Japan is a unique country compared to what many Americans are used to. Automobiles and motorcycles follow different guidelines and prices, and actually driving on Okinawa can be an enormous adjustment. In addition to the everyday use of vehicles, the changes in American dollars and Japanese yen can surprise and confuse many visitors due to the ever-changing exchange rate.

The country of Japan is free of firearms except under very specific circumstances. It is best to store or sell any firearms before coming to Okinawa. Spent shells, live rounds or gun parts can also cause problems when processing through customs, so inspect all baggage for these items prior to arrival.

There are restrictions on traveling into Japan with medications. Certain over-the-counter medications commonly used in the U.S. are prohibited in Japan (ex: Sudafed, Vick inhalers, Codeine cough medications). In addition, prescription medications in quantities larger than a month supply and/or certain classes (psychotropics, narcotics) require permission from Government of Japan (GOJ) and specific documentation. For additional information, visit https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/doctors/importing-medication/

Claims for lost, damaged or stolen goods can be placed through the Air Force Claims center. Rules, stipulations and more information can be found on their webpage.

Congratulations on your assignment to Okinawa!

In Okinawa, the current mandatory housing policy requires all accompanied service members to reside in base housing if units are available. Personnel on accompanied orders or with a dual military spouse on the island must reside in military family housing in your designed category. Adequate on-base homes (a defined government standard) do not have a turn-down option. If the in-bound service member turns down an acceptable housing offer, temporary lodging allowance rules will apply.

Before we can start your housing processing, in-bound service members are require to provide the following documents: DD Form 1746, AF 4422, and PCS orders.

Please let us know via email how you would like us to process your housing application. We simply need for you to state Port to Home or Standard Advance Housing Application. The differences are as follows:

Contact MHO at DSN (315) 634-0582 or Operator 011-81-98-938-1111(Comm) or 098-938-1111(Local Phone) then dial 634-0582, or via email, kadenahousing.customerservice@us.af.mil, or report to the housing office (bldg. 217). Business hours are as follows: 0800 -1530 hours on Mondays thru Fridays, and 0800-1200 hours on Wednesdays. We close on holidays and the most PACAF family days.

For more information please visit Okinawa Family Housing.

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Okinawa is an island located in an area where hurricane-like storms, called typhoons, are common. Strong winds and rain are two very destructive forces associated with them. Most buildings are built to withstand the storms and there are plenty of resources available, like the Kadena Typhoon Guide, to help build preparedness plans.

Frequent earthquakes and the less common tsunamis are facts of life in Okinawa due to a fracture in the plates in the Western Pacific. Many quakes are too small to feel or notice, but they can be dangerous if a person is unprepared. 

The histories of Kadena and Okinawa have been tied together since the 18th Wing was known as the Provisional Pursuit Group at its inception in 1927. Since then, the local and base communites have been through many changes, all while maintaining a solid relationship. 

Speaking some of the language and maintaining proper manners in the ocean can help keep that relationship strong!