PCSing to Okinawa?

We have just what you need to make this PCS to Okinawa easy and smooth.

This 57+ page guide has everything you need to know as you prepare to move to this beautiful island.

  • Packing List and Timeline
  • PCS Binder recommendations
  • Passports and Overseas Screening
  • Pet Shipping
  • Patriot Express
  • Housing
  • Schools
  • Sports and Activities

  • Grocery shopping
  • Purchasing Vehicles
  • Getting your driver’s license
  • Base resources
  • Working in Okinawa
  • Things to do in Okinawa
  • Travel tips outside of Okinawa

GET THE GUIDE HERE

PCS Okinawa Guide

PCSing to Okinawa?

We have just what you need to make this PCS to Okinawa easy and smooth.

This 57+ page guide has everything you need to know as you prepare to move to this beautiful island.

PCS Okinawa Guide

USMC’s Newcomers Orientation in Okinawa Welcome Aboard Brief (NOWA)

Welcome to Okinawa! The USMC's newcomers orientation in Okinawa welcome aboard brief (NOWA) won't be your first stop on your long list of errands once you arrive, but it is most certainly the most crucial. But firstly, congratulations on surviving the long travel days...

What to Pack in Your Suitcases for your Patriot Express Flight

The Patriot Express is the military flight that takes service members and families to and from their overseas duty stations. It is a very long flight with minimal amenities, so you will want to pack your suitcases for the Patriot Express with all the essentials. These...

OCONUS Paperwork You Need to Do First

One of the first things that runs through your mind when you get orders to Okinawa is, "Ok, so what do we need to do first?" Don't worry; we have you covered. Here is a list of OCONUS paperwork you need to do first. There are certain things you will need for this PCS...

Best Restaurants in Okinawa: Esparza’s Tacos and Coffee

Esparza's tacos and coffee isn't your typical combination.. We all know about pizza and beer. Coffee and donuts. Burgers and fries. Tacos and Margaritas. These are only a few of the typical combos you’ll find in restaurants. But, I bet once you’ve visited Esparza's,...

Hama-sushi a Popular Restaurant in Okinawa

We’re not in America anymore folks. Hama-sushi isn’t your run of the mill fancy sushi roll restaurant you’ll find in the states. This island is filled with high quality sushi and sashimi and so many different places and price ranges to get it. American sushi...

8 Things You Need to Do Before You PCS to Okinawa

We all know the "official" things you need to do before you get to Okinawa: the no-fee passports, overseas screening, apply for housing, etc (and if you don't, read this). But we have come up with a list of things you should do before you PCS to Okinawa to make things...

Local Shopping in Okinawa: It’s Definitely Easier Than it Seems

Understanding a culture can be as easy as shopping at their local stores and local shopping in Okinawa is no different. From the most treasured convenience stores, known as konbinis, to your typical shopping mall, you’ll find everything you need in the local stores as...

Dragon Boat Season in Okinawa

Dragon Boat Season is upon us! During this time, you can expect to see teams covering the Kadena Marina with paddles and cow bells, chanting in unison while pushing the water to the beat. Why do they practice so hard? Who are these fierce individuals and why do they...

Okinawa Facebook Groups You Should Know

What Okinawa Facebook groups should you know while your stationed here? Okinawa runs on Facebook! Each base will have a different page for its residents. Each facility will have a different Facebook page for its facilities and each housing area will have its own as...

Summer Weather in Okinawa: How to Prepare for and Escape it

Let’s be honest, you can only prepare so much for the summer weather in Okinawa before it becomes a game of how to embrace it. It kind of just comes out of nowhere when you are least expecting it. We get a few weeks of beautiful weather then the rainy season hits and...
Kadena Thrift Shop: The Store Everyone Should Know

Kadena Thrift Shop: The Store Everyone Should Know

Whether you are an avid thrifter, new to the island and in need of a few things or need to offload things you don’t want, the Kadena Thrift shop is a store you should have pinned on your Google Maps. Kadena Thrift Shop: Okinawa Enlisted Spouses' Club (OESC) Thrift...

Best Apps for Okinawa Living

Best Apps for Okinawa Living

We use apps for everything now. Rideshares, calendars, maps and so much more. Which is why we've compiled some of the best apps for Okinawa. Now you can feel prepared before you even get here. We all know living in Okinawa can be overwhelming. Moving to a country...

Fastest Internet in Okinawa: MultiGig Internet with MBC

Fastest Internet in Okinawa: MultiGig Internet with MBC

You can see someone's true personality when they have slow Internet. That is why when you PCS to Okinawa, you're going to want to get MultiGig Internet with MBC – the fastest Internet in Okinawa. MBC has the fastest Internet on all the bases in Okinawa. Their MulitGig...

How to Do Your Road Tax and JCI in Okinawa

How to Do Your Road Tax and JCI in Okinawa

Purchasing a new vehicle in Okinawa can be a chore with several steps. But even after you purchase your vehicle there are still several things you'll have to continue to do for your vehicle while you live here on island which are your Road Tax in Okinawa and JCI in...

Essential and Fun Japanese Phrases To Know Before You Arrive

Essential and Fun Japanese Phrases To Know Before You Arrive

Wondering what simple Japanese phrases to know before you arrive in Japan? Well hello! Konnichiwa! こんにちは! Embarking on the journey to Okinawa can be an exciting and enriching experience, but navigating this language barrier can be quite difficult. Arming yourself with...

Resources created for you by military spouses and service members just like you.

No more searching Facebook for all the answers about PCSing to Okinawa. We have you covered.

Express and Household Goods Pack List

What to pack in your Express Shipment and you Household Goods. See the packing lists here!

8 Things to Do Before you Get to Okinawa

From the PCS Pros, here are 8 things you NEED to do before you get to Oki to make your move easier.

Learn about the Port to Home Process

If you will be living on base, Port to Home is a process that allows you to have a house, furnished with temporary government furniture before you even get on island.

That means no living in base lodging while you wait weeks for a house to be ready. 

Read more about the Port to Home process here and learn *exactly* what you need to do, paperwork to fill out, and how to get on the list.

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TIMELINE

From orders to arrival- what does your family’s timeline look like?

PAPERWORK TO DO FIRST

Forms and paperwork to start your PCS process.

PATRIOT EXPRESS

What to expect on the PE and at SeaTac.

HOUSING

Housing options for all bases in Okinawa, and off-base information.

SCHOOLS

On base and off-base school information.

INTERNET

Getting internet before you even arrive to stay connected to friends and family.

PHONES

Cell phone service options in Okinawa.

VEHICLES

All about getting a vehicle and your license in Okinawa.

WORKING IN OKINAWA

Working remotely and on base in Okinawa.

EMERGENCY PREP

Things to know about emergency operations here in Okinawa and prepping your home.

PETS

Getting your pets to Okinawa and caring for them while you’re here.

SPORTS

Youth and adult sports and activities on- and off-base

Finally arrived in Okinawa?

Check out some of our favorite things to do, see, and eat!

visiting hokkaido

Hokkaido: Our Essential Guide to Exploring it’s Stunning Beauty

Hokkaido is THE place to visit in the winter. When it's the time to hibernate and get cozy, Hokkaido seems to come alive. It is cold, with a latitude similar to that of New York, people are meant to bundle up when they came here!  The City of Hakodate Hakodate is...

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Okinawa: A Fusion of American and Okinawan Traditions 

Thanksgiving in Okinawa is not a traditional holiday the same way it is in the United States. If you want to continue the tradition of thanksgiving in your home you can rest assured- the base commissaries will have all the ingredients that you need. And for those of...
Traveling to Kyoto Featured image

Our Best Guide on Traveling to Kyoto, Japan

Planning your trip on traveling to Kyoto, Japan can feel a little overwhelming at first. With all the different options it can be hard to decide which one would be best for your family. Do you fly? Take the train? Or ferry your way there? Planes, Trains, and...

Visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: One of the World’s Largest Aquarium Tanks

Home to one of the world’s largest aquarium tanks in the world, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one aquarium you do not want to miss. Whether you are visiting or living in Okinawa, the Churaumi Aquarium will teach you everything you need to know about the ocean...
hiking spots in okinawa

The Best Hiking Spots in Okinawa

I dare you to ask 5 friends for the best hiking spots in Okinawa and you will get 5 different answers.  Even Google will bring up a very different list based on some unknown factors.  But the best of the best will be found when you try a new destination,...

Top 5 Kid Friendly Beaches in Okinawa

White sand or rocky cliff sides, Okinawa has a beach to make just about anyone on the island happy. For those families searching for kid friendly beaches in Okinawa, we've got you covered! Sometimes we just want a beach where we don’t have to think about all those...
youth sports sign ups

Fall/Winter Youth Sports Sign Ups in Okinawa

Calling all youth athletes! Basketball, Cheerleading and Flag Football are next up in the lineup of youth sports sign ups available to us here on Okinawa through MCCS Semper Fit Youth Sports and Kadena Youth Sports. Both Kadena and MCCS Youth Sports teams are open to...

Volunteering in Okinawa: Finding New Opportunities and Building Your Community

Volunteering in Okinawa is a great way to find your people if you are new to the island. Even if you’ve been here for a while, finding new opportunities to volunteer your time is a great way to network and meet new people. Volunteering in Okinawa to Help Your Resume...

Top 10 Toddler Activities in Okinawa

Having toddlers is a challenge. Finding toddler activities in Okinawa can be an even bigger challenge. Okinawa offers a unique experience for families with babies and toddlers. There is so much to do with your kids here but let’s start with these ten options. Sports...

Kadena Thrift Shop: The Store Everyone Should Know

Whether you are an avid thrifter, new to the island and in need of a few things or need to offload things you don’t want, the Kadena Thrift shop is a store you should have pinned on your Google Maps. Kadena Thrift Shop: Okinawa Enlisted Spouses' Club (OESC) Thrift...