Last updated：
“Want to visit the Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival but worried about entry restrictions?”
“Heard about the 300,000 attendees and concerned about the crowds?”
“If you’re going, you want to enjoy every minute of it!”
These are common concerns we often hear.
The Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival has grown into a massive event that attracts 300,000 visitors annually, comparable to the renowned Nagaoka Fireworks Festival. Featuring thrilling air shows, authentic American food, and spectacular live music, it’s packed with attractions.
However, its popularity can come with challenges: “3.4 km queues with over two hours of waiting,” “entry denied due to ID issues,” or “heat exhaustion while waiting in the sun.” These can quickly turn memorable moments into regrets.
In this article, drawing from my own experiences of both success and failure, I’ll share a complete guide to maximize your enjoyment of the Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know everything needed to minimize wait times and have a comfortable experience. From preparation the day before to how to navigate the venue on the day, you’ll be fully equipped!
Let’s dive into the charm and strategies for making the most of the Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival!
The Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival, held annually at the U.S. Air Force Yokota Air Base in Fussa City, Tokyo, is a vibrant event that strengthens ties between Japan and the U.S. It features a wide range of programs, including static aircraft displays, parachute demonstrations, musical performances, and food booths.
The festival typically takes place on the third Saturday and Sunday of May.
| Year | Dates | Opening | Closing | Entrance | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 17 (Sat) & 18 (Sun) | - | - | - | - |
| 2024 | May 18 (Sat) & 19 (Sun) | 9:00 am | 8:45 pm | Gate 5 | Details |
| 2023 | May 20 (Sat) & 21 (Sun) | 9:00 am | 8:00 pm | Gate 5 | Details |
| 2022 | May 18 (Sat) & 19 (Sun) | 9:00 am | 8:00 pm | Gate 5 | Details |
Yokota Air Base spans multiple cities, including Fussa, Musashimurayama, Tachikawa, and Akishima. As a U.S. military installation, the base is considered part of California under international agreements.
One of the main attractions of the Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival is the live demonstrations. For example, the photo below shows a collaborative parachute jump by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military personnel.
Additionally, there are abundant displays of fighter jets, transport aircraft, tanks, and military vehicles! Both U.S. military and Japanese Self-Defense Force equipment are on exhibit.
Visitors can even enter some of the aircraft for an up-close experience. This is a rare opportunity not to be missed.
In front of each exhibit, U.S. military personnel provide merchandise sales, explanations, and even take commemorative photos with visitors, creating a true cultural exchange.
The Friendship Festival boasts numerous food stalls, making it feel like a large-scale food festival.
These food stalls are run by base-affiliated personnel, local restaurants, and others, offering a wide variety of options from American cuisine to Japanese festival food. American classics like beef steak, hamburgers, and hot dogs are particularly popular.
A wide selection of drinks, including Budweiser beer and soft drinks, is also available. Enjoying authentic American food with a cold beer inside the base is one of the highlights of the festival.
The festival features two main stages: the Hangar Stage and an Outdoor Stage. Performers include the official U.S. Air Force band PACAF, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chubu Air Band, local Japanese bands, and foreign bands from the base community. These performances aim to deepen cultural exchange between Japan and the U.S.
The energy is unmatched, making it feel like a true music festival.
The Hangar Stage is set up inside an aircraft hangar and is impressively large!
The Outdoor Stage offers an open-air experience, perfect for a music festival atmosphere. The bands performing are all incredibly cool.
Attendance at the Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival has been increasing year by year.
The biggest challenge to prepare for is the long wait to enter the base due to ID checks and baggage inspections.
For instance, in 2022, I arrived at Ushihama Station at 10:30 am. From there, it took 2 hours and 14 minutes to enter the base via Gate 5, standing in a 3.4 km line.
With 302,000 visitors in 2024 compared to 110,000 in 2022, the scale has tripled. To put this into perspective, 300,000 attendees rival the scale of Japan’s top three fireworks festivals, such as the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.
The venue typically opens at 9:00 am, so arriving early is one strategy to minimize your time in line.
Once inside, the vast size of the base ensures you won’t feel crowded, no matter the number of attendees.
Given the event’s scale, ID checks and baggage inspections mean that even arriving for the 9:00 am opening can result in waiting in line. Some eager visitors begin queuing as early as 6 a.m.
Bring items to pass the time and stay hydrated while waiting. Sunny weather in May can be intense, so a hat or something to shield yourself from the sun is recommended.
Remember, there are no restrooms available while waiting in line. Make sure to use the facilities before arriving at the station.
There are street vendors along the waiting line. If you’re alone, stepping out of line isn’t an option, but groups can designate someone to make purchases without losing their spot.
Some vendors even set up directly next to the line, allowing solo visitors to purchase items without leaving their place.
To make transactions smoother, especially during busy moments, carry small change and cash.
Photo ID checks are mandatory for entry. Visitors aged 16 and over must present a photo ID with proof of nationality, such as a driver’s license, My Number card, residence card, passport, or disability certificate. Note that you’ll need your driver’s license PIN if using that form of ID. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
IDs such as student cards or health insurance cards are not accepted since they lack proof of nationality and photo.
Non-Japanese visitors must register in advance and present their passport and residence card at entry. Details for registration are available on the official event page.
In addition to ID checks, baggage inspections are conducted at the entrance. The following items are prohibited:
Prohibited Items:
While it’s a festival, strict security measures are in place. Avoid restricted areas, as violations are taken seriously.
Outdoor seating and tables are unavailable, so bring a picnic mat or small folding chair for breaks. Many attendees use compact mats that are easy to spread and pack up.
Compact, foldable tents are allowed for shade. Consider bringing a parasol as well, as the sunny weather combined with asphalt can make it uncomfortably hot.
Allowed Items:
Most food and merchandise stalls accept only cash. Be sure to carry enough yen or dollars, as credit cards, electronic payments, and QR codes are rarely accepted.
The nearest stations to Yokota Air Base are Ushihama Station and Haijima Station on the JR Ome Line. While Ushihama Station is a 10-minute walk compared to Haijima’s 20 minutes, it can get extremely crowded.
Arriving early might make Ushihama the better option, but later in the day or during the return trip, Haijima Station might save you time.
For example, after 3 p.m., the base entrance becomes heavily congested with people both arriving and leaving via Ushihama Station. Haijima Station is often less crowded, making it a smoother option for both entry and departure.
From thrilling fighter jet demonstrations to authentic American food and meaningful interactions with U.S. military personnel, the Friendship Festival is a unique opportunity to experience cultural exchange without leaving Japan.
Held annually on the third weekend of May, this event attracts 300,000 attendees thanks to its scale and the deep impressions it leaves on visitors.
Each year, I find new discoveries and moments of awe. Seeing children marvel at fighter jets or watching joint performances by Japanese and U.S. bands highlights the festival’s role in fostering cross-cultural connections.
To ensure the best experience, proper preparation is essential:
With these preparations, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy this incredible event.
The Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival is scheduled for May 17–18, 2025. Use this guide to prepare for a memorable experience. With careful planning, even in the midst of crowds, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time.
Finally, heartfelt thanks to the U.S. military, Japanese Self-Defense Forces, and the local community for making this event possible. May this festival continue to serve as a bridge between Japan and the U.S., creating cherished memories for all.
