The Smoky Bacon and Egg Burger with a side of fries from Demode Diner, an American-style eatery near Yokota Air Base, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Right outside of Yokota Air Base on Route 16, also known as Base Street, lies the perfect destination for anyone craving American-style cuisine.
The location is convenient, and the staff quickly serves up burgers, hot dogs and shakes for an off-base lunch break or dinner.
Inside Demode, patrons are treated the classic diner aesthetic, including a variety of tunes on the sound system from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Tom Jones.
The floor is checkered, and the inside offers booths, much like a 1950s diner. The walls display vintage items such as toy robots and neon signs.
Popular items on the menu include a variety of classic burgers like the BLT, the Tex-Mex and a fried onion burger. The portions are also “American” sized.
The Vegetarian Burger with a side of fries from Demode Diner, an American-style eatery near Yokota Air Base, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
I ordered the Vegetarian Burger, which comes with a side of fries, and a root beer float for 2,100 yen, or about $16.20. The burger’s base was a coleslaw-type mix topped with black olives, corn, tomato and avocado.
I liked the bun, which was buttery and toasted to perfection. The fries were thin and crispy. The delectable float was topped with soft-serve ice cream.
My co-worker ordered the Smoky Bacon and Egg Burger and a berry shake for about $20.45. The burger was topped with an egg and a big slice of bacon, which was not quite American style, but he approved, and particularly liked the runny egg. The shake was topped with thick and creamy whipped cream.
A specialty item, if customers are brave enough, is the Fussa Two Pounds Big Tower Burger for about $38.57. The giant burger lives up to its name, standing about a foot tall and filled with two pounds of meat. This giant burger can be split up between a family or group.
Other menu items include a grilled cheese sandwich, cheese dog, cheese nachos and a chili cheese potato. Drink options include a variety of teas, including mint, ice mango tea and iced tea and a selection of fruit juices, milk, coffee and sodas.
Parking is available for up to 12 vehicles. An English menu and seating for 80 inside and outside are available. Dogs are allowed in the outside seating area.
If the ‘50s & ‘60s American diner is your jam, then Demode is a must.
Demode Diner specializes in American-style burgers and other cuisine just steps from Yokota Air Base, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Demode Diner
Location: 1121 Kumagawa, Fussa, Tokyo 197-0003
Directions: A 5-minute drive from Yokota Air Base’s main gate.
Hours: Open 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Price: Burgers, sandwiches and hotdogs range between 1,440-1,600 yen or $11.01-$12.23
Information: Online: kiwa-group.co.jp/demode_fussa
