The day we arrived happened not to be a weekend or a holiday, or a day when the base was open, so there were relatively few people on the street. Apart from the guards at the base entrance, we didn't see many American soldiers walking around. This tranquility also had its benefits. We could leisurely stroll around, visit various specialty shops, experiencing the unique atmosphere of this place.

The street opposite Yokota Base has a distinctly different American-style ambiance compared to the surrounding guesthouses. Walking here, you might feel as if you're strolling through a small town in North America, whether it's the minimalist modern coffee shop or the brightly lit ice cream parlor, from small label stickers to motorcycle modification parts assembly, and a variety of sports equipment, clothing, toys, various restaurants, and bars, you can find anything here.

This place can also be considered to be where European and American culture first descended onto Japan. It's home to the first Western restaurant and the first pizzeria in Japan, which have been in operation since the early 1960s. They can be considered historic well-established brands! For lunch we went to DEMODE DINNER on this street. This American-style fast-food restaurant comes highly recommended by the editor of this trip. It serves American homestyle cuisine with a nostalgic theme, making you feel like you've stepped into a rural American diner from the 1950s or 1960s.

From the menu I ordered the recommended signature set menu - hamburger steak with bread Although I wouldn't say it looked exquiste, the portion was generous. The homemade tomato sauce tasted simple and authentic. Perhaps the food here evokes memories of home and mom's cooking for the American soldiers.

After finishing this meal, the second stop the tour guide took me to visit was Ishikawa Brewery, a representative symbol of Fussa.
Established during the Edo period, Ishikawa Brewery has a history of 153 years. It is one of the representative regions and brands of sake in Japan and one of the earliest sake production companies in Japan. It is truly a source of pride for Fussa.

Entering through the unassuming gate into the courtyard, I was immediately taken by surprise. I had initially thought it would be just an ordinary sake brewery with nothing much to see. However, the moment I walked in, I was deeply captivated.
Here, there is an incredibly beautiful Japanese-style garden, with an exquisite stone bridge over flowing water, century-old stone pillars, towering ancient husband-and-wife trees. Every blade of grass and tree exudes a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, that you dare not disturb by making any loud noise.

Walking along the path strewn with fallen petals, looking at the ancient trees and buildings around you, you'll feel as though you're traveling through a distant time, set in the quiet elegance of each moment.

It makes you feel the passage of history and time.

Besides the stunning scenery, you can, of course, also taste various types of fine sake here. The central courtyard within the compound serves as a centralized exhibition area for products. Not only can you taste them, but if you like, you can also purchase to take them home.

The customer manager of the brewery faced my camera and gave a shy as a flower smile. On the table were the three most representative types of sake from the Ishikawa family, two of which were rice wine and one was plum wine. I tried them all. They were sweet and refreshing.

Of course, the Ishikawa family produces far more than just these three types of sake. As long as you can hold your liquor, you can try all of these in the picture below. However, I've heard that while Japanese sake goes down smoothly, it packs quite a punch. If you were to try even a sip of each, I bet you'll end up crawling out on your hands and knees, haha!