Fussa City: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Fussa City, located in western Tokyo, is a captivating town where unique American culture thrives alongside Yokota Air Base. Known for its excellent livability, the city harmoniously combines convenient access - just an hour by train from central Tokyo - with the natural beauty along the Tama River.

The shopping districts, which developed around Yokota Air Base, feature authentic hamburger shops and American diners, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re walking through an American town. The “Base Side Street” is particularly popular, hosting various American vintage shops and general stores.

Fussa’s food culture is another distinctive feature. While American cuisine is prominent, the city also offers Japanese restaurants utilizing local ingredients and regional dishes featuring ayu (sweetfish) from the Tama River. The “Fussa Dog” has become especially popular among tourists as a local specialty.

Historically, the city preserves sites related to the Tamagawa Aqueduct and Kumagawa Branch Water, telling the story of water transportation dating back to the Edo period. The riverside walkway along the Tama River, beautiful throughout all seasons, is bustling with people enjoying walks and cycling.

The “Fussa Tanabata Festival,” held from late July to early August, decorates the shopping streets around JR Fussa Station with colorful ornaments. The autumn “Fussa Citizens’ Festival” features stage performances by locals and food stalls offering regional specialties. Additionally, the “Japan-US Friendship Festival” at Yokota Air Base, though held irregularly, provides valuable opportunities for cultural exchange through aircraft displays and base facility tours.

Thus, Fussa City stands as a unique tourist destination in Tokyo, distinguished by its special atmosphere where American culture harmoniously blends with Japanese traditions.