Yokosuka is known as the city of a naval port in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force have bases in the port area. The American style "Navy Burger", which is served in some restaurants around the bases, is one of my favorites in this city.
Turning to the inland area of Yokosuka, there are Japanese style traditional spots in contrast. For instance, Yokosuka Iris Garden is definitely my favorite. From early June to mid-July, purple, blue and white colored iris flowers are seen here and there in the large garden. Irises are typical blossoms of the rainy season. They attract many gardeners and flower lovers.
To visit this beautiful traditional garden, please get off at Shioiri Station on the Keikyu Main Line. It takes about 45 minutes by limited express train from Shinagawa in downtown Tokyo. You can then use the direct bus services from Shioiri Station to the garden during the peak season of Iris flowers.
On the way to the iris garden, I saw set number 17 of the EMU 1000 series (1st batch) at Shioiri Station. It had a red colored aluminum body with a white stripe on the center of its side. I prefer this red colored aluminum body to the bare stainless bodies, which were adopted from the 6th batch of the 1000 series.
As the colors of flowers attract flower lovers, the colors of trains attract rail fans.
