Okinawa PCS Guide

Everything military families need for a successful PCS to Okinawa, Japan. From planning to arrival, get organized with our comprehensive guide and resources.

PCS Timeline & Checklist

Stay organized with our step-by-step timeline

Initial Planning

6-12 Months Before

Receive PCS orders and review assignment details

Research Okinawa housing options (on-base vs off-base)

Apply for on-base housing if desired

Begin learning basic Japanese phrases

Research schools and childcare options

Start decluttering and organizing household goods

Documentation & Logistics

3-6 Months Before

Schedule household goods shipment with TMO

Arrange pet transportation if applicable

Update family care plans and emergency contacts

Schedule medical and dental checkups

Research off-base housing and neighborhoods

Begin Japanese driver's license conversion process

Final Preparations

1-3 Months Before

Finalize housing arrangements and lease agreements

Schedule temporary lodging facilities (TLF)

Connect with your sponsor for arrival coordination

Pack essential items and travel documents

Research local amenities, shopping, and services

Download useful apps and offline maps

In-Processing

Upon Arrival

Complete base in-processing requirements

Obtain SOFA status documentation

Set up banking, utilities, and internet services

Enroll children in school and activities

Explore your new community and local culture

Essential Resources

Important contacts and information by category

Official Military Resources

Kadena Air Base

Official base website and services

Camp Foster (Marine Corps)

Marine Corps base information

Military Family Life Consultants

Support services for military families

Base Housing Office

On-base housing applications

Housing & Real Estate

Okinawa Rentals

English-speaking agencies and listings

Off-Base Housing Office

OHA and off-base housing assistance

Military Housing Privatization

Privatized on-base housing info

Housing Allowance Calculator

Calculate your OHA entitlements

Transportation

Driver's License Guide

Japanese license conversion process

Car Dealerships

Military-friendly dealers

Public Transportation

Buses, monorail, and taxi info

Vehicle Shipping (POV)

Shipping your car to Okinawa

Education & Schools

DoDEA Schools Okinawa

Department of Defense schools

International Schools

Private school options

University Programs

Higher education opportunities

Homeschooling Resources

Support for homeschooling families

Healthcare

U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa

Primary military medical facility

Base Medical Clinics

Clinic locations and services

Off-Base Medical Care

Using local Japanese healthcare

Emergency Procedures

Medical emergency contacts

Banking & Finance

Navy Federal Credit Union

On-base banking services

USAA Banking

Military financial services

Currency Exchange

Yen exchange and money tips

Cost of Living Guide

Budgeting for life in Okinawa

Emergency Contacts

Keep these numbers easily accessible

Police (Japan)

Local emergency police

110

Fire/Ambulance (Japan)

Fire and medical emergencies

119

Base Security Forces

On-base emergencies only

911

Kadena Command Post

Base information

098-961-2000

Downloadable Resources

Take these guides with you offline

PDF • 2.1 MB

Complete PCS Checklist

Step-by-step moving checklist

PDF • 1.8 MB

Japanese Phrases Guide

Essential phrases with pronunciation

PDF • 3.2 MB

Base and Area Maps

Detailed maps of installations

PDF • 1.5 MB

Emergency Procedures

What to do in emergencies

PDF • 4.1 MB

Cultural Orientation

Understanding Japanese customs

PDF • 2.8 MB

Local Services Directory

English-friendly businesses

Ready to Find Your Home in Okinawa?

Browse our extensive collection of military-friendly properties and connect with English-speaking agencies.