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“I’m curious about the Yokota Friendship Festival, but I’ve heard there are strict entry rules…”
“300,000 visitors? That sounds chaotic…”
“If I’m going, I want to enjoy every second!”
These are common concerns.
The Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival has grown into a major event attracting 300,000 people—on par with the famous Nagaoka Fireworks Festival. With thrilling air shows, authentic American food, and live music performances, there’s no shortage of excitement.
But with its popularity comes challenges: “3.4 km long entry lines taking over 2 hours,” “denied entry due to ID issues,” “heatstroke while waiting in the sun”… These mishaps can ruin the experience.
That’s why this article provides a foolproof strategy based on my firsthand experiences—both successes and mistakes—to help you enjoy the festival to the fullest.
Read on to learn how to minimize wait times and navigate the day with ease. From pre-event prep to on-site tips, this guide is all you need!
Let’s dive into everything that makes the Yokota Friendship Festival so special—and how to enjoy it stress-free.
The Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival is held annually at the U.S. Air Force Yokota Base in Fussa City, Tokyo. The event features a wide range of programs, including aircraft displays, parachute demonstrations, live music, and food booths—promoting friendship between Japan and the U.S.
It typically takes place on the third Saturday and Sunday of May each year.
| Year | Dates | Opening | Closing | Gate | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 17 (Sat)–18 (Sun) | 9:00 am | 8:45 pm | Gate 5 | Details |
| 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 |
Technically, Yokota Air Base spans multiple cities: Fussa, Musashimurayama, Tachikawa, and Akishima. As a U.S. military facility, it’s considered American territory under California state law.
One of the main attractions of the Friendship Festival is the live flight demonstrations. For example, in the photo below, members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military perform a joint parachute drop.
You’ll also find static displays of fighter jets, transport aircraft, tanks, and military vehicles—featuring equipment from both the U.S. and Japan.
You can even board some of the planes—an experience you rarely get elsewhere!
U.S. military personnel are stationed at each exhibit to offer explanations, sell merchandise, and take photos with visitors—true cross-cultural exchange.
The festival also boasts a massive number of food stalls—on the scale of a full-fledged food festival!
Vendors include base affiliates and local restaurants offering a wide range of options—from American BBQ and burgers to classic Japanese festival snacks. American steak, hamburgers, and hot dogs are especially popular.
Drinks are plentiful too, including Budweiser and other beers as well as soft drinks. Enjoying authentic American food and beer in a venue usually off-limits is a unique treat.
The venue features a massive hangar stage and an outdoor stage. Performers include the U.S. Air Force Pacific Band (PACAF Band), Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band, local Japanese musicians, American personnel, their families, and community bands. It’s a true cultural exchange through music.
And it gets wild—in the best way. It’s like a legit music festival!
The hangar stage, located inside a massive aircraft hangar, is awe-inspiring in size.
The outdoor stage offers incredible open-air vibes and amazing performances. Every band is full of energy and style!
The festival sees more attendees every year:
The biggest challenge? The enormous line to enter the base due to ID checks and security screenings.
For reference, in 2022, I arrived at Ushihama Station—the nearest station—at 10:30 am. I then lined up from near Gate 5 of the base and waited 2 hours and 14 minutes in a 3.4 km queue to get in.
Since then, the scale has tripled. 300,000 attendees is on par with Japan’s top fireworks festivals—an enormous crowd.
Every year, the gates open at 9:00 am, so arriving early is one of the most effective ways to shorten wait times.
Fortunately, once you’re inside, the venue is so vast that the crowd never feels overwhelming.
Due to ID and bag checks, even arriving at 9:00 am will likely result in standing in line. Some people start lining up around 6 AM to be first in.
Be sure to bring drinks and something to pass the time while you wait.
May sunshine can be intense—consider wearing a hat or bringing something to block the sun.
And remember: there are no restrooms in line. Use the facilities at the station before getting in line.
Some local restaurants set up street stalls along the waiting line. If you’re in a group, someone can temporarily leave the line to grab food.
Even if you’re alone, don’t worry—some stalls are smartly positioned right next to the line, so you can grab snacks without losing your spot.
Since not all stalls are like this every year, it’s wise to carry coins and small bills for quick transactions.
To enter the base, you must pass an ID check. Anyone age 16 and over must bring a photo ID that includes nationality: a driver’s license, My Number card, Basic Resident Register card, passport, or disability certificate. If using a driver’s license, you must know your registered PIN. Minors under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Note: Student IDs or health insurance cards are not accepted as they lack photo and nationality information.
Non-Japanese and non-American nationals must pre-register at least 72 hours in advance via Yokota Friendship Festival: Foreign Nationals Registration (2025), and bring both their passport and residence card.
Bag checks are also conducted alongside ID checks. The following items are prohibited:
Prohibited Items:
Security is tight, and entering restricted areas can get you in serious trouble. Be cautious.
There are no chairs or tables provided. Most people sit directly on the concrete to rest or eat. If you prefer comfort, bring a small folding chair or picnic sheet. Many attendees use lightweight sheets that are easy to spread and pack.
Pop-up tents like those used in parks are also allowed. A sunshade or umbrella can be a good idea too. There’s no natural shade, and the heat from concrete can be intense—consider sun protection.
Allowed Items:
There are plenty of food and drink booths throughout the vast venue, but most of them only accept cash. Credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments are rarely accepted, so be sure to bring enough cash. Both Japanese yen and U.S. dollars are accepted.
The nearest train stations to Yokota Air Base are Ushihama Station and Haijima Station on the JR Ōme Line. Ushihama is about a 10-minute walk away, while Haijima is about 20 minutes on foot. While Ushihama is closer, it tends to get extremely crowded.
Early in the day, Ushihama Station is manageable. However, if you’re arriving later or leaving during peak hours, Haijima Station might be a better choice.
Below are photos taken just after 3 PM, showing crowds both entering and exiting the base. As you can see, heavy foot traffic makes Haijima Station a smoother alternative for many visitors during the afternoon.
Witnessing jet demonstrations, savoring authentic American food, and engaging with U.S. military personnel—these unique experiences offer a rare chance to immerse yourself in a different culture, right here in Japan.
Held annually on the third weekend of May, the festival has grown into a massive event with over 300,000 attendees. Its popularity stems not only from its scale but also from the deep impression it leaves on visitors.
Each year, I discover something new and have a different emotional experience. Watching children marvel at fighter jets for the first time, witnessing musical collaborations between Japanese and American bands—these moments reaffirm the festival’s important role in cultural exchange.
That said, preparation is key to fully enjoying this amazing experience.
By following these simple tips, you’ll maximize your enjoyment of the event.
The 2025 Yokota Friendship Festival is scheduled for May 17–18. Use this article as your guide to get fully prepared. With the right planning, even the massive crowds won’t stop you from having a fun-filled day.
Lastly, heartfelt thanks go to the U.S. military, the Japan Self-Defense Forces, and the local community for making this event possible. May this festival continue to serve as a cultural bridge between Japan and the U.S., and as a cherished event in the hearts of all who attend.
