Go-kart (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
Start your engines on the go-kart track
Akiruno City, about a 30-minute drive from Yokota Air Base, is a popular spot for outdoor activities because of its lush forests and clear rivers.
During a recent trip, I found a few things to do for a weekend trip without having to travel far from the base.
U Kart is a small go-kart racetrack where you can test your abilities behind the wheel. I stopped by here looking for a nice race with my wife and had an absolute blast showing her I am the better driver.
Admission is 3,300 yen (around $20.40) but you can pay an additional 1,000 yen for a balaclava racing mask. Before hitting the track, we had to fill out a form and watch a safety video. The video is only in Japanese but it’s nothing to worry about. Everything at the track is easy to follow for foreigners.
Once we were giwven the “GO GO GO,” it was pedal to metal for our 5-minute session.
Though I thought we would be allowed to drive at full speed, we were placed in the beginner level Category C. Our category was definitely not the fastest and estimated that we were going about 20 miles per hour. Racers can move up in rank and speed by paying for more sessions.
Despite being in the slowest category, we had a blast and I enjoyed a little Tokyo Drifting moment.
When you finish your race, you are given a data sheet which states who was the fastest. Yes, I won bragging rights over my wife. If you are in the mood for some friendly competition, U-Kart is a good place.
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
Address: 467-1 Ushinuma, Akiruno, Tokyo 197-0826
Hours: Mon. – Fri., 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sat. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Payment: Card and yen accepted
Website (Japanese only)
Drivers must wear closed-toe shoes. Crocs and sandals are not allowed.
Parking is free!
A school-tastic lunch experience
Tokura Shiroyama Terrace Restaurant (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
Tokura Shiroyama Terrace Restaurant (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
Tokura Shiroyama Terrace Restaurant (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
After the races, we searched for a place to grab a bite in this rural town. We found a local restaurant serving up a unique experience that we were eager to try.
Tokura Shiroyama Terrace Restaurant is housed inside a former school and pays homage to the building’s past through its menu, which features Japanese school lunch meals.
When we entered, we took off our shoes and got into some slippers and made our way to the dining room. The staff was very kind and helpful when it came to taking our order. Everything is in Japanese so using a translator app is helpful. For our order, my wife went with the simple onigiri (rice ball) set while I settled on the chicken nanban meal. For drinks, they have tea, milk and orange juice. It may be a former school, but if you crave an alcoholic drink, they also offer that on the menu.
rice ball set (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
chicken nanban meal (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
Though cafeteria food in the States leaves much to be desired, Japan’s school meals have gained fame for looking and tasting delicious, while also being nutritious. When our food arrived, it was a true culture shock. The meal was absolutely delicious and neatly served. It made my old school offerings look like prison food.
Beyond looking great, the food was incredible. It didn’t taste like a frozen meal and had a warm, homemade flavor. My fried chicken topped with tartar sauce was juicy and crunchy. The miso soup was also a big hitter since it paired well with my chicken.
I did steal a bite from my wife’s onigiri and it was a lot different from what you find at 7-Eleven convenience stores. The food served tasted like mother’s cooking.
Our meals combined, including orange juice, only set us back 3,230 yen (about $20) and it was well worth the drive to discover this hidden gem. It’s not an expensive lunch but the experience of eating something made in the school cafeteria again was worth it.
The old school building is also a hotel, so if you’re looking for a unique meal and stay, check out it out.
Address: 325 Tokura, Akiruno, Tokyo 190-0173
Hours: 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. daily. Closed Tuesdays.
Payment: Yen and card accepted
Website (Japanese only)
Parking is free but limited; there are paid parking spots down the hill.
A hike in the valley
What’s a visit to a place famous for its natural beauty without a hike? Akigawa Valley is a starting point some hiking trails in Akiruno City.
To explore some of the area’s green space, we took a brisk walk from the parking lot nearby to a bridge to get a nice view of the surrounding nature and river below.
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
Crossing the bridge, spiderwebs in trees and small animals like lizards greeted us. We also found a spa with a small restaurant and foot onsen nearby, but my wife and I did not come prepared and decided to save this for another day.
When we arrived at a new opening in the trail, there were two paths. One to Okate Cave, which is eight kilometers long, and the other to the Otu Hana-no-sato Flower Garden, which was a mere 800-meter trek.
I’ve been to hiking trails before where the walking path is very clear and visible, but that wasn’t the case here. I ditched my slacks and jacket for some sweats and a T-shirt. Big mistake.
At first, the hike was manageable, but the further we progressed the more difficult it got. I am a large man sitting at 5 foot 10 inches, but the feeling of spiderwebs and bugs constantly hitting my arms and legs became a nightmare. The path would be very manageable in the right long-sleeve clothing and armed with bug spray.
After what felt like a hundred kilometers of spiderwebs, I called it quits.
Although we didn’t make it to the end of the trail, I felt obligated to tell the tale. We plan on coming back soon to conquer this local attraction, but we’ll be better prepared!
Address: 1420 Tokura, Akiruno, Tokyo 190-0173
Spa : Tattoos allowed in foot bath. No tattoos in onsen.
Website (Japanese only)