Have you been to the yokota base (Japan)?

Question

How was it? Huge culture shock? Was your tour comfortable? Would you go back?
Any info would be nice.
Thank you.

Answer 1

I lived in Japan for half my life. I went to Yokota at least once every year. Zama, Negishi, and everything else southwest of Tokyo between Yokota and Yokosuka were closer to me, so Yokota wasn't where I partied, but I had official functions to attend there several times.

Yokota is located way, way out west of Tokyo (it's still Tokyo, but the way it's set up, you have the city proper of 23 wards, then a mass of smaller cities stretching out far, far west) and there's only one servicing train line, which stops almost never. Getting to the city proper for shopping etc etc is going to be a real hassle if you're using public transport. Get a motorcycle, or a small (and I mean SMALL) car so you won't be paying crazy parking fees.

The Yokota area itself is nice as far as Japanese communities go. Not very crowded (it will still leave you reeling on congestion compared to the states) a lot of hills and curvy roads. Not that much traffic. Lots of cameramen and hangers-on near the airfield trying to get photos for magazines. If you have some sort of transport, you'll like it. Shopping is a great experience, the Japanese are far more polite to female rather than male servicemembers, and the base facilities are really good.

You're also close to nature if you drive for a little bit, and there's some great hiking or mountain biking to be found. If you learn a bit of Japanese, you'll find the entire country to be very convenient (there's a convenience store or vending machine everywhere) and fun. Just be sure to buddy up if you're going to a place like Roppongi downtown, as it can get rough there.

If you want any further information, I'd be more than happy to oblige and give you pointers on where to eat, how to get to places, and such. Just give me time to get myself back from Iraq and refocus, but you're free to send me an email in the meantime.

Good luck on your tour. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, unless you're the sort of person that can't handle being overseas. Have fun.

Answer 2

Yokota has the biggest and best Commissary/Exchange of all the bases on the Kanto Plain..Including Yokosuka Naval base, about 1.5 hours away.

I'd go back to Japan in a second, but I will admit to major culture shock. took about six months before I got up the nerve to go out and experience the culture.

Answer 3

I have heard Yakota is a nice base. Personally, I do not know much about the base from personal experience, but friends of mine that have been their loved Japan and its culture. Luckily, I am moving to Misawa AB in April, which is 400 miles north of Tokyo where Yakota is. You should be able to find info on the base online. Good Luck

Answer 4

A long time ago. The biggest shock to me was that they did not like Americans. I was a young woman who believed everyone in the worled loved us and wanted to live in the U.S. Their culture is very different, but beautiful and serene.

Answer 5

Yes was there during the Korean war==Didn't think much of it then--but would sure like to return to see the changes that were made since I was there

Answer 6

Can't give you any info that's up to date. I was there on my way to Viet Nam back in 1966. No, I wouldn't go back.

Answer 7

nope.