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

A Comprehensive Guide To Working Remote as a SOFA-Sponsored Dependent in Japan

Working Remote as a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) is now more achievable than it's ever been. Gone are the days when military spouses had to hit pause on their careers when duty called for an overseas move. Thanks to the rise of remote work, spouses are empowered...

The Struggle of Working On Base in Okinawa and Resources to Help

You're about to move overseas and you want to start working on base in Okinawa as soon as you arrive here. This is a daunting experience and one that can often be very confusing for newcomers. Hopefully this guide can help you navigate this new road a little bit...

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...

Playgrounds in Okinawa: An Endless Amount Of Fun

Playgrounds in Okinawa, Japan are next level compared to anything in America. They really take their playing seriously here. With the cultural concepts of respect and kindness at the forefront, most parks remain intact and offer structures that you might not typically...

How To Prepare For a Typhoon

Prepare for a Typhoon early! Okinawa Typhoon season officially starts June 1 and ends November 30 of each year. They can also come early or later than this season, but primarily come during this typhoon season when the water and weather is warmer. It helps to be...

Cable and Cell Phones while Stationed in Okinawa

One of the most common questions we often see on Facebook groups is "what do I do with my cell phone when I'm stationed in Okinawa?" and "how do streaming services work in Okinawa?" Cable and cell phones while stationed in Okinawa take a few extra steps but it's...

Navigating Elementary Schools on Base in Okinawa: A Guide for Military Families

For military families moving to Okinawa, Japan, the prospect of finding the right school for their children can be both exciting and daunting. Elementary schools on base in Okinawa follow a 21st-century style of education where students are placed in "studios" with 2...

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...

The Grand Arrival of Costco in Okinawa: What to Expect 

Excitement is brewing here as Costco in Okinawa opened its doors on August 24, 2024! The beloved American retail giant known for its bulk goods and unbeatable prices is located in the southern part of the island in Nanjo, only about a 35-minute drive from Kadena. As...

What to Expect When You Land in Okinawa from the Patriot Express

The long flight is behind you and you finally have your feet planted firmly in Okinawa. You are probably anxious to get off the plane and get settled in your home or lodging for some much needed rest. Since you're on the Patriot Express, you will land at the airfield...
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 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...

Get Cheap Items at Marine Thrift Shops!

Thrift Shopping is definitely a passion of mine. While having four kids, the ability to go to the marine thrift shop and off base thrift stores has helped me tremendously save on items for my constantly growing children and family. The two main thrift stores on island...

The Beautiful Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa City

Southeast Botanical Gardens is one of Japan’s largest outdoor botanical gardens, spanning 100 acres of meticulously curated grounds with over 2,000 plant species and over 50 animal species. The Gardens is located only a few minutes from Kadena Gate 3 and is open...

Summer Indoor Activities in Okinawa to Escape the Relentless Heat

As summer unfolds its humid embrace, finding respite from the relentless Okinawa heat becomes a necessity rather than a luxury. Beyond its radiant beaches and blue waters, there are a plethora of indoor activities in Okinawa to beat the heat. Indoor Activities in...