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Suggest a Feature βFussa / Western Tokyo, Japan
U.S. Air Forces in Japan headquarters. Western Tokyo with Mt. Fuji in view.
Yokota Air Base sits in Fussa β a suburb 40 kilometers west of central Tokyo in the Tama River valley. The base hosts USFJ (U.S. Forces Japan) headquarters and USAF 5th Air Force, making it the nerve center for all US military operations in Japan.
Fussa is a genuine Tokyo suburb with its own character β an Americana-flavored shopping street (Yokota Friendship Gate Street) that serves the base community, excellent ramen shops, and immediate access to the Tama River cycling and walking paths.
The location is extraordinary: central Tokyo is 40 minutes by train, Mt. Fuji is 1.5 hours, the Japanese Alps are 2-3 hours, and Kamakura is 1.5 hours. A Yokota assignment places you in the center of Japan's most concentrated density of world-class experiences.
Must Eat
The spots worth eating at before you PCS out.
Hachioji Ramen
"The Hachioji style β a distinct Tokyo suburb ramen tradition."
Hachioji (the major city east of Yokota) has its own distinct ramen style β a shoyu base with minced onion and back fat. Local shops have been perfecting this since the 1960s. Walk into any ramen shop with the red lantern.
Okutama River Restaurants
"Mountain river cuisine in the Tokyo watershed."
Okutama (40 minutes west) is Tokyo's mountain watershed β excellent river fish (ayu sweetfish, yamame trout), mountain vegetables (sansai), and salt-grilled preparations that are classic Japanese mountain cuisine.
Outdoor
Get outside. The land around military installations is usually the best reason to be there.
Tama River Cycling
"Paved cycling path from base to Tokyo Bay."
The Tama River Cycling Road runs 56 kilometers from the mountains near Yokota all the way to Tokyo Bay β a paved, car-free path used by thousands of cyclists daily. Rent bikes from the base recreation center or local shops.
Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)
"Five lakes at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The classic Fuji view."
The Fuji Five Lakes β Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko, Motosuko β surround the northern base of Fuji. The postcard view of Fuji over Kawaguchiko is here. Excellent camping, cycling, and the Fuji-Q Highland roller coaster park.
Culture & History
Places with stories. Most military towns sit on deep history β dig in.
Tokyo (entire city)
"40 minutes east. Every time is different."
From Yokota, Tokyo is remarkably accessible by train β Shinjuku in 40 minutes, Shibuya in 45, Akihabara in 55. The ChuΕ-Sobu Line from Fussa is the direct connection. Use Tokyo regularly throughout your assignment.
Nikko National Park
"The most ornate shrine in Japan. 2 hours north."
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is Japan's most elaborately decorated religious site β carved sleeping cat, three wise monkeys, and the Yomeimon Gate with 508 carved figures. The cedar avenue (World Heritage) approaching Nikko is one of the great forest walks in Japan.
Family
Stuff to do with the kids. Rated by people who have brought actual children.
Fuji-Q Highland
"World-record roller coasters with Mt. Fuji views."
Fuji-Q Highland at the base of Mt. Fuji has held multiple world records for roller coaster height, speed, and inversions. The Fujiyama, Eejanaika, and Takabisha are legendary coasters. With Fuji as backdrop, the setting is incomparable.
Day Trips
When you need to remember there's a world outside the gate.
"Japan's cultural capitals. Long weekend minimum."
Kyoto and Osaka are each 2-2.5 hours from Shinjuku on the Shinkansen. Kyoto has temples and geisha districts; Osaka has the most dynamic food culture in Japan (okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu). A Yokota posting without multiple Kyoto/Osaka trips is incomplete.
"Onsen, Mt. Fuji views, and the Open Air Museum."
Hakone is 90 minutes from Shinjuku by the Romance Car β ropeway over the sulfurous volcanic valley, Lake Ashi boat with Fuji view, and the extraordinary Hakone Open Air Museum with a Picasso collection in an outdoor sculpture garden.
The Japan Rail Pass (purchased before arrival) makes Shinkansen travel affordable. Buy it through the JR website or an authorized dealer outside Japan.
Get a Suica IC card immediately β it works on every train system in the Kanto area and at convenience stores.
Cherry blossom season in Tokyo is late March-early April. Shinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park are the best spots. Arrive early on weekends.
Yokota Friendship Gate Street (outside the front gate) is genuinely excellent β vintage clothing, Japanese curry, and a uniquely Tokyo-suburb Americana atmosphere.
Winter mornings in the Kanto region have the clearest Fuji views. Set an alarm, step outside, and look southwest.
Tokyo-area housing is expensive and Japanese apartments are small. The base's OHA rates reflect the market but off-base living requires adjusting American space expectations. The train system is extraordinary but can be confusing initially β give yourself a learning curve of about 2 weeks.
This guide is built by people who've been stationed here. If there's a spot we got wrong or a gem we missed, tell us.