On May 21, 2023, I went to an event at the Ground Self-Defense Force in Higashi-Chitose ↓ "7th Division 68th Anniversary Higashi-Chitose Garrison 69th Anniversary Event". Since it's a rare opportunity to visit, we went to the dining hall inside a facility called "Akarengatei" and shared a large serving of Zangi curry with 3 pieces of Zangi for 650 yen, and miso ramen for 600 yen with my companion! Both were quite delicious and reasonably priced! (￣∇￣) Higashi-Chitose Garrison, Ground Self-Defense Force, Higashi Kosei Center, 1016 Iwaiume, Chitose City, Hokkaido.

I visited the base and had lunch while I was there. There are two welfare centers and one shop at the Higashi-Chitose Barracks, but originally they were all shops. The smallest and most shabby of the three shops was the Nishi Shop, which was the first to be rebuilt and remains so to this day. Later, the Kita Shop and Higashi Shop were also rebuilt and renamed welfare centers. Previously, all three locations had cafeterias, but now only the Kita and Higashi Welfare Centers remain. The store where Akarenga-tei is located now used to be the Seikawa Shokudo. When I entered after a long time, I saw that a ticket machine had been installed. According to a previous review from 2017, the staff used to sell tickets, so it seems that this ticket machine was installed recently. However, there was a sign on the ticket machine saying "No change available," and since I only had 5000 yen and 10000 yen bills, I was in trouble. That's because the ticket machine does not accept 5000 yen and 10000 yen bills, only 2000 yen bills. While regular customers may be used to this, it is inconvenient for first-time visitors like me. I decided to ask the staff for change as a last resort, and they kindly agreed. There were two signs at the counter saying that they could not provide change, so I was probably lucky that they helped me (laughs). The bento for takeout was paid for directly at the counter instead of using the ticket machine, which was even more puzzling. I arrived at 11:30, and there were a few Self-Defense Force members having an early lunch due to work, along with some contractors visiting the base. I ordered the pork cutlet curry, which was served by two women. I was called by number to pick up my order at the counter, and then I returned to my seat to eat the curry. The curry was a light brown color, a classic curry commonly found in Japanese-style eateries. It is sweet and mild, suitable even for children who do not like spicy food, but as you continue eating, a subtle spiciness lingers at the end. The pork cutlet was cut thick, but not overly large in size. Normally, you would eat pork cutlet curry with a fork, but this time I used a spoon. The pork cutlet was tender, so it was easy to cut into two pieces with the spoon and eat. Last year's 7th Division founding anniversary event was only open to invitees, but I believe it will be open to the public this year, so some people may be looking forward to it.

I arrived at the JGSDF Higashichitose Camp at 10:30 for the "63rd anniversary of the 7th Division formation and the 64th anniversary of the Higashichitose Camp establishment commemorative event", which was open to the public for one day only. The venue for the event caught my attention as the "Second Runway"... Since there was some time before the training demonstration, I decided to explore the camp. Near where I parked, there was only a shop at the West Welfare Center, while there were also cafeterias to the East and North. The number of booths at the interaction plaza was almost as many as an air show, with children gathering at the central 10-type tank-themed air slider for "children's play". The first team member cafeteria had been turned into an art exhibition hall, and most of the cafeteria was converted into a rest area for the general public. Self-service cold tea and water were provided, but you couldn't order meals. It was a good place to enjoy bento boxes from the booths. I decided to visit the East Welfare Center where the cafeteria was open. It was my first visit on a Sunday at 11:10. Since it was a special event, the menu seemed limited. I paid at the special ticket booth, filled a paper cup with water, and waited. Two other customers were already eating. In just 3 minutes, my number was called, and I received a tray with a plate of tonkatsu curry. I took a pre-split spoon from the water station and sat down. The disposable curry plate felt a bit lacking, similar to what you would get at a booth. The rice was freshly cooked and delicious. It could have been steamed a bit longer, but it was still good. The curry was mild and went well with the rice, almost like a drink. You could tell the tonkatsu was a bit tough, but it blended well with the curry (laughs). I returned only the tray to the dish return counter, and sorted the rest into the respective garbage bins. Thank you for the meal~ While leisurely browsing through goods at Yamazumi Fujiya in the center, I lost track of time and forgot about the training demonstration. Feeling a bit lost, I asked a nearby security officer where the exhibition area was, and was told it was about 1 km away. They suggested that even if I went now, it would probably be over. The area seemed quite vast. I asked about the "First Runway", and was told it was at "Chitose Airport". After receiving some more explanations, my questions were gradually answered. (If you're curious, try entering "Higashichitose Camp" in Google Maps and switch to satellite view to zoom out for a better understanding.)

This shop is located inside the East Welfare Center building at the JGSDF Higashi-Chitose Camp. Normally, civilians are not allowed to enter, but on this day, I visited as part of the "7th Division 62nd Anniversary and Higashi-Chitose Camp 63rd Anniversary Commemorative Event" which was open to the public. The Higashi-Chitose Camp is the largest camp in Japan, equivalent to 126 Tokyo Domes in size. After watching the commemorative ceremony, parade, and training demonstration at the second runway, I visited this shop. By the time I arrived around noon, it was starting to get crowded. The staff were selling food tickets in front of the kitchen counter, and after purchasing, I handed over the half ticket at the counter and waited at my seat. This time, I ordered the "Shoyu Ramen" (600 yen including tax) and "Rice" (120 yen including tax). The shoyu ramen soup tasted like it was made for commercial use, with a strong salty flavor. The noodles were thin and slightly firm. Despite the occasional sunny intervals, the strong wind made the ramen taste even better. Thank you for the meal.

This year, we set out from the Higashi-Chitose Garrison as usual. Due to various reasons, it was held one month earlier than usual. Normally held in late May, it was freezing cold this year, with sleet, hail, and even a blizzard along the way. We headed to the Higashi-Kosei Center with our comrades. This place has a PX, convenience store, barbershop, cafeteria, and more, serving as a relaxation spot for the troops. To warm up our freezing bodies, we decided to have ramen, but to our surprise, there was no ramen available! So, we settled for tonkatsu curry with our comrades. However, for some reason, it was called "tonkatsu curry" here. Let's dig in! Me: "It's the usual curry (^^;;)" Comrades: "Same as always (^^;;)" Me: "The tonkatsu is surprisingly tender (^^;;)" Comrades: "Indeed (^^;;)" Comrades: "Not enough though (>o<)" It was devoured in no time! *-----------------------------------* Bonus (^^;; After leaving the cafeteria, I bought something from the convenience store for a review on Tabelog. It was "24 pieces of Self-Defense Force Sablé for troops." *This Sablé is a product sold at the convenience store within the Higashi-Kosei Center and not available at the cafeteria.