Travel
Stars and Stripes 2024 Best of the Pacific winners in Japan
Stripes Japan
October 4, 2024
2024 Best of the Pacific winner logo (Image by Stars and Stripes)
SHOPPING
Best Exchange store / Best Exchange mini mart / Express / Marine mart
(Misawa Main Exchange)
Misawa Main Exchange [Small base]
Comments
“They provide good customer service.”
-Kekoa Marini, Shariki Communications Site
“Everyone at the Misawa Main Exchange is so nice, and very friendly!”
-Ty Guster, Misawa AB
Info
Address: Misawa AB, Bldg. 325
Phone: 315-226-3335 (DSN) / 469-375-7412 (commercial)
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(Yokota Main Exchange)
Yokota Main Exchange [Big base]
Comments
“They have more options for the entire family! They offer clothes for all shapes and sizes.”
-Cindi Chavarria, Camp Zama
“Very well organized and stocked at all times. Best Exchange we’ve had at any base we’ve been at.”
-Andrea Schultz, Yokota AB
Info
Address: Yokota AB, Bldg. 570
Phone: 1-469-375-7519 (commercial)
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Best cellphone provider
(Softbank)
Softbank
Comments
“I love Softbank because the employees were really helpful and the plans for unlimited data are very affordable.”
-Andrew Taber, NAF Atsugi
“The prices are amazing and the customer service is always the best each visit!”
-Giovani Rodriguez, Yokosuka NB
Info
Address: Various locations.
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Best place for off-base shopping
(COASKA Bayside Stores)
COASKA Bayside Stores
Comments
“Great food choices, easy access from base, parking with validated tickets, large variety of stores, including a large food store and supermarket.”
-Ric Rothney, Yokosuka NB
“I love the stores in the mall. There are restaurants, food court, arcade games and grocery store all in one location with easy access from the base.”
-Hitomi Bright, Sasebo Naval Base
Info
Address: 2-1-12, Hocho, Yokosuka-shi,Kanagawa
Phone: 046-822-2244
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Best place to buy a car
(Real Speed Auto)
Real Speed Auto
Comments
“Remy and his team are nothing but true professionals who really do put people’s safety, security and soundness of mind first. Will always contact them first before buying a car, no matter where we are stationed in the country of Japan.”
-Justen Rodriguez, Misawa AB
“Real Speed makes auto-buying a quick, cheap and painless process!”
-Christopher Altenbach, Yokota AB
Info
Address: 1-chome 5-13 Musashinodai, Fussa City, Tokyo 197-0013
Phone: 080-3452-3341
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ENTENTERTAINMENT
Best on-base outdoor rec
(Misawa Outdoor Rec)
Misawa Outdoor Rec [Small base]
Comments
“Misawa Outdoor Rec offers so many great trips, plus gear and tips.”
-Kristina Stellhorn, Misawa AB
“They have amazing trips and always strive to get us outside to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Japan!!”
-Samantha Diaz, Misawa AB
Info
Address: Misawa AB, Bldg. 486
Phone: 315-226-9378 (DSN)
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(Yokota Outdoor Rec)
Yokota Outdoor Rec [Big base]
Comments
“Yokota Outdoor Rec has a better selection.”
-Stephen Giggurd, Camp Zama
“Love that they are so kind and helpful when renting items. It’s such a welcoming environment and always well organized. Rented out multiple equipment and loved the service we received.”
-Yesenia Elizondo, Yokota AB
Info
Address: Yokota AB, Bldg. 564
Phone: 315-225-4552 (DSN)
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Best tattoo shop
(New Luck Ink)
New Luck Ink
Comments
“I liked the process as they want to make sure it’s exactly what you want. I first gave my ideas, then they showed me a few designs, and we made a few adjustments before the actual sitting.”
-Bruce Gomez, Yokota AB
“Great shop with great artists and high-quality work. My piece by Taku still looks amazing, nearly 15 years later, and I have friends who have flown back to Japan specifically to have work by Taku finished here!”
-Cordelia McDougall, Yokota AB
Info
Address: 2234-33 Annex 101 Fussa, Tokyo 197-0011
Phone: 080-3473-9879
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ESSENTIAL
Best off-base dental clinic
Womble Gate American Dentistry (Photo by Stripes Japan)
Womble Gate American Dentistry
Comments
“Dr. Ellie has high knowledge and skills, plus she and other dental workers are friendly and polite. They give us the best option and treatment.”
-Mari Ross, Yokosuka NB
“Womble Gate American Dentistry has a great staff, ultra-modern equipment, and very professional dentists and techs.”
-Ric Rothney, Yokosuka NB
Info
Address: 13-15 Ogawacho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0004
Phone: 046-874-7260
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Best off-base medical service
(St. Luke’s International Hospital)
St. Luke’s International Hospital
Comments
“St. Luke’s is very organized and flexible with the medical care.”
-John Ramirez, Camp Zama
“St. Luke’s has top-flight medical practitioners, excellent care and an easy billing system.”
-Bob Thomas, Yokota AB
Info
Address: 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8560
Phone: 03-3541-5151
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Best fitness center
(Yano Fitness Center (Zama))
Yano Fitness Center (Zama) [Small base]
Comments
“The Yano has absolutely every fitness equipment you need, plus an indoor track.”
-Thomas Brown, NAF Atsugi
“The Yano gym has all necessities available, including indoor pool!!!”
-John Ramirez, Camp Zama
Info
Address: Camp Zama, Bldg. 205
Phone: 315-263-4664 (DSN)/ 046-407-4664 (commercial)
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(Samurai Fitness Center (Yokota))
Samurai Fitness Center (Yokota) [Big base]
Comments
“The gym is open long hours and has plenty of equipment.”
-Glen Arakaki, Yokota AB
“Great customer service! They even added pickle ball!”
-Maki DeGrella, Yokota AB
Info
Address: Yokota AB, Bldg. 689/665
Phone: 315-225-8889/8890 (DSN)
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DINING
Best on-base clubs
(Misawa Club)
Misawa Club [Small base]
Comments
“The Misawa club has a variety of venues all in one place. Always something going on, with an extensive breakfast buffet.”
-Kristina Stellhorn, Misawa AB
“They have great food and always have some kind of event going on.”
-Anthony Thomas, Misawa AB
Info
Address: Misawa AB, Bldg. 485/486
Phone: 315-226-9122 (DSN)
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(Yokota Enlisted Club)
Yokota Enlisted Club [Big base]
Comments
“The Yokota E-Club hosts the best events, from breakfast with Santa to Thanksgiving meals!”
-Claire Sutter, Yokota AB
“The customer service is outstanding!!!”
-Phillip Brunson, Yokota AB
Info
Address: Yokota AB, Bldg. 2066
Phone: 315-227-8820 (DSN)
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Best on-base restaurant
(Lakeview Grill (Misawa))
Lakeview Grill (Misawa) [Small base]
Comments
“They have a beautiful view as well as really good food. I’ve never had any complaints.”
-Cassandra Hines, Misawa AB
“The food at Lakeview Grill is amazing. The view is incredible, and the monthly specials help keep it fresh.”
-Alexander Manco, Misawa AB
Info
Address: Misawa AB, Bldg. 1464
Phone: 315-957-1564 (DSN)
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(Chili’s Grill & Bar (Yokota FSS))
Chili’s Grill & Bar (Yokota FSS) [Big base]
Comments
“Chili’s at Yokota is a good restaurant to remind you of home.”
-Vanessa Macias, Yokota AB
“Great hot wings and margaritas!”
-Shakur Malone, Yokota AB
Info
Address: Yokota AB, Bldg. 536
Phone: 03-6868-2388 (commercial)
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Best off-base restaurant
(Curry House CoCo Ichibanya)
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya
Comments
“I love CoCo’s spicy curry and fried quail eggs and shrimp.”
-Mikaella Adriano, NAF Atsugi
“I eat here all the time and love how they keep upping the spice levels!!”
-Stephen Benningfield, Yokota AB
Info
Address: Multiple locations across Japan.
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Best Sunday brunch
(Misawa Club)
Misawa Club [Small base]
Comments
“Love Misawa Club’s food! Especially the French toast sticks.”
-Christina Parker, Misawa AB
“The Misawa Club never disappoints; they have all I need to eat my weight’s worth.”
-Cassandra Hines, Misawa AB
Info
Address: Misawa AB, Bldg. 485/486
Phone: 315-226-9122 (DSN)
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(The New Sanno)
The New Sanno [Big base]
Comments
“The food is worth the trip. I would eat here every Sunday if I could.”
-Aaron Sousa, Yokosuka NB
“Huge selection and deliciously prepared - meat carving station and ice sculpture centerpiece.”
-Jeffrey Newbern, Yokota AB
Info
Address: 4 Chome-12-20 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047
Phone: 315-229-8001 (DSN) / 03-6868-2311 (commercial)
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(Kona’s Coffee (Yokota))
Kona’s Coffee (Yokota) [Off base]
Comments
“Kona’s Coffee has such a cool atmosphere and great food and drinks.”
-Janelle Ramirez, Camp Zama
“Great coffee, drinks, large seating area that is good for families.”
-Julieann Bosserman, Yokota AB
Info
Address: 1-2-61 Kitano, Tokorozawa City, Saitama 359-1152
Phone: 04-2949-8284
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Best Pizza
(Image by Stars and Stripes)
Domino’s
Comments
“Domino’s has so many different types of pizza to choose from along with some delicious side options.”
-Alicia Davenport, MCAS Iwakuni
“It’s hard to find a good pizza out here, but Domino’s off base takes first place.”
-Chera Mills, Yokosuka NB
Info
Address: Multiple locations.
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TRAVEL
Best on-base lodging
(Camp Zama Army Lodging)
Camp Zama Army Lodging [Small base]
Comments
“Breakfast at Zama Lodging is wonderful, and housekeeping is very nice and helpful.”
-DaQuan Ware, Camp Zama
“Kids loved the free waffles and hot chocolate!”
-Mishel Rosales, Camp Zama
Info
Address: Camp Zama, Bldg. 552
Phone: 315-263-3830 (DSN)/ 046-407-3830 (commercial)
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(Yokota Kanto Lodge)
Yokota Kanto Lodge [Big base]
Comments
“The Kanto is convenient to accessing the Exchange and Commissary on Yokota.”
-Ashrid Tomacic, Yokota AB
“I absolutely enjoy staying at Kanto Lodge. The staff are very friendly and welcoming.”
-Miki Matsuoka, Yokota AB
Info
Address: Yokota AB, Bldg. 15
Phone: 315-224-2002 (DSN) / 042-507-6534 (commercial)
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Best on-base travel agency
(Misawa ITT)
Misawa ITT [Small base]
Comments
“Misawa ITT has the best deals and discounted tours.”
-Jeremy Justin Fajarado, Misawa AB
“We have taken a few trips with Misawa ITT and have loved every one of them! Our guides are the best!”
-Amber Edmonson, Misawa AB
Info
Address: Misawa AB, Bldg. 485
Phone: 315-226-3555 (DSN)
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(Yokota ITT)
Yokota ITT [Big base]
Comments
“The people are always friendly, and the trips are excellent!!”
-Stephen Benningfield, Yokota AB
“Yokota ITT always has amazing travel deals!”
-Mishel Rosales, Camp Zama
Info
Address: Yokota AB, Bldg. 327
Phone: 315-227-7083 (DSN)
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BEST MWR/FSS/MCCS
(Misawa FSS)
Misawa FSS [Small base]
Info
Address: Misawa AB, Bldg. 656
Phone: 315-226-9272 (DSN)
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(Yokota FSS)
Yokota FSS [Big base]
Info
Address: Yokota AB, Bldg. 1295
Phone: 315-225-3308 (DSN)
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BEST AFN RADIO PERSONALITY
(SSgt Benjamin Bugenig (DJ Bugaboo)/AFN)
SSgt Benjamin Bugenig (DJ Bugaboo), Misawa [Small base]
“My key to success is caring. I care about the work, I care about the guests I’m talking to, and I care about the community I’m a part of. My objective is informing the community, and if I can make them laugh along the way, then that’s a bonus. Also, hockey.”
– SSgt Benjamin Bugenig
Comments
“DJ Bugaboo has top-notch rizz.”
-Bobert Grower, Misawa AB
“Always look forward to hearing SSGT Bugenig whenever he is on the radio with his energetic personality.”
-Andrew McCarty, Misawa AB
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(SSgt Ireland Summers/AFN)
SSgt Ireland Summers, Tokyo [Big base]
“My key to success is just having fun with it! After the initial panic attack of knowing thousands of people could hear me at once, it all went up from there! I love getting to interact with the community every morning and being a part of what makes the start of their day better.”
– SSgt Ireland Summers
Comments
“SSGT Summers has an infectious energy.”
-Jason Burroughs, Yokosuka NB
“No one better! I love the dad jokes SSGT Summers ‘DJ Winters’ has!”
-Kyle Leidholm, Yokota AB
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BEST MILITARY RESORT IN PACIFIC
(The New Sanno Hotel (Tokyo))
1. The New Sanno Hotel (Tokyo)
Comments
“The New Sanno Hotel is great! Close and convenient to everything, friendly staff and great amenities.”
-Noelle Huard, Kadena AB
“The New Sanno has everything you need in a giant city resort, with great food, great tours, and perfect location in the city.”
-Rand Lee, NAF Atsugi
Info
Address: 4 Chome-12-20 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047
Phone: 315-227-8001 (DSN)/03-6868-2311 (commercial)
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(Dragon Hill Lodge (Seoul))
2. Dragon Hill Lodge (Seoul)
Comments
“Close to a lot of attractions and very good accommodations if you’re looking for an Americanstyle hotel.”
-Luis Fernandez, CFA Chinhae
“Great location in Seoul for those that love to shop. Kept clean with very nice staff.”
-Larry Borum, Camp Foster
Info
Address: ga, 7, Yongsandong 4(sa)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Phone: 020-790-0016 (commercial)
(Okuma Recreation Annex (Okinawa))
3. Okuma Recreation Annex (Okinawa)
Comments
“It’s a beautiful place.”
-Daniel Paulsen, Camp Carroll
“Nice and close to other beautiful beaches in Okinawa.”
-Jeremiah Hogue, Camp Humphreys
Info
Address: Okuma, Kunigami, Okinawa 905-1412
Phone: 098-962-1991 (commercial)