Okinawa Japan PCS Guide: Housing, Schools & Island Living

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Okinawa hosts 25,000+ US military personnel across multiple installations (Kadena AB, Camp Foster, Camp Courtney, Camp Hansen) with joint service presence. Located on a subtropical island 1,000 miles southwest of Tokyo, it offers unique Japanese culture, Asia travel, and island living—but typhoon season (Jun-Nov), humid climate (80-90°F + 80% humidity), limited housing, and cultural isolation (not mainland Japan) are real challenges.

Key Numbers:

OHA vs. Rent: Comfortable fit (Japanese rent ¥120,000-180,000/month = $800-1,200 USD, OHA covers easily)
Median 3BR Rent: ¥140,000-170,000/month (~$950-1,150 USD, cheaper than mainland Japan)
School Quality: Good (DoDEA schools 7-8/10, smaller than Germany but solid)
Deployment Tempo: MODERATE-HIGH (Kadena = airlift ops, Marines = Indo-Pacific rotations)

What This Guide Covers: Subtropical island living, Japanese housing challenges, typhoon season reality, DoDEA schools, and Asia travel opportunities.

Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

Official Installations: Kadena Air Base (USAF), Camp Foster (USMC), Camp Courtney (USMC), Camp Hansen (USMC), Torii Station (Army), White Beach Naval Facility (Navy)
Location: Okinawa Island, Japan (1,000 miles SW of Tokyo, subtropical)
Size: Multiple installations across central Okinawa (60 miles long island)
Population: 25,000+ (12,000 active duty + 13,000 family/civilians)
Branch: Joint service (USAF Kadena = largest, USMC = major presence)
Major Units: 18th Wing (Kadena AB), III Marine Expeditionary Force, 10th Support Group (Army)
Mission: Indo-Pacific operations hub, air defense, Marine expeditionary ops
Climate: Subtropical (mild winters 60-70°F, hot summers 80-90°F, humid 80% year-round, typhoons Jun-Nov)
Nearest City: Naha (capital, 20 miles south), Tokyo 1,000 miles north (2.5 hour flight)

Want official data? Check DTMO OHA Calculator for current overseas housing rates and DoDEA Schools for school information.

Housing & OHA

No BAH at Okinawa - You Get OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance)

OHA works differently than BAH:

Covers ACTUAL rent + utilities (not a fixed amount like BAH)
Submit landlord lease + utility bills for reimbursement
Ceiling rates limit maximum reimbursement (varies by rank/dependents)
Move-in costs covered separately (key money, agent fees = expensive in Japan)

Current OHA Rates: Check official DTMO OHA Calculator → (rates update monthly with yen exchange).

MIHA (Move-In Housing Allowance): One-time yen payment covering key money, agent fees, and appliances. Housing Office submits once your lease is approved.
Utility/Recurring Maintenance Allowance: Monthly yen amount paid with OHA to cover electric, water, and trash. Track your usage—Okinawa electric bills spike in typhoon season when A/C runs nonstop.

Reality Check: OHA covers Okinawa rent EASILY—¥120,000-180,000/month ($800-1,200 USD) is cheaper than mainland Japan. Utilities are ¥15,000-25,000/month ($100-170 = lower than Germany). Most families pocket ¥20,000-40,000/month OHA surplus ($130-270).

Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

Top Tier Off-Base (Best for Families)

1. Chatan/Mihama (American Village Area)

Distance: Adjacent to Kadena AB/Camp Foster (5-15 min)
Median 3BR Rent: ¥150,000-180,000/month (~$1,000-1,200 USD)
Schools: Kadena Middle/High (DoDEA 7-8/10, 10-15 min drive)
Why Here: Most Americanized area, shops/restaurants, beach access, strong military community
Commute: Gate 2 Kadena (10 min) or Foster (5 min)
Reality: Most popular for Americans—"American Village" has US-style shops, English menus, beach sunset, military community. Rent is HIGHEST (¥150,000-180,000) but OHA covers. Best for families who want familiar amenities + less culture shock.

2. Okinawa City (Koza Area)

Distance: Adjacent to Kadena AB Gate 2 (5-10 min)
Median 3BR Rent: ¥130,000-160,000/month
Schools: Kadena Elementary (DoDEA 7/10, 10 min)
Why Here: Close to Kadena, urban Okinawan living, authentic culture
Commute: Gate 2 Kadena (5-10 min)
Reality: Best for Kadena AB personnel—walk/bike to base (Gate 2 access), urban Okinawa living (authentic, not Americanized), rent mid-range (¥130,000-160,000). "Koza" area has Japanese vibe (izakayas, local shops). Good for cultural immersion.

3. Ginowan City

Distance: 5-10 miles south (15-20 min via Route 58)
Median 3BR Rent: ¥140,000-170,000/month
Schools: Zukeran Elementary (Camp Foster, 15 min)
Why Here: Large city (96K population), shopping (San-A malls), good Japanese amenities
Commute: Route 58 north—moderate traffic (15-25 min)
Reality: Best for Camp Foster Marines—close to Foster, large Japanese city (more amenities than Chatan), rent mid-range (¥140,000-170,000). Good mix of Japanese culture + modern conveniences.

Mid-Tier Off-Base (Good Value)

4. Uruma City (East Coast)

Distance: 5-10 miles northeast (15-20 min via Route 329)
Median 3BR Rent: ¥120,000-150,000/month
Schools: Kadena Elementary (20 min drive)
Why Here: Cheaper rent, beaches, quiet
Commute: Route 329 west—light traffic (15-25 min)
Reality: Good value (¥120,000-150,000) but longer commute. Beaches less crowded.

On-Base Housing (Limited - Apply Early)

Okinawa On-Base Housing:

Locations: Kadena AB, Camp Foster, Camp Courtney, Camp Hansen
Units: 3,500+ total (2BR-4BR apartments, townhomes)
Wait Times: 6-18 months typical (varies by base/unit size)
Cost: $0 rent (covered by OHA), utilities capped
Pros: No Japanese landlord issues, walk to work, English community
Cons: Long wait times (6-18 months), typhoon damage common (older units)

Reality: On-base housing is highly desired—no Japanese landlord challenges, no key money (¥200,000-500,000 upfront = $1,300-3,300), walk to work—but wait times are LONG (6-18 months). Most families go off-base initially, then transfer on-base when available.

Japanese Housing Reality (CRITICAL)

Unique Japan Challenges:

Key Money (Reikin): ¥200,000-500,000 non-refundable "gift" to landlord ($1,300-3,300) - OHA covers via MIHA
Deposit (Shikikin): 1-2 months rent (refundable) - OHA covers
Agent Fees: 1 month rent (non-refundable) - OHA covers
Renewal Fees: ¥50,000-100,000 every 2 years ($330-660)
No Furnishings: Japanese apartments = EMPTY (no appliances, no light fixtures, no A/C sometimes)
Tatami Rooms: Traditional straw mat floors (no furniture allowed, shoes off)

Pro Tip: USE KADENA/FOSTER HOUSING OFFICE—they have pre-approved landlords (speak English, familiar with military). Going off-list = risk of discrimination (some Japanese landlords refuse foreigners). Budget ¥500,000-800,000 upfront ($3,300-5,300) for key money + deposit + agent + initial utilities (OHA reimburses but YOU pay upfront).

Schools

DoDEA Schools (Department of Defense Education Activity)

Why DoDEA: American curriculum, English language, no Japanese language requirement, free for military families.

Okinawa DoDEA Schools:

Kadena Elementary School (K-5) - 7/10 rating - Kadena AB, 600 students
Amelia Earhart Intermediate (6-8) - 7/10 rating - Kadena AB, 500 students
Kadena Middle School (6-8) - 7/10 rating - Kadena AB, 400 students
Kadena High School (9-12) - 8/10 rating - Kadena AB, 800 students
Zukeran Elementary (K-5) - 7/10 rating - Camp Foster, 400 students
Bob Hope Primary/Elementary (K-5) - 7/10 rating - Camp Foster, 500 students
M.C. Perry High School (9-12) - 7/10 rating - Camp Foster, 600 students (Marine Corps focus)

Reality: DoDEA schools are good (7-8/10)—smaller than Germany but solid quality. Kadena HS is 8/10 (strong AP programs, Asia-Pacific focus). M.C. Perry HS is 7/10 (Marine Corps culture, tight community).

Registration: Register through DoDEA.edu IMMEDIATELY after PCS orders (schools fill up, especially kindergarten and 9th grade).

Japanese Schools (Very Rare)

For Extremely Adventurous Families:

Japanese public schools FREE (Shougakkou K-6, Chuugakkou 7-9, Koukou 10-12)
Challenge: Japanese language required + FULL immersion (zero English support)
Reality: Almost ZERO American families choose this (language barrier insurmountable)
Good for: Young kids (K-1) with Japanese spouse, or families planning 6+ years

Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 5-10% LOWER vs. US (Okinawa is CHEAP—cheaper than mainland Japan)
Housing: OHA surplus common (¥20,000-40,000/month = $130-270 pocket)
Groceries: Commissary + Japanese grocery (A-Coop, San-A) = comparable to US
Gas: $4-5/gallon (¥150-170/liter) - cheaper than Germany
Currency: Yen (¥150 = ~$1.00 USD typical, fluctuates)

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

Rent (3BR Chatan): ¥160,000 (~$1,070 USD - OHA covers)
Utilities (electric, water, internet): ¥20,000 (~$130 - OHA partial)
Groceries: ¥80,000 (~$530 - commissary + Japanese grocery)
Gas: ¥15,000 (~$100 - short commute)
Childcare (if needed): ¥50,000-80,000/month (Japanese daycare) or $0 (CDC on-base, 3-6 month wait)
Misc (dining, entertainment): ¥40,000 (~$270)

Total: ¥365,000/month (~$2,430 USD with childcare) or ¥315,000 (~$2,100 without)

COLA Reality: E5 with dependents gets ~$300-500/month COLA (Jan 2025 DTMO table). OHA surplus (¥20,000-40,000 = $130-270) + COLA = SAVINGS POSSIBLE. Okinawa is one of FEW OCONUS assignments where savings are realistic (cheaper than mainland Japan). Revalidate numbers at the DTMO COLA Calculator →.

State Taxes: NO state income tax while OCONUS (bonus!)

Pro Tip: Okinawa is CHEAP—rent ¥120,000-180,000 (vs. Tokyo ¥300,000+), groceries comparable to US (commissary), entertainment limited = low spending. Many families save ¥50,000-100,000/month ($330-660 = rare for OCONUS).

COLA (Cost of Living Allowance)

Current COLA: E5 with dependents = ~$300-500/month (varies quarterly)
Check Official Rates: DTMO COLA Calculator →
Reality: COLA + OHA surplus = savings possible (unique for Japan)

Typhoon Season (CRITICAL)

Jun-Nov = Typhoon Season:

Frequency: 3-5 direct hits per year (10-15 total in region)
TCCOR (Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness): Base lockdown (TCCOR 1 = all personnel shelter, gates close)
Reality: Expect 3-5 days/year of full lockdown—no work, no school, shelter in place. Typhoons = 100+ mph winds, flooding, power outages (1-3 days common). Stock food, water, batteries ALWAYS.

Typhoon Prep Checklist:

7 days food (non-perishable)
7 days water (1 gallon/person/day)
Flashlights + batteries
Cash (ATMs down during power outage)
Fill bathtub (water backup)
Charge all devices

Pro Tip: Typhoons are NOT optional—ignore TCCOR = Article 15 (court martial). Stock typhoon kit YEAR-ROUND (not just Jun-Nov). Most families have 2-3 typhoon scares per year (TCCOR 1-2), actual direct hit = 1-2/year.

Climate & Humidity

Subtropical = Hot + Humid:

Summer (May-Oct): 80-90°F + 80% humidity (feels like 100°F+)
Winter (Nov-Apr): 60-70°F + 70% humidity (mild but damp)
Rainy Season (May-Jun): 15-20 days straight rain (mold everywhere)
Reality: A/C is MANDATORY—humid heat is brutal (even winter feels damp). Mold is constant battle (dehumidifiers required). Not dry desert heat—this is sticky, suffocating humidity.

Pro Tip: Buy dehumidifiers IMMEDIATELY—mold grows in closets, shoes, walls (humidity 80% year-round). Run A/C + dehumidifier 24/7 or your belongings will mold. Budget ¥5,000-10,000/month extra electric ($30-60) for A/C.

Japanese Culture & Language

Language:

On-Base: English everywhere (shops, restaurants, services)
Off-Base: Japanese required (grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, landlords)
Reality: Okinawan dialect (Uchinaguchi) differs from Tokyo Japanese. Learn basic Japanese ASAP ("Arigatou gozaimasu", "Sumimasen", numbers). Google Translate is lifesaver.

Cultural Tips:

Shoes Off: Remove shoes at home entrance (genkan), restaurants, temples
Bowing: Polite greeting (slight bow = respect)
Quiet Culture: Japanese are QUIET (no loud talking, phones on silent)
Cash Culture: Many places DON'T take credit cards (carry ¥10,000-20,000 always)
No Tipping: NEVER tip (considered rude)

Pro Tip: Respect Japanese culture—Okinawa is NOT American territory (it's Japan with US bases). Learn basic customs, bow when greeted, remove shoes, keep voice low. Those who act "ugly American" make life harder for everyone.

Asia Travel

Why Okinawa is Special:

Asia Hub Location: Taiwan 1 hour, South Korea 2 hours, Philippines 3 hours, Thailand 5 hours
Naha Airport: Budget airlines (Peach, Jetstar) to anywhere Asia
Weekend Trips: Taiwan (Taipei), South Korea (Seoul, Busan), Hong Kong, Philippines (Manila)
Space-A Flights: Free military flights to Yokota (Tokyo), Misawa, Guam

Popular Weekend Trips (From Okinawa):

Taipei, Taiwan: 1 hour, night markets, temples ($200 roundtrip)
Seoul, South Korea: 2 hours, K-pop, shopping ($250 roundtrip)
Hong Kong: 2.5 hours, Victoria Peak ($300 roundtrip)
Manila, Philippines: 3 hours, beaches, diving ($250 roundtrip)
Bangkok, Thailand: 5 hours, temples, food ($400 roundtrip)

Pro Tip: Asia travel is CHEAP—budget ¥100,000-200,000/year ($660-1,300) for 2-3 trips.

SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement)

What SOFA Protects:

Early Lease Termination: PCS orders = no penalty
Driver's License: US license valid + SOFA license (no Japanese test required)
Legal Protection: US military law applies (not Japanese criminal law for most offenses)
Taxation: No Japanese income tax (covered by SOFA)

What SOFA Doesn't Cover:

Traffic Violations: Japanese police ticket you (heavy fines, lose license fast)
Landlord Disputes: Housing Office helps but Japanese rental law applies
Criminal Acts: Serious crimes = Japanese prosecution (DUI, assault)

Pro Tip: SOFA violations = BIG DEAL—Okinawa locals have complicated history with US military (protests common). ONE DUI = international incident (Liberty restrictions for ALL personnel). Follow Japanese laws RELIGIOUSLY.

What's It Like to Live at Okinawa?

Indo-Pacific Hub Reality:
Okinawa is US military's Asia-Pacific hub—strategic location, joint service ops, moderate deployment tempo. Most jobs are:

Kadena AB (18th Wing): Airlift, fighters (F-15), refueling, MODERATE deployment (rotations to CENTCOM/INDOPACOM)
III MEF (Marines): Expeditionary ops, MODERATE-HIGH deployment (Okinawa = home base, deployments 6-9 months)
Support Units: Admin, logistics, hospital—LOWER tempo

Quality of Life (Pros):

✅ Asia travel paradise (Taiwan 1hr, Korea 2hr, Thailand 5hr, budget airlines cheap)
✅ Unique Japanese culture (island living, beaches, snorkeling, Okinawan festivals)
✅ CHEAP cost of living (rent ¥120,000-180,000, savings possible)
✅ DoDEA schools (7-8/10, Kadena HS solid)
✅ Beaches & diving (some of world's best coral reefs, turquoise water)
✅ No state income tax (while OCONUS)

Quality of Life (Cons):

❌ Typhoon season (Jun-Nov = 3-5 direct hits/year, lockdowns, power outages)
❌ Humidity & mold (80% humidity year-round, constant battle)
❌ Cultural isolation (island = nowhere to "escape", not mainland Japan)
❌ Language barrier (off-base = Japanese required)
❌ Limited spouse jobs (island economy small, on-base competitive)
❌ Long flights home (14+ hours to US mainland = $1,500+ tickets)

Honest Assessment:
Okinawa is best for adventurous families who embrace island life—Asia travel is UNMATCHED, Japanese culture is fascinating, beaches are stunning, cost of living is low—but typhoons, humidity, cultural isolation, and distance from US are real. Best for: Families who travel (budget ¥100,000-200,000/year), embrace Japanese culture, love beaches/diving, and can handle island isolation. Worst for: Families who hate humidity (mold battle), need mainland US proximity (14+ hour flights), or require spouse jobs (limited).

Cost of Living Breakdown

Real Numbers (E5 with Dependents):

Chatan Example (Most Popular):

Rent: ¥160,000/month (~$1,070 USD - OHA covers)
Utilities: ¥20,000/month (~$130 - OHA partial + A/C heavy use)
Commute: 10-15 min (gas ¥15,000/month = $100)
Groceries: ¥80,000/month (~$530 commissary + San-A)
Childcare: ¥65,000/month (~$430 Japanese daycare) or $0 (CDC)
Misc: ¥40,000 (~$270)

Total Monthly: ¥380,000 (~$2,530 USD with childcare) or ¥315,000 (~$2,100 without)

COLA + OHA Reality:
E5 COLA = ~$300-500/month. OHA surplus = ~¥30,000/month ($200). Total allowances EXCEED costs. Savings possible (¥50,000-100,000/month = $330-660).

Savings Potential: GOOD—Okinawa is one of few OCONUS assignments where savings are realistic (cheap rent + OHA surplus).

Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality:
Limited (island economy + on-base jobs only). Japanese economy requires fluent language.

Top Spouse Employers:

Kadena AB/Camp Foster (NAF/GS jobs): Commissary, PX, CDC, services ($12-20/hr or GS-5 to GS-9)
DODEA Schools: Teachers, aides, substitutes ($40K-65K/year - competitive)
Hospitals: Naval Hospital Okinawa, Camp Foster Clinic ($45K-75K/year)
Remote Work: Best option if US employer allows overseas (VPN required)
Japanese Economy: Very rare (language + visa required)

Reality Check: Spouse employment is VERY challenging—on-base jobs competitive (everyone applies), Japanese economy requires fluent Japanese, remote work is ONLY realistic option for most spouses.

Childcare:

CDC (on-base): $600-1,200/month (rank-based), 3-6 month wait list
Japanese daycare: ¥50,000-80,000/month, Japanese language immersion
Apply EARLY: CDC wait list is 3-6 months—apply day you get orders

Common Questions About Okinawa

Q: Is Okinawa a good assignment?
A: Yes, if you're adventurous + embrace island life. Okinawa offers Asia travel, Japanese culture, beaches, and cheap living—but typhoons, humidity, cultural isolation, and distance from US are real. Best for adventurous families. Tough for those who need mainland proximity.

Q: How bad are typhoons really?
A: 3-5 direct hits/year. TCCOR 1 = full lockdown (no work, no school, shelter in place). 100+ mph winds, flooding, power outages 1-3 days. Stock 7-day typhoon kit ALWAYS. It's REAL—not optional.

Q: Can we save money here?
A: YES—rare for OCONUS. Rent cheap (¥120,000-180,000), OHA surplus common (¥20,000-40,000/month), COLA helps. Many families save ¥50,000-100,000/month ($330-660).

Q: How isolated is it?
A: Very—island is 60 miles long (nowhere to "escape"). Not mainland Japan (Tokyo 1,000 miles away). Good for beach lovers. Tough for those who need variety.

Q: Can my spouse find work?
A: Very challenging. On-base jobs competitive, Japanese economy requires fluent language, remote work is ONLY option for most spouses.

Q: Is Asia travel really that easy?
A: YES—Taiwan 1 hour, Korea 2 hours. Budget airlines cheap ($200-400 roundtrip). Weekend trips to Taipei/Seoul are VERY common. Budget ¥100,000-200,000/year.

Q: How are DoDEA schools?
A: Good (7-8/10). Kadena HS is 8/10 (solid AP, Asia-Pacific focus). Smaller than Germany but good quality.

Next Steps

Planning Your Okinawa PCS

1. Check Official OHA Rates
DTMO OHA Calculator → (rates change monthly)

2. Register DoDEA Schools EARLY
DoDEA School Registration → (kindergarten and 9th grade fill fast)

3. Learn Basic Japanese
Duolingo, Babbel, or base Japanese classes (free) - off-base requires basics

4. Calculate Your Budget
Use our PCS Copilot → to generate your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

5. Stock Typhoon Kit
7 days food/water, flashlights, batteries, cash (REQUIRED year-round)

6. Ask Questions
Use Ask Military Expert → for specific Okinawa questions.

Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense and Japanese sources. For additional information:

Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) - OHA rates, COLA rates, per diem
Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
DoDEA Schools - Department of Defense Education Activity school information
MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
Kadena AB Official Site - Base information, contacts, welcome packets
Camp Foster Official Site - Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

Okinawa Japan PCS Guide - Housing & Local Intel