Things To Do
in Fussa
Fussa is a suburban city in western Tokyo known for its mix of local Japanese life and an international presence due to nearby Yokota Air Base. It offers a relaxed, small-city atmosphere with riverside parks, neighborhood shopping streets, and easy rail access to central Tokyo. Visitors will find a blend of traditional eateries, casual izakayas, and American-influenced bars catering to an international crowd.
Fussa is a convenient base for day trips into the Tama region, including hiking in nearby Okutama and scenic riverside walks along the Tama River.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of Showa Kinen Park. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you watch the morning dew glisten on the leaves and listen to the birds sing. Stop by a local café to savor a traditional Japanese breakfast, complete with rice and grilled fish.
Visit the Fussa City Art Museum to appreciate contemporary artworks from both local and international artists. Engage with the exhibits and perhaps participate in a workshop if available. Afterward, indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the nearby soba noodle restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh handmade noodles.
As the sun sets, take a walk along the Tama River, witnessing the stunning colors of dusk reflected on the water. Find a cozy izakaya to try some local delicacies while mingling with residents. End your night with a sweet treat from a local pastry shop, savoring the flavors of Japanese desserts.
Start your morning by visiting the historic Fussa Shrine, where you can participate in a traditional purification ritual. Watch locals pay their respects and enjoy the tranquility of the shrine’s gardens. Capture beautiful photographs of the shrine’s architectural features and the surrounding nature.
Take a trip to the nearby American base, Yokota Air Base, where you can explore the unique mix of American and Japanese culture. Visit the Base Exchange for some shopping or grab a bite at one of the American-style diners. Afterward, head back to Fussa and relax at a local tea house, enjoying matcha and traditional sweets.
Join a local cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Japanese dishes, making it a memorable hands-on experience. As you eat what you have prepared, share stories with fellow participants and locals. Finish the evening with a stroll through Fussa’s night market, where you can taste street food delicacies.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $3-5 |
| 🚆One-way local train ticket | $1.50-4 |
| 🍺Drink at a bar | $4-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / business hotel (per night) | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close-knit local atmosphere with easy access to nature and Tokyo.
- Good mix of Japanese and international food options due to nearby base.
- Affordable day-trip options for hiking and scenic photography.
- Safe, clean, and easy to navigate for non-Japanese speakers with basic phrases.
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with central Tokyo.
- Some small shops are cash-only and may not accept cards or offer English service.
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer with a rainy season.
- Certain areas near the base have restrictions and limited public access.
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (when getting attention)
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語のメニューはありますか？ (Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?)" - Do you have an English menu?
Places to Visit in Fussa
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic riverside paths offering shots of bridges, anglers, cherry blossoms in spring, and serene sunset reflections; easy access near Fussa Station.
Small neighborhood shrines with traditional gates, lanterns, and seasonal foliage provide intimate cultural scenes and people-focused street photography.
Designated public viewpoints near the base can capture aircraft movements and an interesting contrast between local life and international presence; respect signage and restricted zones.
Backstreet alleys and covered arcades near the station show everyday commerce and retro shopfronts, great for candid street photography.
Short trips to Mount Takao or Okutama provide dramatic landscapes, panoramic vistas, mossy trails, and river valleys—excellent for nature photography.
Food in Fussa
Fussa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Local ramen shops serve regional variations—shoyu, miso, or tonkotsu-style broths—often with tender chashu and homemade noodles; try neighborhood favorites near Fussa Station.
Must-Try!
A selection of grilled skewers (yakitori), karaage (fried chicken), and seasonal vegetable dishes are popular for sharing with drinks at casual evening spots.
Comforting, slightly sweet curry rice is a common, affordable meal served at family restaurants and small specialty curry shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small neighborhood markets and supermarket stalls sell fresh produce, bento boxes, and local snacks; look for seasonal fruits and prepared foods into the afternoon.
During shrine festivals and summer events, temporary stalls appear selling yakisoba, takoyaki, taiyaki, and dango—great for tasting festival flavors if your visit coincides with local matsuri.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is a common form of greeting; a simple nod or polite greeting is appreciated. Use 'arigatou' (thank you) and 'sumimasen' (excuse me/sorry) in interactions.
Keep phone calls to a minimum on trains and speak quietly; many commuters prefer a calm environment.
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional establishments; watch for slippers provided at entrances. Follow signage about footwear and seating.
Near the Yokota Air Base and other military facilities, obey signs and avoid taking photos of restricted zones. Respect privacy and local regulations around the base.
Safety
Tipping in Fussa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price. In tourist-oriented or international spots, tips are still generally unnecessary.
Cash (yen) is widely used, especially in small shops and izakayas. IC transit cards like Suica and Pasmo are convenient for trains, buses, vending machines, and many stores. Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and shops but always carry some cash for small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms bloom along the Tama River and parks in late March to early April; pleasant temperatures make it ideal for walking and park picnics, but popular spots can be crowded on weekends.
Hot and humid with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially in June (rainy season) and July–August; festivals and fireworks are common, and evenings at izakayas are lively. Prepare for humidity and pack lightweight clothing.
Cooler, comfortable weather with colorful fall foliage in October and November; clear skies make it a great time for hiking in nearby mountains and riverside walks.
Cool to cold and relatively dry with occasional snowfall; crisp air provides clear views, and winter illuminations pop up in shopping areas. Layering and a warm coat are recommended for evenings.
Fussa at Night
Hiking in Fussa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular, accessible hike with multiple trails, a cable car option, and scenic viewpoints; suitable for families and offers cultural sites like Yakuoin Temple near the summit.
An hour or so from Fussa, Okutama offers a network of trails, waterfalls, and reservoirs with longer, more remote hikes and excellent autumn foliage and river scenery.
Part of the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, Mount Mitake features shrine sites, rock formations, and trails of varying difficulty; accessible for day hikes with cultural points of interest.
Airports
How to reach Fussa by plane.
About 30–60 minutes by car or roughly 1–1.5 hours by public transport depending on connections; the closest major airport for domestic and many international flights with good rail and bus links into western Tokyo.
Primary international hub located further east; expect 1.5–2+ hours by train or bus to reach Fussa depending on service and transfers.
U.S. Air Base located in Fussa; not a public commercial airport but important locally for the international community. Access is restricted—follow posted rules and do not attempt to enter through base gates without authorization.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, older residents, and commuters who work in central Tokyo or surrounding towns, contributing to a stable, community-oriented atmosphere.
Service members, civilian staff, and families associated with Yokota Air Base create a visible American and international presence, influencing local businesses and events.
People traveling into Fussa for work or using it as a gateway to nearby hiking and nature areas; weekends draw day-trippers from Tokyo seeking outdoor activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime across Japan; local school and community teams play frequently and community fields host weekend games.
Widely played recreationally and in schools, with local parks and sports centers supporting amateur matches and youth leagues.
Riverside paths and park trails are popular for joggers and cyclists, especially on weekends and during pleasant weather.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fussa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; look for vegetable tempura, soba/udon with vegetable toppings, and tofu dishes. Smaller restaurants may not have English menus, so learning basic phrases or using a translation app helps; larger cafés or international venues are more likely to accommodate requests.
Vegan and gluten-free options are less common in small local shops; plan ahead, bring snacks if necessary, and seek out health-food cafés or restaurants in nearby larger towns like Tachikawa for more choices.
Halal and kosher-certified restaurants are rare in Fussa; travelers should look to central Tokyo for certified options or contact restaurants in advance. Many places will accommodate simple requests regarding ingredients if asked politely.