Camp Zama in Kanagawa Prefecture: March 22, 2025

 

There are more than 130 U.S. Military bases and facilities in Japan. Many of them (more than 70% in area) are in Okinawa Prefecture, but some of them are in Tokyo and Kanto district. 

They include Fleet Activities (navy facilities) in Yokosuka (Kanagawa), Navy air facility in Atsugi (Kanagawa), Yokota Air Base (in Tokyo), and U.S. Army’s Zama Camp.

I visited Camp Zama as it was open to the public today. (They had a cherry blossom festival, although cherry was not yet open this year).

The camp locates in Zama and Sagamihara cities in Kanagawa prefecture. The headquarters of the US Army, Japan (USARJ) is here. Troopes are not usually deployed here.

The camp is about 2.3 square km. They have residential houses, schools, shops and other living facilities in addition to military facilities here. 

I entered the camp through the main gate (See the 3rd photo).

Many open-air stalls were set in the streets. They sold foods and souvenirs. 

A children's play area was set up

Many people – both visitors from outside and the camp’s residents – attended the festival. (See also the 2nd photo)

Japanese people are also working here in the camp. I found a desk to recruit Japanese people to work here.

Visitors can use only cash and credit cards and cannot use mobile cash and other digital moneys. I found such information on a board at the end of a line to the restaurants and shops.

I visited military bases in Okinawa and Yokota Air Base in the past. I found many things when in such bases.