The cost of living in the off-base community can be expensive, particularly moving in to a property rental. Japan is relatively a high-cost of living area; monitor cost of living allowance (COLA) and currency exchange rates, but do not depend on COLA for rent payments as this allowance is subject to change. Please plan accordingly.
Moving to Japan can be challenging, especially if you plan on bringing your pet(s) with you. However, having the proper paperwork and being proactive can make the process a smoother and less stressful one for you and your animal.
Although some of Yokota's Military Family Housing units do not allow pets, members may be given the option to be wait-listed for on-base housing which do allow them. Pet boarding fees are expensive in Japan and can be overwhelming for families if on-base housing is unavailable or not immediately available. Please ask your sponsor for more information or refer to the Japan District Veterinary Command (JDVC) website.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to military members and their families. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable).
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 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The Yokota Air Base operator can be reached at commercial DSN 315-225-1110. Contact your sponsor or unit representative for specific DSN or commercial numbers.
Yokota Air Base serves as the host base for Headquarters, United States Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force.
The 374th Airlift Wing executes rapid global mobility through agile airlift operations across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. It is responsible to the 5th Air Force commander for C-130J, UH-1N and C-12J operations including tactical air-land, airdrop, aeromedical and distinguished visitor airlift. As the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for peacetime and contingency operations, the wing provides airlift for the movement of passengers, cargo and mail to all Department of Defense agencies in the Pacific area of responsibility and provides transport for people and equipment throughout the Kanto Plain and the Tokyo metropolitan area. During peacetime, the 374th Airlift Wing maintains a constant state of readiness by participating in joint training exercises.
Mission: Project the Joint Force through agile airlift and support operations across the Indo-Pacific.
Vision: A diverse team of professional Airmen working with our allies and partners to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Priorities: Execute the mission today and tomorrow, strengthening alliances and partnerships, & caring for the community.
The 374th Airlift Wing resulted from a restructuring of Air Force units at Yokota Air Base in 1992. The former host unit of Yokota Air Base, the 475th Air Base Wing, and its subordinate units were inactivated and the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing was redesignated as the 374th Airlift Wing and transferred from Air Mobility Command to Pacific Air Forces on April 1, 1992. For more of Yokota’s exciting history, please visit the installation's homepage.
The 374 Airlift Wing is composed of four groups, including 17 squadrons. More than 3,500 military members alongside U.S. and Japan civilian employees make up the 374th Airlift Wing work force, which supports 32 tenant units. The wing includes the 36th Airlift Squadron, which flies the C-130J Super Hercules, and the 459th Airlift Squadron, which flies UH-1N helicopters and the C-12J Huron.
Yokota Air Base is also home to U.S. Forces Japan, a joint service headquarters coordinating matters affecting U.S. and Japanese defense relations, and Fifth Air Force, whose mission is to enhance the U.S. deterrent posture and, if necessary, provide fighter and military airlift support for offensive air operations.
Yokota hosts several tenant units including the 515th Air Mobility Operations Group, which manages air mobility operations throughout the Western Pacific, and the Japanese Air Defense Command which controls Japan's air defense mission.
The greater Tokyo metropolitan area, which is spread over 3 prefectures, is much larger and has a population that is estimated to be about 11% of Japan's total population, holding the largest population among all of the 47 prefectures in Japan.
Honshu (mainland Japan) had a population of 104 million, mostly concentrated in the coastal lowlands.
Yokota Air Base has a base populace of approximately 12,000.
Yokota Air Base is located on the island of Honshu, Japan, on the Kanto Plain, 28 miles northwest of Tokyo at the foothills of the Okutama Mountains. The base lies within the political boundaries of six municipalities: Akishima, Fussa, Hamura, Mizuho, Musashi-Murayama, and Tachikawa. The base operator's phone number is 042-552-2511. After the tone, enter the last 5 of a base DSN number or DSN 315-225-1110.
If you fly into Narita International Airport, Tokyo, it will be necessary to secure transportation to Yokota. The 374th Force Support Squadron (374 FSS) Vehicle Operations currently has two buses that travel between Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport and Yokota Air Base daily. Information available here: Yokota FSS Vehicle Operations
The counter may or may not be manned, depending on the time of day. You can buy a ticket from the Bus Driver at the bus stop. Please expect to pay for your bus ticket in USD CASH or YEN only - $40 per ticket from Narita and $20 per ticket from Haneda.
Bus Transportation from Narita International Airport
Once you arrive at Narita International Airport, proceed to the DOD counter, located in Terminal 1, and they will direct you to the location for shuttles bound for Yokota.
Locating the DOD Counter if flight arrives at Terminal 1
From north wing: After departing customs (northern wing), turn left and you will see the DOD counter on your right next to Meiji Milk and Café shop near the end of the concourse.
From south wing: After departing customs turn left and walk down corridor until you see DOD counter located on the right side next to Meiji Milk and Café shop.
Locating the DOD Counter if flight arrives at Terminal 2
Upon departing Customs, go outside to bus stop 8 or 18. Catch a free shuttle that runs every ten minutes to Terminal #1. At Terminal 1, enter the terminal and proceed to the far end of the north wing, DOD Counter will be on the right located across from the Meiji Milk and Café shop.Assuming all CONUS to OCONUS flights arrive at Terminal 2, after exiting the security/baggage area, please proceed to the left toward Terminal 1. The Department of Defense Liaison counter is located at the opposite end of Terminal 1. At this counter, you can schedule your military shuttle to Yokota Air base. The counter may or may not be manned, depending on the time of day.
Costs for the shuttle is $40 per person and is refundable when filing your travel voucher. ONLY CASH or YEN IS ACCEPTED - so ensure you have the required funds available. The bus ride to Yokota can take 3 hours or longer so please prepare for a long drive as there are no stops along the way. Bottled drinks and snacks are allowed onboard.
Bus Transportation from Haneda International Airport
Departure from Haneda Terminal 1 & 2
Once you arrive at Haneda International Airport, proceed to the DOD counter, located in Terminal 1, and they will direct you to the location for shuttles bound for Yokota. Refer to the website for map instructions: Yokota FSS Vehicle Operations
Departure from Haneda Terminal 3
Follow signs to the Free Shuttle Bus to the right, then take the escalator or elevator to the ground flood. After exiting the building, turn right and proceed towards the end of the roof. The bus will pick up in this general area. Refer to the website for airport map: Yokota FSS Vehicle Operations
Costs for the shuttle is $20 per person and is refundable when filing your travel voucher. ONLY CASH or YEN IS ACCEPTED - so ensure you have the required funds available. The bus ride to Yokota can take 2 hours or longer so please prepare for a long drive as there are no stops along the way. Bottled drinks and snacks are allowed onboard.
Traveling with Pets
If you are traveling with pets, contact your sponsor immediately because pets are not allowed on the Yokota shuttle bus. FSS Vehicle Operations offers alternative modes of transportation (van or van/driver) for those traveling with pets, but this will have to be arranged through your sponsor well in advance.
Yokota AB offers a free shuttle (Kanto Express) that tours the base, with abbreviated services on holidays and during base exercises. Information available here: Kanto Express Shuttle Service
The Force Support Squadron (FSS) Vehicle Operations currently has shuttle service with fees that travel between Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport and Yokota Air Base daily. Information available here: Yokota FSS Shuttle Service
From the United States: Call the Yokota Operator by dialing 011-81-42-552-2510. After the tone, enter the last five digits of the DSN telephone number or if you don’t know the on-base number, wait for the operator to transfer you.
From off base: All Yokota Air Base, land lines or mobile phones, dial 042-552-2510 or 042-552-2511. After the tone, enter the last five digits of the DSN telephone number or if you don’t know the on-base number, dial 0 and a telephone operator will assist you.
Release 2024.03.06.1