Yokota Air Base, Japan - Polaroids on Post
This Polaroid on Post feature is from MacKenzie! She’s been a military spouse for a little over 3 years. Her & her husband have been to one base, Yokota Air Base in Japan and she has all the details to share with anyone looking for info! If you have questions about this duty station after reading through, feel free to message MacKenzie on Instagram @Mackenzie.Lee.Miller
Details Please!
is there anything you wish you knew before heading to Japan?
If there is one thing I wish I could’ve know before moving to Yokota, Japan it would be how close knit the community is here. I was really worried about not being able to make friends or have people I could rely on while living overseas but I have been so blessed that everyone here at Yokota is willing to lend a helping hand whenever someone needs it!
What did you think right off the bat when you moved to Yokota?
I was very nervous about moving to a foreign country but after about 2 months to adjust & learn how to drive on the other side of the road I fell completely in love with this beautiful country!
What is the actual base like?
The installation is not very big, the commissary & BX are pretty small compared to other bases I’ve visited.
What is the weather like in Japan?
Winter is very dry so pack a humidifier, the temperatures are around 35-55 on average with the occasional snow but that’s usually only 2 times a year & only about an inch. Spring is gorgeous here, flowers are blooming especially the beautiful & famous Cherry Blossoms (Sakura). Summer is rainy season in Japan, it rains for about 6-8 weeks and it’s extremely humid & hot (80-90s sometimes even up to 100s). Fall is very beautiful here, the fall foliage is gorgeous. The temperature is usually around 40-60s.
what are the facebook pages a newcomer should join to stay in the know about things?
I’d highly recommend joining the Yokota Community Page on Facebook. Also the Yokota Air Base Facebook page will provide lots of information about the base.
Food & Drinks
Do you have any date night recommendations for other milsos?
Le Lien in Tachikawa is wonderful! It has an all you can drink wine, cocktail & beer bar (or regular soda if you don’t drink alcohol) and you can get amazing fondue and steaks! We always get the Luxury set. It’s pricey but totally worth it for a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday!
Any other restaurants we should know about?
For Sushi I’d recommend Uobei
For Yakiniku I’d recommend Yakiniku King
For Ramen I’d recommend Kipposhi
For Japanese curry I’d recommend Coco’s
strawberry & banana pancakes
Where is your go-to spot for brunch?
Kona’s coffee is wonderful. I love their strawberry & banana pancakes and their avocado burger! They also have very good coffees (I love the iced caramel macchiato) and they have non-alcoholic and alcoholic cocktails that are so yummy. The pina coladas are amazing!
Add it to the Bucket List
What should a milso add to their Yokota bucket list?
Tokyo Skytree & Tokyo Tower
Hiking Mt. Fuji Harajuku
A trip to see the Snow Monkeys
Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea
Karaoke Bar
Are there any surrounding big cities you took weekend trips to?
Tokyo has a lot of things to offer - Shibuya crossing is the largest crosswalk in the world & you can look at it from above at Shibuya Sky. I’d highly recommend doing this at night time! There’s also Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower where you can look at the whole city! If you go about an hour before sunset you’ll be able to see the city in daylight, at sunset & night when all the city lights start turning on! Harajuku is also a really cool district, it’s famous for all the Kawaii or “cute” things. It has adorable little animal cafes like mini pigs, puppies, cats, hedgehogs etc! Also the street food is amazing, giant cotton candy, crepes, fried potatoes! There’s also anime districts if you like that, there is someone for everyone in Tokyo!
Other Recommendations
Hair Stylist- Valerie Raybon (message her on Facebook)
Nails- Jaynise Marie Nails & more
Photographer- Chelsea from Natsukashii Photography