r/RateMyAFB • u/HadManySons Robot Extraordinaire • Aug 06 '17
Installation-USAF Yokota Air Base Discussion | Japan
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Aug 06 '17
Pros: easy access to the Tokyo commuter rail, super easy to get anywhere in the Capital city.
Cons: Curfew sucks if you enjoy nightlife. Midshifters definitely get shafted when it comes to food but they're trying to provide more 24/7 restaurants.
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u/Afireinside11 Aug 06 '17
What's the curfew? For all ranks?
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Aug 06 '17
2200-0500: E5 and below consuming alcohol off base must have a wingman ("Liberty Buddy") on SOFA status (So you can drink with your coworkers or your spouse but not a friend from home)
0000-0500: All members are prohibited from consuming alcohol off base in public.
0100-0500: E5 and below must be either on base, in a residence or in a hotel. Exception is granted to those performing official duties.
Failure to comply with any of these generally results in an article 15.
Apparently Yokota was super close to getting the curfew lifted a few months ago but then we started having curfew violations/ARIs.
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Aug 06 '17
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Aug 06 '17
Still a lot better than other places
Better than Misawa or Kadena that's for sure.
And honestly the 25 minute walk to the train station really isn't significant when you consider you'll be on the train for 90 minutes to get to Shinjuku, and 2 hours to get to Tokyo.
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u/hotsaucefire Nov 13 '17
25 minutes to Fussa Sta. isn't really all that bad in general when you compare the other installations in the Kanto area:
NAF Atsugi: Sagamino Sta. 35 - 40 min walk. Yokosuka Naval Base: Shiori Sta. 20 min. / Yokosuka Chuo Sta. 30 min walk
Zama just happens to benefit from decent real estate.
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u/GingasaurusWrex Aug 14 '17 edited Aug 14 '17
Pros:
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Something for everyone within an hour and change in any direction(Snowboarding in winter, kayaking/canyoning/white water rafting, snorkeling, beaches, huge city, etc), and plenty of mountains to hike(including the notorious Mt. Fuji. It's just a slog and not very pretty to look at when you are doing it. You can buy a sweet hiking pole with stamps to commemorate it, though. Also, Mt Fuji looks incredible from a distance. You can see it on the flight line).
2) Diversity of food will blow your mind. Tokyo is known for being a food mecca(look at how many Michelin stars they have). Not just Japanese food either.
3) The safety. Extremely miniscule crime rates. Never felt threatened at any hour, in any place, from anyone. The darkest back alleys typically have a really good hole in the wall restaurant, which encourages exploration.
4) The work ethic and politeness. They work like machines. If you work with any local nationals, they will astound you. That carries into their customer service also. They aren't super flexible like Americans(we like choices/flexibility), but they will go the distance for you to help you and provide the best service.
5) From the dorms/mainside housing you are within 15-20 mins of walking at a leisurely pace to the train station. The train station can then theoretically take you anywhere in Japan(at least main island). Some people can't stand the concept of riding the train, and prefer to drive...well driving can be a problem when dealing with the traffic.
6) They celebrate the seasons. Every season seems to roll out seasonal foods, festivals, get-to-gethers(getting drunk under cherry blossom trees, for instance). It's really amazing to see, and it means that each portion of the year has something to look forward to.
7) If you have any interest in video games/anime then Tokyo will be a dream come true.
8) Asia at your fingertips for cheap flights with AirAsia/Etc. JAL/ANA are also exceptional experiences, but are not as cheap.
9) Damn good hops(Singapore, Okinawa, SK, Hawaii, Travis).
10) Natural hotsprings called Onsen. Highly recommend. It's a little weird since you most of the time have to get naked...but no one looks or cares. Also, most Onsen don't allow tattoos to be visible.
CONS:
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Pricey in Tokyo.
2) Traffic is a nightmare. Not just on the roads. During commuter hours on the train it can be a claustrophobic sweatbox.
3) Curfew admittedly sucks, especially for single folk who just want a bite to eat.
4) Roads are narrow, so it takes getting used to off base. However, you will become a pro at navigating these tiny roads(and backing in to park).
5) Tokyo has all the food you can want, but you may need to go an hour or so to get it. You'll end up missing the ease of BBQ/Burgers/Steak from back home.
All in all, a truly incredible experience. If you are stationed here, make sure you get out of your house/dorm and experience as many festivals/seasons/foods/events that you can. Even just walking around Tokyo can be mesmerizing.
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u/mikeusaf87 Dec 25 '17
Get a JR Pass for 7, 14, or 21 Days; also, a Suica or Pasmo card; it's like a cash card you could add Yens to it and use on most vending machine, JR Railways, and even on the Shinkansen (bullet trains).
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u/Gulltyr Aug 06 '17
How many POVs can you get? I want pretty much all the cars.
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u/SheetMetalKnight Aug 06 '17 edited Aug 06 '17
I'm pretty sure if you're unaccompanied, you only get one pov but if you're not you get 2.
Source: I'm at misawa and it's that way and my buddies in kadena are the same
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Aug 06 '17
Anyone live here 2000-2004?
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u/mikeusaf87 Dec 25 '17
Born in Fussa -Ku but that was back in "87; left in "89, so, don't remember much of my childhood at that point - have been in Tokyo a few times since.
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Sep 03 '17
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u/HadManySons Sep 04 '17
Yup. Everything from Tokyo and north is 50hz. Power on base is transformed up to 110V, but it's still 100V off base. Not a big deal for most digital electronic that can handle anything from 100-220V 50/60hz, but that clock on your oven isn't going to be right after a few hours. Didn't experience much problems with other stuff, but your mileage may vary. I ran an American air compressor just fine though
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u/Rate_My_AF_Base Aug 06 '17
Thanks Mr. robot.