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Before You Arrive

Before arriving on Kadena, you'll likely need to know about how to call Kadena, what the rules are for lodging and who to talk to about childcare. Ensuring you're up-to-date on pet policies can also help alleviate some of the stress of moving the fuzzy or scaly members of the family.

Work with your new unit's sponsor to set up a forwarding address for your mail, and is a process that can be started before you arrive on Kadena.

We know traveling can be stressful, so we want this page to serve as a guide get you started on your tour in sunny Okinawa!

Once You Arrive

 After arriving on-island, attending the base newcomers briefing newcomers briefing will give those still shaking off a case of jet lag plenty of information for their first few days. The link highlights required documents, tours, briefings and more, so check it out for more info.

Most people want to experience some of the beauty associated with being on a tropical island and the Kadena Force Support Squadron has events, information on classes and trips and much more!

The Kadena Air Base Passenger Terminal provides information on travel and Space-A flights. Try the link for more information, dates and rules!

When you first arrive, you'll likely notice that driving on Okinawa is more than a little different than it was in the U.S. The highlighted guide can help drivers, new and old, learn more about the little details of driving around the island.

Newcomers Info

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.

Housing

Once you know your arrival date on island, it is advisable for you or your Sponsor to schedule your initial housing brief ahead of time. Once you are within a couple of days of being released from ROM, please call or email to schedule a housing inprocessing brief. All briefing and appointments will be scheduled via phone or email. To schedule an appointment, you may contact MHO at DSN (315) 634-0582/83 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 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. We close on holidays and the most PACAF family days. Walk-in hours 0900-1000, 1400-1500. Please provide a copy of your orders, any amendments, Dependent Area Clearance (Marine Corps), Dependent Entry Approval (Navy), and any useful documents such as promotion/pregnancy verification, remote orders, etc.

 To send MHO an Advanced Housing Application, required forms could be downloaded from www.kadena.af.mil//kadena_housing_office. Please include Orders and Area Clearance (Marine Corps) or Dependent Entry Approval (Navy).

At this briefing, you will be advised the current availability of on-post housing in your grade (rank) and entitlement (bedrooms).  If no homes are available on-post, you are then cleared to pursue off-post housing.

Guides

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. 

 
Part of the beauty of living in Okinawa is the opportunity to explore its many beaches, but before participating in any water-related activity, everyone should keep in mind that sea conditions can be extremely dangerous and change very rapidly. Practicing water safety techniques can help prevent potentially life-threatening situations.
 

The Emergency Actions Guide has information on TCCOR conditions, recommendations on emergency kits and more.

Hometown News Release

To recommend a story idea, submit an article or photograph for consideration by media organizations in your hometown, click the "Hometown News Release" button.

 

Local Information

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!

Families with Children

For families, moving can be a big deal. A lot can happen during outprocessing and the act of moving. Ensuring you have access to resources for any children you may have can take away some of the uncertainty and stress of coming to a new location.

There are three Child Development Centers, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, located on Kadena. Each center offers a variety of services for children ranging in age from six weeks to five years old. In addition to the CDC, there are options available for Family Child Care homes and School Age Programs.

For the school-age children, missing to much time from their education can be a big problem. Getting enrolled into one of the several elementary, middle or high schools can help make the transition to a new location much less stressful. The DoDEA School Liaison Officer can be reached by calling DSN 634-2231 or through email at 18msg.kadenaslo@us.af.mil.

The folks over at the Kadena Force Support Squadron are the primary liaisons for things like families with Exceptional Family Members, staying active and healthy with Youth Sports, helping take care of the fuzzy family members over at the Karing Kennels, hanging out without the younger kids at the Teen Center and much, much more!

One of the kids have a project coming up? Wanting to get in a bit of reading? Check out the library for hard, digital and audiobook copies of some of your favorites!

Finally, please see the graphic regarding Kadena's Youth Supervision policy.

Frequent Numbers

Air Mobility Command Terminal (AMC)
632-6487 
Chapel Customer Service
634-1288 
Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS)
634-8995 
Hospital Appointment Line
630-4817 
Airman Family Readiness Center
634-3366 
Housing Office
634-0582 
Human Resource Office (HRO)
634-2330 
Information Tours and Travel (ITT)
634-4322 
Legal Assistance
634-3300 
Lodging
632-1050 
Traffic Management Inbound Office
634-7863 
Traffic Management Outbound Office
632-0068 
Pass & Identification Customer Service
634-3437 
Post Office
634-7401 
Schilling Recreation Center
634-1387 
USO
633-0438 
Women, Infant & Children Overseas (WICO)
645-9426