look at Japan’s modern maritime defense.

Whether you’re here for the food, the music, or the ships, these highlights round out the festival experience and make it a true celebration of Yokosuka’s culture and community.

Event Date, Venue & Access

Dates & Time

The Yokosuka Curry Festival 2025 will be held on:
🗓 Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18, 2025
🕘 From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (event ends at 16:00)

Please note that food may sell out early, and admission to the park may be temporarily restricted during peak hours to ensure safety and comfort.

Venue

Verny Park
1-1 Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Verny Park offers a scenic location along Yokosuka’s waterfront, surrounded by rose gardens, historic architecture, and views of JMSDF ships.
This year’s venue change from Mikasa Park provides more space for food booths, stage events, and visitor comfort—making the event more enjoyable for everyone.

Access

By Train

⚫︎ 1-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Station
⚫︎ 5-minute walk from Keikyu Shioiri Station

By Car

⚫︎ No on-site parking available
⚫︎ Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation due to limited parking and expected crowds.

Weather Policy
This is an outdoor event and may be canceled in case of severe weather.
Please check official channels for updates on the day of the event.

Tips for Visitors

Arrive Early

The festival is very popular, and food may sell out by early afternoon. For the best experience, aim to arrive before noon.

Payment

Most booths accept cash only. Bring small bills and coins for faster transactions. On-site ATMs are not available.

Language Support

While English signage is limited, this article provides key information. Most booths do not offer multilingual menus, but staff are generally helpful and will do their best to assist you.

Accessibility & Facilities

The park is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, though peak hours may cause congestion. Restrooms are located throughout the park, with additional temporary units for the event.

Smoking, Alcohol & Pets

⚫︎ Smoking is allowed only in designated areas.
⚫︎ Please refrain from drinking alcohol within the venue.
⚫︎ Pets are not permitted inside the event area (except service animals).
⚫︎ Bicycles cannot be ridden or brought into the venue.

Parking & Bicycles

There is no on-site parking or bicycle parking. Please use nearby paid parking lots or public transportation. Do not park on public roads.

Other Important Notices

⚫︎ Event content and vendors are subject to change without notice.
⚫︎ Food and drinks are not allowed inside JMSDF facilities or restricted park areas.

Looking for more fun during the festival?
🎮 Don’t miss the Street Fighter 6 eSports Experience held at the same time nearby!
👉 Check out the details here

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