Commuting

There are a variety of ways for Dave to get to work in the morning. Obviously, the train is a convenient option. Also, there is a free shuttle runs at 5:20 am and 6:20 am. Another option is Julia’s taxi service. Now that the ETC is installed in the car, we can take the toll road and avoid traffic lights, pedestrians and mopeds. We still have to cross two sets of train tracks. If we leave at 5:55 we can miss them both. Other days, not so lucky. 

I solicited Dave’s help in documenting the trip while I drove. He was trigger happy! Be prepared for the numerous pictures. It was such a beautiful morning, it was worth sharing! Sunny and low humidity! Finally!!! 

Navigating the route is challenging because we are not overly familiar with the geography. We know we want to go to Yokosuka, but to get there you head towards Zushi first. Confused? I was. Because we live in Zushi and Zushi is the opposite direction of the base. Basically you have to drive a huge circle and go through a tunnel. 

 

After the tunnel, we take a right at the fork towards Miura. 

This exit is easier to remember because we have been to Yokohama several times and know it is north of us and in the opposite direction of Yokosuka. We haven’t made it to Miura yet… will need to add that to the list. 

As the exit ramp curves, the road passes a ladder to no where. 

Once past the ladder, merge into traffic and pass through another tunnel until exit 7 in 1.5km. 

After the tunnel, it’s under a bridge. 

I love the next picture. It shows the structure of the bridge and how high it is above us. What is up there?!? Also, notice the 80 speed limit sign. That is 80kmph. The easy way to compute to mph – divide the number by 5 and multiply by 3 (I ignore the .1). So, 80kmph is really only 48mph. It’s not that fast. However, it feels like your flying in a tiny car!! 

Once past the bridge, exit left. Prepare for next ETC toll booth. 

Each ETC booth causes the ETC reader in the car to chat with you and simultaneously pop open the gate. 

For ¥100 we sail through. 

After this booth we exit left towards Central Yokosuka. 

This is one of our favorite signs. Does it mean cameras taking your picture for speeding or potential risk for something to hit your vehicle (Japanese falling rock sign)? According to Google translate, neither. It means “Dumping ban Kanagawa Prefecture Highway Corporation Highway Traffic Police.” No littering. I guess the litter is hitting the car behind you!?! Funny. 

Guess what we go through next – yep, another tunnel. 

Followed by a toll booth! This one we actually have to pay with cash or coupon because it isn’t equipped with the ETC. 

It is a ¥210 toll. It is possible to purchase a booklet bringing the price down to ¥175. 

Gotta love the happy toll booth guy! 

At this point it literally is “all downhill from here!” An extensive flyover delivers us right into Yokosuka. 

Our last turn takes us into the base… after this no pictures allowed. 

I hoped you enjoyed the commute with us. To recap: cross two sets of RR tracks, turn left, turn right, exit left, exit right, exit left, merge, turn left into the base. To quote my husband, “does it ever hit you that you’re driving in Japan?” Everyday, baby, everyday.