Naval Air Facility Atsugi — Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

"The Kanto region has distinct ramen styles. Find your neighborhood bowl."

The Kanto region's ramen is soy-based (shoyu) and tonkotsu. Nearly every neighborhood in Yamato has a serious ramen shop. Find the one near your neighborhood and go weekly.

"The world's greatest seafood market. 50 minutes from Atsugi."

The outer market (accessible to the public) has fresh seafood, sushi shops, tamago, and the best tuna don (tuna over rice) you will eat in your life. Arrive before 10am.

"The basement food floors of Japanese department stores are extraordinary."

Every major department store (Odakyu in Shinjuku, Isetan, Mitsukoshi) has a basement floor of extraordinary prepared food, pastries, sweets, and deli. Intimidatingly good, reasonably priced for prepared food.

"Japanese tabletop BBQ — thinner cuts, better quality control than Korean."

Yakiniku is Japan's version of tabletop grilling — wagyu beef, tongue, offal, and vegetables grilled over charcoal. More restrained than Korean BBQ but equally addictive.

"The coastal medieval capital 30 minutes away has excellent street food."

Komachi-dori, the main street of Kamakura, has excellent Japanese street food — shirasudon (tiny whitebait rice bowls), monaka ice cream, and fresh mochi. The Great Buddha awaits at the end.

"Japan's second-largest Buddha. 30 minutes from Atsugi."

The bronze Amida Buddha at Kotoku-in has been seated in the open air since 1498 (the hall that housed it was washed away by a tsunami). 13 meters tall, 93 tons, and genuinely moving.

"The most climbed mountain in Japan. Views of Fuji on clear days."

Mt. Takao (599m) is 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku and has 6 trails of varying difficulty. Cable car available. The summit view of Fuji on clear winter days is one of the great Tokyo-area views.

"The largest Chinatown in Japan. 40 minutes from Atsugi."

Yokohama has Japan's largest Chinatown — a significant dining destination with regional Chinese cuisine, dumplings, and red lantern streets. The Motomachi neighborhood next door is excellent for shopping.

"Climb Japan's sacred mountain. Season is July-August."

From the 5th Station (accessible by bus from Kawaguchiko), the summit climb is 6-7 hours up, 4-5 hours down. Altitude sickness is real above 3,000m. Sunrise from the summit is worth every step.

"The lakes at Fuji's base. Classic views, onsen, and paddleboating."

The five lakes at the northern base of Fuji offer the postcard views of the mountain reflected in water. Kawaguchiko is the most developed — boat rentals, restaurants, onsen with Fuji views.

"Tidal island shrine, sea caves, and Fuji views from the coast."

Enoshima is a small tidal island 30 minutes from Atsugi with a shrine, sea caves, and Fuji views across Sagami Bay. The island is walkable in 2-3 hours. Good seafood restaurants along the causeway.

"One of the great cities on Earth. 50 minutes by train."

Shinjuku's east side (Golden Gai, Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho) for nightlife and atmosphere. Shibuya crossing and the youth culture. Asakusa for the traditional temple and Nakamise market. You could spend every weekend in Tokyo for 3 years and not repeat.

"Elaborate Edo-era shrines in a mountain forest. 2 hours north."

Tosho-gu shrine complex in Nikko is Japan's most ornate — gilded lacquerwork, hundreds of statues, and cedar forest. The surrounding national park has waterfalls, lakes, and excellent hiking.

"DisneySea is the best theme park on Earth. 60 minutes from Atsugi."

Tokyo DisneySea is a separately designed park — not a copy of American Disney — and consistently rated the world's best theme park. Unique attractions, immaculate theming, and exceptional food. MWR ticket discounts available.

"Well-preserved Sengoku era castle 45 minutes from Atsugi."

The Hojo clan's fortress at Odawara is one of the better Japanese castle experiences for families — excellent museum, climbable keep, and the grounds have an amusement area for kids.