(NAF Atsugi Spring Festival)
Soon spring will arrive and with it blush tones and beautiful weather will return across Japan. This year, cherry blossoms will start their northbound sweep of mainland Japan sometime around March 20, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The time of year is one of celebration as many festivals both on and off base are held for visitors to enjoy the spring air and beautiful cherry blossoms.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet your neighbors and partake in some fun activities and entertainment like live music, food booths and more. Here are some of the upcoming base festivals you’ll want to make plans for!
Note: Each base festival has its own rules on base entry requirements. So, be sure to check the webpage to learn the rules before visiting the festivals.
1. Yokosuka Spring Festival 2025 (Yokosuka NB): March 22
(Yokosuka Spring Festival)
Visitors can enjoy ship tours, static helicopter and firetruck displays, live music, food and vendor booths, games and a variety of performances. The event offers a unique opportunity to take a close look at battleships and naval gear, as well as spring blossoms blooming on the naval base.
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gate closures (inbound): Mikasa Park Gate at 3:30 p.m. / Womble Gate at 1 p.m.
Location: Yokosuka Naval Base (enter through Womble Gate or Mikasa Gate), Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Pref.
*Off base guests are asked to walk through either Womble Gate’s pedestrian access or Mikasa Gate.
Tel: (base access) 046-816-5330 / 046-816-5125
2. U.S.-Japan Friendship Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 (Camp Zama): March 22
(U.S.-Japan Friendship Cherry Blossom Festival)
The annual open-post festival at the Yano Sports Field of Camp Zama offers DJs, food vendors, activities and games for children, a flea market and helicopter display.
Time: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Camp Zama Yano Sports Field (enter through Gate 1 or 4), Zama City, Kanagawa Pref.
Tel (base access): 046-407-4697, 046-407-2779 or 046-407-2776.
3. Sakura Spring Festival (Yokota AB): March 29
(Sakura Spring Festival)
This on-base festival is hosted on the east side of base under the 500-meter-long avenue lined with stunning cherry blossom trees. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms, live entertainment, food vendors, game booths and plenty of other fun activities. On-base residents and CAC cardholders can hop on a shuttle running from the Enlisted Club and Bowling Alley to the base theater every 30 to 40 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
4. Misawa Japan Day (Misawa AB): April 12
(Misawa Japan Day)
Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese performances, such as shishimai (lion dance), kagura (sacred Shinto music), wadaiko (Japanese drum), Kimono fashion show and karate demonstration on the main stage, samurai armors and nor masks displayed in booths, along with various food and amusement booths.
Time: TBD
Location: Misawa AB, Misawa City, Aomori Pref.
5. NAF Atsugi and JMSDF Atsugi Air Base 2025 Spring Festival (NAF Atsugi): April 19
(NAF Atsugi and JMSDF Atsugi Air Base 2025 Spring Festival)
This annual open-house event at NAF Atsugi displays various U.S. Navy and JMSDF aircrafts, along with various food and game booths and live performances.
Time: 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: NAF Atsugi
6. JMSDF-MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day 2025: May 4
(JMSDF-MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day)
The annual JMSDF-MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day will mark its 46th event this year. The festival features air shows, static displays, food vendors and a variety of performances. Additionally, they will also offer an “Inclusive Day” on May 3 for guests with special needs to allow them an opportunity to experience the air show in a less crowded venue. More information as event nears will be released online.
Time:TBD
Location: MCAS Iwakuni
Tel (general information): 0827-79-5551
