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Japan is known as a high cost of living area but with proper planning it can be a great place to save money.
Due to limitations or non-availability of some medical and educational services, personnel who require specialized services should fully investigate the availability of such services prior to transferring to Japan. If you have orders assigning you to an aviation squadron and the orders state that your ultimate duty station is at Yokosuka, contact your detailer immediately. There are no aviation squadrons based in Yokosuka. All aviation squadrons are located at NAF Atsugi.
If you received "unaccompanied" orders to Yokosuka, please do not bring your family. You will not be eligible for certain entitlements, allowances or family services; this could cause an extreme financial hardship. There are many other issues that you must consider before coming to Japan, so do your research and gather your information as soon as possible. We are all guests in Japan and we're all ambassadors. We should conduct ourselves with honor, courage, commitment and respect to others.
Drinking and Driving in Japan - This is punishable offense with serious consequences like monetary or imprisonment.
Plan ahead when bringing your pet (dog or cat). The quarantine process is lengthy and shipping pets are costly. Availability for on-base housing is limited and it may cost a bit more for off-base housing that allow pets. It may delay your move.
Refrain from bringing large furniture because some Japanese housing are small.
The currency is Japanese yen. It is recommended to exchange a small amount ($100-$200) prior to arrival for use in the airport upon your arrival.
Due to limitations or non-availability of some medical and educational services, personnel who require specialized services should fully investigate the availability of such services prior to transferring to Japan.
If you have orders assigning you to an aviation squadron and the orders state that your ultimate duty station is at Yokosuka, contact your detailer immediately. There are no aviation squadrons based in Yokosuka. All aviation squadrons are located at NAF Atsugi.
If you received "unaccompanied" orders to Yokosuka, please do not bring your family. You will not be eligible for certain entitlements, allowances or family services and this could cause extreme financial hardship.
We are guests in Japan and we're all ambassadors. We should conduct ourselves with honor, courage, commitment and respect for others.
Drinking and Driving in Japan -- If a driver is pulled over by the Japanese Police while operating a motor vehicle and signs of intoxication are observed or an odor of an alcoholic beverage is emitting from the driver, that individual and all passengers can be charged with alcohol-related offenses under Japanese law. No matter the outcome of a DUI, the penalty is always heavy. Japanese authorities can detain offenders for days, months or even years depending on the violation. Time in captivity does not include military pay.
Plan ahead when bringing pets. The quarantine process is lengthy and the cost of shipping pets can be high.
Consider putting large furniture items in long-term storage as housing quarters are small. The currency is the Japanese yen. It is recommended to exchange $100-$200 prior to arrival for use in the airport upon your arrival.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 315 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included.
Service to the U.S. Seventh Fleet
Support the U.S. - Japan Alliance.
For more information, please visit the CFAY homepage.
Completed in 1871, Yokosuka Navy Yard was built to assist with Japan's active role in world trade. In 1944 the peak of World War II, Yokosuka Navy Yard covered over 280 acres and employed over 40,000 workers. After a peaceful surrender of the Japanese, Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka was established shortly after the occupation occurred in 1945. Since the Korean and Vietnam conflicts Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka continues to be America's most important naval facility in the Western Pacific. For more information on the history of Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka (CFAY) please visit CFAY's Command History.
The base has approximately 24,000 military and civilian personnel.Area Population: 373,797 in Yokosuka, Japan.
The population of personnel assigned to or served by Fleet Activities Yokosuka is approximately 24,000. This figure includes Active Duty Members and their Family Members, Military Retirees and their Family Members, Civilian Employees, Japanese and other Employees.
Yokosuka City is located about 30 miles southwest of Japan's capital city, Tokyo, on the east coast of the main island, Honshu. It is an industrial and residential community, with an area of about 39 square miles, and a population of about 373,797. This 579-acre naval base occupies a small peninsula jutting into Tokyo Bay. Navy Munitions Command is in nearby Urago, and an off-base housing area in Zushi named Ikego Housing Detachment comprises another 850 acres of U.S. facilities. Japan is known as a high cost of living area but with proper planning, it can be a great place to save money. When calling base operator from off-base using Japanese mobile dial 046-816-1110, or if you are calling from the U.S., dial 011-81-46-816-1110.
There are three airport options when traveling into Japan. If you are traveling commercially you will arrive at Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. If flying on the Patriot Express (Air Mobility Command or AMC) out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you will land at Yokota Air Force Base.
Yokota Air Force Base is located approximately 73km (45.6 miles) from Yokosuka, which is a 1.5-2 hour bus ride to Yokosuka based on traffic. After your flight has arrived, you will be met by an AMC representative who will escort all passengers to the Inbound Customs and Immigration Area. There you will be given a general briefing concerning immigration and customs clearance procedures, instructions on how to complete the immigration and customs forms, and the location of the baggage pickup area.
After completion of immigration formalities, you will pick up your bags and go to the customs inspection area for inbound customs inspection. If any of your baggage is missing or damaged, you should file a claim with Lost and Found before you leave the baggage area.
Transportation to Yokosuka from Yokota is based on flights coming into the AMC terminal. Your Sponsor can sign you up for the bus to Yokosuka once you receive your itinerary by contacting the CFAY bus desk at 315-243-7777, the number to call from the USA is 011-81-46-816-7777. For more information, please visit the Airport Shuttle Services website. If arriving with pets, your sponsor needs to contact the FAST office at 315-243-5770 to arrange transportation.
Narita International Airport is located north of Tokyo approximately 120km (80 miles) from Yokosuka, which is a 2-hour bus ride to Yokosuka.
At Narita, passenger arrival processing is as follows:
After you have cleared customs, buses leave Narita to Yokosuka at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m (Terminal 1). If you arrive after the last bus please see NEX Chauffer Service section below for more information.
At Terminal 1, if coming from the North and South wing after departing customs, turn left and walk down the corridor and proceed to the N2 exit leaving the building. Follow the covered walkway to the CFAY shuttle parking area.
At Terminal 2, once departing customs go to the airport's departure floor bus stop #1. Await to the CFAY shuttle comes by at 4:40 p.m. and 8:10 p.m.
At Haneda, after you have cleared customs buses leave Handeda to Yokosuka at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Terminal 3) and 3:10 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. (Terminal 1).
At Terminal 1, from 1F Arrivals, take an elevator or escalator to 2F Departures then exit to the street. Locate the South 1 bus stop and locate the Yokosuka sign in the windshield.
At Terminal 3, exit customs and head straight. Be on the lookout for the chartered bus sign, and once located take the escalator or elevator down to the Bus Parking Area. Look for the Yokosuka sign in the windshield.
Passengers Traveling with Pets
Pets may be brought to Japan as excess baggage on the Patriot Express flights that land at Yokota Air Base. Pets may also be shipped as commercial cargo to Narita or Haneda. Shipment of pets is at the owner's expense whether moving as excess baggage or commercial cargo. Excess baggage is usually the cheaper of the two. It is extremely important that the required documentation is in order. The following procedures apply:
Please contact the FAST office to make arrangements for pet transportation at DSN 243-5770 or from the U.S. 011-81-46-816-5770 or via email at fast_connect@us.navy.mil.
NEX Chauffer Service
In addition bus and shuttle services provided by the base, the Yokosuka Navy Exchange operates a Chauffer (Van) Service. Inbound PCS passengers for Yokosuka are mandated to use the regular scheduled Airport Bus Service. However, if you are on PCS orders and cannot use the CFAY shuttle bus due to other (valid) circumstances, the NEX Airport Shuttle Service might be an option for you.
The NEX Chauffer Service provides transportation for a maximum of 6 passengers per van and their luggage every day of the week. If requiring early pick up (driver has to be on the road at 0600 or earlier) or late pick up (driver has to be on the road 2200 or later), add $30 to the fare. Available if needing one-way transportation or round trip transportation. Please see the options below.
To schedule a NEX Chauffer Service and inquire about pricing, please call 315-243-4511 from a DSN line or from U.S. phone 011-81-46-816-4511.
If PCSing to Yokosuka Naval Base, be sure to arrange transportation from the airport to the base in advance. Your Sponsor should assist you with these arrangements. It is important to maintain communication between your Sponsor and yourself.
If visiting Yokosuka Naval Base and landing at Narita International Airport, Haneda International Airport or Yokota Air Base, the free CFAY shuttle bus is an option based on availability. Those without orders will be space available on the shuttle.
Public transportation is another great option if landing at Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. You can look up train schedules at hyperdia.com or purchase a train ticket while at the airport. If you can access internet from a device after landing (there is free Wi-Fi at Narita and Haneda). Google Maps is another option. Note: pets are not allowed on public transportation or airport shuttles.
You will likely not have the appropriate (US Forces Japan Form 4EJ/OF-346) Drivers License. If you plan ahead with your Sponsor, transportation from Yokota, Haneda or Narita should not be a problem and will ensure you are able to get to Yokosuka Naval Base safely.
Base Bus
Buses run fixed routes daily, from about 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. The route around the base is roughly circular, counterclockwise, stopping at about nine (9) residential and business locations. Buses stop at each location about every 15 minutes or less during weekdays; about every 25 minutes orless during the weekends. Each bus stop has a route map and a timetable showing approximate departure times for that location. There is no charge for military, DoD Civilians, family members or other base employees to use the base bus. Be prepared to show your ID card to the driver, on request. Schedule subject to change on very short notice, especially in the case of heightened force protection conditions.
Base Taxi
The Navy Exchange provides base taxi services under contract. A small number of vehicles in the NEX Taxi fleet are designated to take passengers off base to drop off at Yokosuka-Chuo (Keikyu), Shioiri (Keikyu) and JR Yokosuka train stations. The basic fare is currently 570 yen (about $5.50; varies with periodic exchange rate adjustments) for the first 2 km (about 1.2 miles), which will get you between just about any two points on base (if no waiting is involved.) There is a time-based surcharge of 100yen for every three minutes if the vehicle is requested to wait, or has to wait for traffic or other delays. There is a surcharge to the basic fare between 10:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. During these hours, the basic fare is 620 yen (about $6.00; varies.) The taxi meters show the fare in YEN amounts. Each taxi has a chart showing the conversion to dollars at the current approved rate. Fares may be paid in dollars or yen (base taxis only). Service is available 24 hours a day. (NOTE: This is a good part-time job opportunity for spouses and off-duty service members, as the hours can be flexible. You can apply at the taxi office after you get your US Forces Japan (USFJ) driver's license. You must be licensed to drive an automatic transmission vehicle, and be at least 26 years old.). Fares may change without notice.
Off-Base Taxi
There are many commercial taxi companies serving the Yokosuka City area. Empty (off-base) cabs may wait at designated taxi stands throughout town or may be hailed from the curb. Most of the (off-base taxi) drivers do not speak English. Not all of the off-base taxis are certified to enter Yokosuka base. Access Certification is granted to individual drivers, not the whole company. If you call the dispatchers speak slowly and clearly, giving your location, name and destination. Be prepared to pay in yen only. Off base taxis are a little more expensive. The basic fare is about 710 yen (about $7.00) for the first 2 km. Basic taxi fares are posted on the outside of the car doors. Tipping of commercial (off-base) taxi drivers is not necessary unless the driver performs an extra service such as baggage or package loading or unloading. In the event of heightened force protection conditions, off-base taxis will not be allowed to access/enter the base.
Airport Shuttle BusThere are several ways to sign up for the shuttle bus from Haneda and Narita International Airports and Yokota Air Base. Reservations can be made in person, by phone, or via e-mail. You are strongly encouraged to ask YOUR SPONSOR to assist with this, or you can do it yourself since you will need to provide a copy of your orders to secure "space required" reservations. Whichever way you choose, you will have to provide the following information:
However you make the initial reservation, you still have to provide the reservations clerk a clear copy of the following documents:
With current technology, many military personnel are now receiving orders via e-mail. The reservations clerk will be happy to accept your orders in this format. Paper copies of orders (and any other documents) can also be scanned into PDF files at many commands through their Admin or TSC offices. The PDF files can then be sent to the reservations clerk as an e-mail attachment. Your orders (and any other required documents) can also be faxed directly to the reservations clerk, or to your sponsor.
Passengers using the Navy shuttle bus from the commercial airports will need to provide photo ID prior to boarding. In the event of a heightened force protection condition, two types of photo ID will be required, one of which must be a Military Identification Card, before passengers will be allowed to board the bus. Please vist the CFAY Airport Shuttle Service guide for additional information and maps for areas of pick up for Haneda and Narita International Airports.
NEX Airport Van Service
The Yokosuka Navy Exchange operates a commercial Airport Van Service. Inbound PCS passengers for Yokosuka are mandated to use the regularly scheduled Airport Shuttle Bus Service, as described above. However, if you are on PCS orders and can not use the regular bus service due to travel with a pet or some other circumstance, the NEX Airport Van Service might be an option for you. The van can take up to six passengers. To contract with the NEX Airport Van service for transportation to or from one of the locations listed, call DSN 243-4511 or visit the NEX Airport Van Service office. Payment can be made in person by credit card, check or cash (dollars only), or by providing your credit card information to the Taxi chauffeur service agent over the phone. If you are calling from the USA or U.S. phone, please dial 011-81-46-816-4511 to schedule a pickup at the commercial airports. You will be required to provide your credit card information to the Taxi chauffeur service agent over the phone, as well as the names of all passengers being picked up, and if any pets will be transported.
To contact the base operator, Dial 0 from a DSN line on Yokosuka Naval Base, dial 046-816-1110 from a Japanese cell phone, or dial 011-81-46-816-1110 from the United States.