The abandoned US Air Force (USAF) base in Tachikawa is a bramble-choked memento from the early days of Japanese/American war and peace. It was annexed by the USA shortly after World War II, in co-operation with the still-active nearby Japan Army (SDF) Base, then abandoned in the 1970’s as the Vietnam war came to a close.
Its three huge chimneys are still visible from the exterior, brick-red and lined up like masts on a rudderless ship, slowly sinking deeper into the smothering sea of green jungle. Its airstrip now swims with weeds, and bamboo forests have grown through the foundations where buildings once stood, patrolled by old men on bicycles keeping a watchful eye on the 10-foot perimeter fence.
Storage bunker, one of the few remaining structures on base.
As with the Fuchu Air Base, I’ve been here before. The first time was some two years ago, in the early days of my haikyo exploration. I must have walked the perimeter circle 4 or 5 times, as dusk fell around me, wondering if I had the chutzpah to scale the fence. At no point was it easy to climb, and at no point in an isolated spot. It got dark, and I became antsy. The guard in the guard box out front didn’t leave, except to occasionally drive carefully around the interior, or cycle around the fence. In the end, I gave up. It didn’t seem worth it, so I backed off.
Map of the whole base. The central part is now the huge Showa Kinen Park, site of Tokyo`s only full disc golf course. The left oblong, 1km long, is the abandoned base. The right oblong is the still-active SDF base.
The second time, around a year later, I arrived with my chutzpah turned on, knowing what to expect. After circling the base to my desired sport, I just went at it. Over a fence, and in.
After that, my memory’s a series of frantic snapshots as I ran around looking for things to shoot. It started to rain, reducing visibility, and that just amped me up further. Roads criss-crossed in every direction, and I knew that the old security guard could use any of them. I didn’t doubt I could out-run him if it came to a chase- but I didn’t want it to come to a chase.
And so even with the sense of real risk pretty absent, I still ran from cover to shelter like a hunted animal. When taking shelter in buildings, I became acutely aware of my heart thumping, and more worried every second about stepping back out of my new-found safety, and into the open.
Exciting.
This massive bunker hosted me for around 30 minutes, as I planned my next line of attack-
It is pretty huge, covered in ivy, and built to withstand serious punishment. The walls and doors are several feet thick.
Covered in ivy.
The central part of the bunker had probably once been an office, with desks, machinery controls, and grilled windows looking into the hangar-like storage area alongside.
The two doors left and right lead to the hangars.
Filing cabinets belie it was an office.
Empty storage shelves in the bunker’s back room
The hangars either side were filled with old equipment. The southern wing (below) had what looks like a lot of air conditioning equipment. The northern wing had chairs and assorted engine parts. In the back was a staircase, going up to the roof.
Of course I clambered over everything to get to it. and up- affording me the best view of the remains of the base anyone’s had in years.
Elevator and lift gear in storage.
Looking back towards the entrance, the stairs to be climbed.
Up the stairs.
At the top of the stairs was a small room, smashed in rot and weather, then more stairs, then the roof.
Signalman`s room?
Rickety stair-case.
One of the hazards of haikyo- stairways whose rungs have fallen away. I walked with great care.
On the roof the view was excellent, dominated by the forest, and the three chimneys.
Roof and chimneys.
Roof ruins.
After leaving that sanctuary, again I was on the run, bobbing in and out of the overgrown forest and through clumps of bamboo, head ducking in search of the old dude on his bicycle. I heard there were immense apocalypse-emergency tunnels underneath the old base, perhaps some kind fall-out shelter for Tokyo’s elite. I saw a few hatch-like structures emerging above ground, which had no doors of any kind. Could those be the air circulators, for such a massive complex?
This from Wikipedia.
Consolidation resulted in the establishment of the Tachikawa Disaster-Preparedness Base, involving hundreds of miles of tunnels designed to support 5,000 top government members for a year in the event of a catacylsmic disaster. The bunker building is one of only a few remaining structures on the large base lot.
I didn’t linger around them.
After a while I got pretty turned around inside. Even seeing the three massive chimneys, that I’d seen clearly from outside, didn’t really help orient me.
The guards had buckled a ladder into the chimney flues, so it is possible to climb up inside them.
I climbed up inside one, and again briefly relaxed. What were these chimneys for, remnants of some kind of power plant, or a waste incinerator? Did they cremate bodies here?
Inside the flue.
Looking out.
Looking at the inside of the base of the chimney.
Looking down at the base of the chimney.
Dreaming of the past.
After the towers, dusk was falling and I really thought I was pushing my luck to stay any longer. I wasn’t sure any more which way I’d come or which way was out- all the straight grid streets of the base looked equally overgrown, and I’d zig-zagged through so much bamboo I had no idea where my entry climbing fence had been.
I got out my iPhone and pulled up the map feature. Then, working myself up into a lather, I started to run.
Which way was I going? Where was the exit?
Watching the little screen with me inching down an overgrown road, peeking up to check I wasn’t slaloming into some obstacle, I felt weirdly like a World of Warcraft character running to his next battle. I ran in a straight line for a few minutes, until at last one of the easiest fences- also closest to the guard’s box- emerged, and I plunged for it. At last I hit it, vaulted over the top, and landed on the legal side, out of breath.
An old lady looked at me confusedly. I nodded, and went on my way. So it goes.
History
The Tachikawa base started life as an Imperial Japanese Army airfield, though that role later morphed to also cater to civilians by the 1920’s. In 1929 Japan`s first regularly scheduled commercial air service departed from this base to Osaka, a three hour commute that was in operation for 4 years, until the service was moved to Haneda airport on Tokyo Bay. After 1933 the base returned to being an Army airfield, and remained so until the end of World War II. During the war it was defended by the Shintentai, an anti-aircraft kamikaze group. Near the end of the war Tachikawa was subjected to heavy bombing, and in the aftermath was occupied by the US.
From Wikipedia– Disaster struck Tachikawa on June 18, 1953 when a U.S. Air Force C-124 Globemaster II transport experienced an engine failure on takeoff, crashing shortly after. The accident claimed the lives of 129 people, and was the deadliest air disaster in history at the time. With a runway only 1,500m long, Tachikawa was not adequate for the largest aircraft, and the U.S. decided to extend the runway into the neighboring town of Sunagawa.
The July 8, 1957 Sunagawa Riots resulted in cancellation of the plan. The U.S. instead developed Tama Airfield (the present-day Yokota Air Base) and moved its operations there. By 1969, the U.S. had largely left Tachikawa, and in 1977, after the end of the Vietnam War, it returned the base to Japanese control.
The Japanese government put the land to a variety of uses. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force established a base there, as did the Japan Coast Guard, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and the Tokyo Fire Department.
Comments 658
Amazing shots, it’s amazing what time and nature can do to a structure like this. Although sad to see the degradation, it is also quite beautiful, especially the ivy covering the storage bunker, as well as the chimney shots. Equally amazing is how many of these commentors have first hand experience with the base, or were stationed there.
Dave
I was born in Tachikawa, Japan on the air base in January 10, 1970. I left when I was 11 months old so these pictures are all I have ever seen of the place where I was born. It has been my dream to one day get back there to see where I was born. Thanks for these pictures. It is the closest I have ever been to seeing it as it is now. Thanks for these awesome pictures.
My sentiments exactly! I was born in Tachikawa September 1969, and same for me – this is the most I’ve ever seen of my birthplace. Hoping it wasn’t the bunker… 😉
I am glad I found this sight,I was born in Tachikawa in January 1967 but dont have any good pics of the base except those that my parents have from that time.
Tachi pictures at Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20576399@N00/
I have a sister that was born there in the early 60’s. We lived there for 3 years
I would love to see pics of the housing where we once lived. I don’t remember seeing any of this stuff. I remember the commissary, Catholic church, the housing we lived in, watching a Cherry Blossom Festival procession, meeting with Japanese in their homes on field trips, making butter in my classroom, making a Japanese doll by hand, the Tokoyo zoo and Observatory, great memories of the place and people. Would love to visit there again.
Kind of scary to look at some of these photos.
Wow, I lived on Tachi in 1974, but I do not recognize anything in any of these pictures!
I lived on Tachi back in the early to mid 1960’s near the Teen Club. Those were very special times in my life. I was saddened to hear that Tachi closed. I went to Tachi Elementary School. One day I hope to return and revisit Tachi if it is still possible to get on the base.
YesI was born in Misawa AFB. Lived at Tachi the Yokota, left Yokota 1974.
Tachi pictures at Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20576399@N00/
Yes the teen club jukebox
I was born at Tachikawa AFB in 1948. My father was the Provost Marshall at the base during his tour. I have several old pictures of buildings during that time but I have not reviewed tham for several years. I was on a WesPac Navy cruise in 1975 and was able to visit the base prior to the US returning it to the Japanese. It sure was different at that time.
Nice work. Thanks, man.
I was stationed at Tachikawa Air force base (seems it was called Johnson Air Forc Base) i’m not sure. I was asigned to the Weather Station there. It was the year 1948.
Actually Johnson was on the other side of Yokota from Tachikawa…
My family was stationed at the Tachikawa AFB in 1967 to 1970. I went to the
jr. high school and on to school at Yamato High. Great memories at the Teen Club and skiing trips to Mt. Fugi.
The pics above look nothing like the base.
I was surprised when I came across your name. I was surfing around and found this site. Thought I would check it out and there you were! Those were some fun days….I’m glad we had the chance to experience it.
Rick
Went to Yamato HS. Left if 66 for California. Combat Marine in Vietnam 67 to 68. Hospitalize at Tachi for 6 mos. and returned to US in 69. My brother Ben Threatt and Jane Threatt went to Yamato til 1969.
I, too, was born @ Tachikawa Air Force base on October 29th, 1969. My father has many pictures of life around Tokyo @ the time, but none of the actual base itself. I would LOVE to buy one of these photos to give to him as a gift. His 65th birthday is next month; & for the man who has everything, this would be a unique addition to his art collection. Please contact me if purchase is an option.
Happy October 29th birthday Susan! (same day as mine, but a different year!) My better half was born at Tachikawa September 28, 1970. Small world. Someday we hope to go back there so he can ‘go home’ : )
Thanks for putting the pictures up. I was born in Tachikawa in the late 60’s but my parents passed away and I have no pictures of my birthplace. Appreciate it…awesome work.
Awesome photos! I was born at Tachikawa Air Force Base in 1962. My family was stationed there from 1959 to 1962.
Somehow the wrong reply e-mail address was inserted. Above is the correct one….
I was at Tachi from Sept. of 60 through June of 63. Lived my last year on Tachi, went to Yamato High School and graduated in 1963. Enjoyed the pictures……there is a website for Yamato High School alumni (regardless if you graduated there or not….if you went, please check it out)
http://www.yamatohighschool.com
Chuck
I just checked….the correct website address is:
http://www.yamatohs.com
My Dad was stationed at Fuchu and then Johnson from 1958-1961. He commanded the First Mob for Communications. I remember having broken my arm and the only US hospital that could operate was at Tachikawa. Today, I work for a Japanese company and the many wonderful memories are shared often.
My older sister and I were born in Tachikawa (59-60). I have some pics of where we lived, but none from the base. I appreciate the photos…there wonderful and so fantastic. My father was an Airman 3rd or 4th class…don’t remember. We moved before my 1st birthday so don’t remember anything but from what I was told and a few pics. THANKS again!!
I lived on Tachi & went to school at Yokota High School from 1974-1976. I have a lot of pictures that my dad took. I dont remember the silos or chimneys but the only things still intact then were the base housing, BX/Commissary back then.
Was stationed at North Camp Drake, Fuchu A.S. and Tachikawa in 1973-75. Thank you for the shots of the remains. This was my first assignment out of tech school and I appreciate the memories. As a note, for most purposes North Drake closed in 73, Fuchu mostly closed in 74, and Tachikawa closed about 90% in 75.
I was not born there, although I spent my first 3 1/2 years at the base while my father was stationed there. Memories include base housing “quancet huts” ,sp ; and the playground , sand, and sounds of waves breaking on the beach. Thankyou for the visual tour.
I lived across from the Air Force base in American Village in 1967 when I was in 2nd grade. I went to Tachikawa Elementary and my teacher was Miss Jump. I loved the music room. I remember the drills where we had to walk to the Bomb shelters on the playground. I always wanted to go in one and see what it was like but never got the chance. went to the Civilian Club for dinner sometimes, I remember the one-armed bandits. Once in awhile my mom would let me pull the big lever. And the restaurant always brought out a basket of different crackers and bread sticks. Miss that place a little although it was not a happy family time.
Hi, I was at Fuchu Air Station from 1966-68- spent a lot of time at Tawi- flew into and out of it a number of times.
I was stationed at Tachi from Aug 66 to Aug 68 with the 20th Casualty Staging Unit. I would like to hear from anyone that may have been with the 20th CSF.
Hi! I was a medic (90650) and was stationed at Tachi 6-66-70. At first, I was working in Training for the USAf Hosp but was trransferred to the 20th CSF at Yokota in ’68 for the remainder of my 3 years. I’m sorry that I don’t remember you, but, my 3 years at Tachi is some of my best memories. When I was discharged from the USAF in Dec ’70 I returned to my home of Atlanta, Georgia where I remain. I’m now 64 yrs young.
Lee, I left Tachi in August of 1968. When I first got there we work the CSF from the back of the hospital, later we moved to some quanset huts by the BX it was not until later they moved it to Yokota. We lived by the football field. It was a good two years, made many friends and would like to reconnect if possible. I live in Iowa and am now 65 yrs young. I also was a 90250.
Hi Tom,
In 1968 I volunteered for the Red Cross. I was a stewardess for Airlift International. We lived in houses off of Gate 7. I have memories being in quanset huts connected together, but could never have find any record of it on the internet. When did they move the casualty station to Yokota? My memory is kind of blurry of all that. Was the station on the east side? Would love to talk to you Tom. My email is jderosa44@centurylink.net. If anything just to confirm my memory. Blessings Joan
Joan,
We started in the hospital, it was two years before the moved the unit to Yokota. I remember working only one or two flights at Yokota before leaving for the states in 68.
Was that in a quonset hut?
I was born in Misawa AFB. Lived at Tachi the Yokota, left Yokota 1974.
Tachi pictures at Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20576399@N00/
I lived with my family at Tachi 1972 to 1975. I lived one block away and around the corner from the smoke stacks you show in the pictures, right across from the west side motor pool.
I remember them and the bunkerish structure, I never knew what it was. I loved living there and would like to go back someday. Great place for kids, loved collecting stag and rhino bettles.You could go anywhere on a bicycle and always spending money at all of the little corner yen stores. Sad to see what has happened over time but that park looks fantastic. I do miss all of the Cherry blossom trees that lined the large drainage ditch,lol.
I’ll never forget Sister Thomasine at the Catholic kindergarden!
Oh, my god! This is how I found this site. I was looking for information on my kindergarten teacher Sister Thomasine! She used to tutor me English at her convent as well. It still surprises me that we had a parochial kindergarten on the base. I attended 1963-64 then went onto the elementary school before my dad was transferred to Texase in 1965.
Was stationed at Tachi in 1977 when I was 17. Returned there in 2005 for a reunion, we got near the old base which is now civil air patrol. Can you believe we say a Tach Street sign laying on the ground, I think it was “AA”: street! Wish now I would have jumped the fence to get it however a guard let us on the old flightline.
Steve, Security Police 1977 Tachi
I was also stationed at Tachikawa from Nov 1975 until it closed, finishing my time at Yokota. I was also a Security Policeman and worked with Steve. Of all the memories I have during my military career, the ones that stand out the most were during my time at Tachi. Although I passed through Yokota numerous times during my career I did not have time to get back to Tachi. Wish I had found a way to do that. There is something favorably haunting about that base that just gnaws at me, beckoning for me to return. Maybe it is because of the old tale that if you do not climb Mt. Fuji while in Japan, you are destined to return. I had the opportunity to climb it while I was there, but chose not, hoping there was some truth to that. I do want to return to Tachikawa someday and hopefully will also be allowed to enter and see whatever I can.
Steve V and Jim L,
I was there as well. We were all LE (SP). Jim (butterfly) you crashed a car . Steve you were way too young. Steve, I think you are or were in Florida. Jim, not sure but remember you lost your father at a young age. That place is like damn magnet. Dont know why but it is. We ended up, or I ended up in Yokota before rotating out. Bosses were Cunningham, Sandlin, interpreters were tanakasan, jeez cant remember.Remember we were there when Korea had the issue with the army guys that were killed? Steve I think you were buddies with the mortician that worked on them. Damn shame the whole thing……. email me at manvelnd@yahoo.com
We were living at Tachi from 1971-1977; first American Village and then in base housing over by the commissary. Many kudos for the beautiful photography! My sis stayed in Japan and worked as a gardener for the Showa Koen so she loved seeing the transformation of familiar areas from the base. 🙂
I was stationed at Tachikawa Air Force Base as a young USAF officer from 1956 to 1958. Many found memories of this era. I also lived in Japan from 1967 to 1981 in the Kobe/Osaka area as a executive for a Fortune 100 company but never got back to Tachikawa.
The place has certainly changed a great deal from my time! Thanks for pics.
Carl,
Do you perhaps remember an airman named Howard “Mik” Tranor who was assigned to the 7th Aerial port squadron from 1955 to 1958 at Tachikawa Air Force base? If so, would you email me at frnklnv@yahoo.com. I am looking for information about his unit and tour of duty. I am his oldest daughter. thanks, Valerie Franklin (Tranor)
Michael,
Your shots are great. I would love the opportunity to wander around that area and shoot, during the same time of year. If you were on what was called Tachi East, I believe there was some type of crematorium that I thought was just on the outside the perimeter fence. It wasn’t far from the base mortuary. I remember those stacks and will now be searching though my old photos trying to see if I can locate them in any background. Are any of your shots done in HDR? That looks like a perfect area to also make HDR and IR compositions. Printed on metal those colors would really pop!
I lived in a lot house on Tachi in ’72 I believe and worked at Yakota. I have always missed the Mongolean BBQ’D at the NCO Club, the on base bazzars and especially the folks in the Tokyo Sports Car Club. Racing on the old runways was so much fun. Anyway your pictures are amazing. I don’t remember the smoke stacks, but I do have a few pictured I have posted on my Facebook profile.
It is very eerie to look at these pictures. I never saw the base before. I just found out my uncle was killed in a B-26 crash on 10-09-1955. After many hours of searching, I finally , just recently got the location where the accident happened.Even though these many years have passed,I feel a lot closer to my uncle now. I was only 15 at the time.. Thank you for the pictures
I was in the army, Ecompany 51st Signal Battalion, I corp. In 1956 I made several trips from K14 airstrip in Korea, to tachikawa airbase in Japan. We flew in the big C124 transport planes. On one trip from K14 in Korea to Tachi, we lost one engine just as we got to the sea of japan, and lost another engine just before getting to Tahikawa! Then coming back to korea, we happened to draw the same plane!!!We were a little nervious! No problems that trip. Our company in Korea was just outside of Uijonbu—I know thats not spelled right, but its the same village that the show MASH was based on…..
jim, when was that flight? I had the same thing happen in march of 61 on my way to R&R.
When the first engine quit there was a lot of joking around but you never saw smiles fade so fast as when that second engine quit.
When we landed they stopped the plane at the end of the runway and off loaded the troops
I was in C batt 8th arty later renamed A batt.
My first exp at Tachi was in may of 60, flew into tachi from the big PX.
the AF plane, a C-123 ( I think) took three tries to get off the ground on the way to Kimpo
Hated that long taxi back to the start of the runway.
I was stationed at Tachi, assigned to 6000th OPS (later changed to the 6100th) from 01/60 to 11/62. I worked in Survival Equipment (P.E.) in building 1333 on the west side. I was 18, and it was the greatest time of my life! I decided to not go back, as too many things change. Once is enough, a second time around can only bring dissapointment.
Thank you for the pictures.
I was stationed at Tachi 1958-1969. I have the book issued to new personel when I arrived at Tachi. The book is filled with pictures of the differant facilities at the base. Included is the base Commanders at the time Iwas there. I am interested in finding a Air force hisroty place were I can donate the book.
I was born at Tachikawa in March 1971. I was only 1 1/2 when our family left and although we have several pictuers from the 3 1/2 yrs my family was there aren’t any of the base, these pictures are great!
I was born and raised on Tachikawa Air Force base 1960-1970. Many fond memories of that time playing as a child. My father was stationed on the base where he was a captain flying for Air America. We lived on the east side of the base in the Y area. House # Y-16. I attended Christian Academy in Japan from 1-5 grades. I have not returned since our departure in 1970. Sad to hear the base no longer exists, but really not surprised. It served its purpose for that time.
Were there any structures left of the civilian club or officer’s club – especially on the west side of the base?
Actually, the east side is what they made into the park, I believe. What about structures on the west side.
I realized that I said the Civilian Club is on the west side. Actually, it is on the (or was) on the east side of the runway. Mike, in your travels roaming around the base did you see anything left of the east side? The hospital was there also I believe, and there was a BX. I think the casualty station I worked in for the Red Cross was there, too. I was in a quanset hut in 1968. Anything left at all, or torn down and rebuilt.
I find it so sad. I loved that base as so many others do and did.
If anyone knows the answers to any of my question, my email is jderosa44@centurylink.net.
I have some pictures of the roof of the big concrete building from 1956 & 1957. I was in the Army and operated a radar that was located on the roof. Also lived in the building. The siren can still be seen in your picture. If you would like a copy email me.
I have very fond memories of Tachi- I was based there Xmas’68-Sept.69 as a flight attendant for Airlift International (with Joan DeRosa). Airlift had housing there for us but kept 2 727’s based at Yokota. We ate a lot at the Officers Club and shopped the B/X occasionally. When I first got there we were housed at the Mama-yama Hotel in downtown Tachi and I still have my mama-san aprons which we wore inflight. Thanks for the great memory trip on your website.
Hi Maureen!
I have many pictures of Tachikawa AFB and the village. My dad was stationed there from 1954 to 1957. He worked in cryptology. I was born there in January 1956.
My daughter was born at Tachi in April 1968 when I was executive officer at Grant Heights Housing. Made many trips to Tachi for fun and shopping and a great massage place just inside the gate on base property. I too have the welcome to Tachi orientation book they gave everyone when we arrived in 1967. Does anyone still remember the large 2 story base exchange on Tachi?
My parents, sister- Linda Lane, brother -Mike Lane, and me, Carol Lane lived in Tachi from 1958-1961. We had so many wonderful memories and still talk about Japan today. We attended Tachi Elementary and like so many of us, marched out to the bomb shelters, but never allowed to go in. Driving on base we would look off to the right and see the magnificent Mt. Fuji. Some of my teachers were Mrs. Churchill and Ms. Bowling.We use to go to Girl Scout Camp at the base of Mt Fuji. It was guarded by airmen. We loved taking trips to Tokoyo Tower, Buddah, and the Palaces. Our house on base was four houses from the base commanders.Growing up in Japan was a unique experience that we would never have had. That is where my brother developed his love of airplanes and how I wish we could go back to that time.
I was in the Navy but was attached to Tachikawa AFB for training on Microwave communications gear. I was there for a month during July/August 1969. My duty station was actually Yokosuka.
It seemed to me that the Air Force environment was much more laid back than the Navy. It was an interesting assignment.
i have pictures of the base from the Korean war…everything from flight line ups to pictures of hangers and other buildings
I learned to swim there. I finished the fourth grade there and started the fifth grade. They were still building the elementary school in 1964 so brand new everything except the flags, new flags but they had 48 stars. New everything. New library. New books. New floor, new sod, new desks, new pencils. Then we moved to Momote Village we were bussed to school at Narimasu Grant Heights, our class was in a Quonset hut and our teacher was a French national, then sixth grade at Camp Drake.
I was stationed at Tachi from 1967 to 1969, I always wondered what happen to the place so I did the google and here I am. I have great memories of the place, while I was in the Supply SQ. (6100th). I traveled to many places but was always happy to get back to Tachi. I can not remember anything when looking at these pictures, my memories are what it was i the 60’s.
I was staitioned there from August 1965 until October 1967. The 1503rd was later changed to the 609th MAC. Worked on “Burleys” (C-124), C-130 and C-133’s. I have some pic’s of the base but not sure how to upload. On a clear day you could see Mt Fugi. I always think about that place and am sorry that it is gone.
I never saw those bunkers. Didn’t even know they were there.