Living in Misawa, Japan
Friday August 11, 2006
One of our forum users asks, "We are moving to Misawa Japan through the Air Force in February 2007. Does anyone live there or been there?"
Post in Japan for Visitors Forum
Post in Japan for Visitors Forum
Comments
My daughter and her husband just PCSed from there in June. They were there 3 years and our second grandson was born there. The people are very friendly and the base is close-knit, although our daughter lived off base. We visited her there twice and loved it. There is a good Misawa website strictly for the Airbase. Have you found that?
Was there ‘58 to ‘63. Really enjoyed it except for the snow which is considerable. Take a lot of winter clothing with you and anything else that you can use in the snow. Otherwise, you should enjoy the Japan. Learn the language and do a lot of touring. Good luck. Jim
I was there for three years from 2000-2003. I met my husband there and we loved it so much we’re trying to get back. The best think I can tell you is take advantage of as many opportunities as you can. And don’t be scared to go out on the economy. There’s so much I could tell you!! Feel free to e-mail me sunflower3284@hotmail.com
I’m there right now! We lived here for four years as military and in less than a year we are back as civilians. I would be happy to to you some information:
It is overcast here a good bit of the time. I think the weather is similar to Seattle. It does snow a lot. Because of that skiing is very popular in the area.
The base is nice if a bit small. The locals are friendly and open to Americans. There is also a decent size French and Russian population in the area.
Outdoor rec and Services have nice tours available on a regular basis. It’s green and beautiful here so a nice place to go camping and hiking. There are parks everywhere so if you have small children they will have plenty to do.
I agree with the other poster, take advantage. Go out and experience the area. I loved it here so much I was heartbroken about leaving and so happy to get back. Japan is a wonderful place to work and live and Misawa is a nice community with the safety nets we Americans need to have.
Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions or if you need a sponsor. munkeysmother@yahoo.com
Im currently living in Japan on Misawa AFB. If you need anything or have any questions send me an email.
I can help with on base housing questions, pets (I came with two dogs), and schooling questions.
My family lives in Northern Japan and I am a Japanese speaker. So I can help with off base questions as well.
This is a great site, wish I had known of it prior to pcsing to Misawa, I would of left a lot of items at home and would of packed a few others I miss!
my yahoo IM is pico808 if you have any questions, or you can email me at sacrificalcow@yahoo.com
good luck on your move and you will love Japan!
I’m retired military; living in “sunny” Misawa for 11 years now. Great area, great church offbase (Faith Baptist), snows a lot but rarely goes below 20′F, good shopping offbase. You’ll love it! I’ve made this my home!
I have been in this place for 4 years and can tell you right I can’t stand it. Maybe it is more to do with my job here on base but I am sick of this place. It is to country for me and there is not a real mall any where in this area. There are two malls but the prices are high and not much a selection unless you are really into the Japanese style of dressing. We will be leaving here come Nov 1st and the whole family can’t wait to leave this place. I hope you can make it a better experience than what we have had.
Again I say that most of my hatred with this place has to do with my job. I am active duty, the hours are long and worthless, the weekends are often replace by 12 hour shifts for exercises. The price for CDC is horrible unless your a single parent. My son who is in 3rd grade gets stuck with more home work than he can handle. You would think we is working on going to college next year or something.
It was nice the first year I got here but after that it all goes down hill. Yes the area can be fun if you ever have enough time off to go and do something. To many young kids are getting in trouble with alcohol and makes the entire base suffer.
I can’t wait to get my feet back on American soil.
Hi there! We’ve been in Misawa for 2 years now and we’ve loved every minute of it! We get 4 beautiful seasons… lots of outdoor activities! The schools are great – I have one in the High school and 2 in elementary. My husband and I always talk about different stratagies to try to stay here longer.
This is a great base for families. I would be so happy to help you and try to answer any questions you may have. My email address is skwonka@hotmail.com.
A few quick tips: Buy 4 wheel drive vehicles, lots of hat’s and gloves, buy your boots now because the BX will have sold out by the time you arrive, and of course snow suits! If you’re into camping, bring your equipment – camping here is awesome!
Please feel free to email me anytime!
Andrea
I was in misawa for two years from 1994-1996. As the others have said defenitly go out and experience the local community. this was a great assignment for me while acive duty in the air force.
ps email for comment 9 is stevenbozeman@earthlink.net
I lived there from 1984-1988 flying F-16’s there in the Air Force. Wonderful little Mayberry-like town, close to the ocean, very quiet. Weather, well foggy in the summer and very snowy in the winter (think Lake Oswego, NY in the winter). I and my family enjoyed being there.
I am leaving for Misawa in 2 weeks. I am so exicted. Thanks for all of the posts. It has given me a good idea. Thanks
my son will be deployed in Misawa AFB around October. I would love to put someone in touch with him that can share with him what to bring and what to expect. He’s single..young..no family…
I just got back from Misawa. It was a great trip. I highly recommend the day trip to Oirase gorge and Lake Towada. It is so beautiful. On the way back stop at Oirase Ro-Ma-N Park. there you can get a steak dinner and dring some beer at the Oirase Brewery, do some shopping at the gift shop and stop and get the best ice cream cone you have ever ate. Misawa it self is very hometown. Check out Miss Veedol beach and the air museum where the original Miss Veedol is.Its a nice place to visit. Had a great time.
I am PCSing to Misawa in Dec. with my 2 kids. I was wondering about the on base housing, what things I should leave and what things I should bring?
We are PCSing to Misawa next year. I was wondering if someone could email me info about renting and what we should pack to bring with us. I don’t want to pack unnecessary items. If you could give us any info that would make the move smoother I would greatly appreciate it.
We have lived in Misawa Japan for 2 years and we love renting a house off base. They are mostly styled after American homes and have many floor plans. The rooms are smaller, but most of your furniture should fit. You might not want to bring any unnecessary furniture though. And if you rent, pay all of your bills through GI Billpay on base. Summer is the best time to find a good house. Good luck.
I have been at Misawa since June 1. When we arrived the weather was cool and humid. The past few weeks it has been very hot and sticky. We live in base housing which has no AC. I believe most people living on base are miserable due to the weather. Im told this hot, sticky weather is shortlived. I hope so! A couple things I didnt expect was the very small town outside the base. Also 99 percent of the businesses do not take credit cards. You need to get Yen everytime you go downtown, unlike Korea where every street vendor will take a credit card.
The base is really geared towards families and it shows, so if you are single and moving here this base is great opportunity to focus on school. There is like 3 bars that everyone goes to plus the E/O club so don’t plan on living a big city life style they have alot of outdoors stuff to do so i suggest taking advantage of that, if not you’ll hate it here. The base is overrun with dependents and children which can get annoying after a while, the BX is kind of small but i guess when your married with kids you don’t care how you look.
In short, they should make this base “accompanied tour only” because that is what it is geared to, if you are single and come here, make sure you try to deploy or go to school as often as possible unless you enjoy slow country living, or else you’ll go nuts
I was stationed in the 6921RGM radio Sq. and was wondering if someone from the group would e-mail me. I have looked at the area with Google Earth and everything I knew as buildings are gone.
Bob Johnson
KE7LZ is my ham call
i lived there from 88-92 as a kid and 96 to 2003 during high school and i even started college there…i loved it there both times…but i have to agree with other people…its good to get off base and drive and just get lost sometimes and explore…there is so much to do and find…i recommend camping at upper fudai and lower fudai at the beach and i also recommend the ramen house Yumeya next door to the Viking Yakiniku…you can get there by exiting out the POL gate and making a left at the 3rd light you dont go down but 1/2 a mile or so but i have ate there since age 4 and it was always my favorite place to eat in misawa
Hi,
Just found this webpage. We are PCSing in May, and I would like to find out what jobs are available on base for dependants. Also, what should we bring and what should we leave behind? We plan on living on base for the first year until we know the area better. Is there anything we should know about base housing? The floor plans actually don’t look too bad. We are taking our cat with us, but I am concerned about the long trip and how the Japanese authorities will handle the import. Does anybody have any input on that subject? Thanks for any info you can give me – it’s highly appreciated!!
I’m currently station at Misawa AB. I live offbase and its wonderful. On base housing from what other co-workers have told me sucks. base tries to save as much $$ as possible so they will NOT turn on the AC in the dorms nor housing. worst in the dorms specially top floor. Lots to do here if you find the time. speed limit here is really slow so takes awhile to get anywhere. If you like to go to the beach head up to Aomori city. the beach there is crystal clear water. small but very nice. play some vollyball with the locals. If your a big internet user as i am the fiber optic connection is a must if your off base. on base the internet is slow and the base blocks lots of ports.
I am moving to Misawa with my family in a few months. I was wondering if anyone could give me some info on what to expect when we arrive and anything on the base housing.That would be great. Thanks
We are due to move to Misawa at the end of April, and I just wanted to let you know about a really neat website: http://www.misawa-forums.com
The folks on that site have been so helpful about answering questions about pets, housing, furniture, medical, etc…………I highly recommend it.
Be blessed,
Lynn
My family and I are moving to Misawa in about 6 months. I really want to live off base but others have told us it is too expensive in the winter to live off base.. Is that true? Also, has anyone put their children in school off base? If so, what are some websites I can start looking into?
Thanks, Tiffany
I lived in Misawa from 88-91, and I loved it. But I will be honest with you, it will take awhile to get used to the change. I was in high school there. So it was a little different. I would say take advantage of Space A and go to some of the different countries around Japan, we went to Korea and Guam and other places in Japan while we were there. My friends did say that it was expensive to live offbase, and personally I liked living onbase in the towers. If you want to put your kids in the schools offbase I would look up http://www.mikami.com or search schools in Japan in the Misawa area in your search engine. But I loved Edgren High School on base and my sister liked Sollars Elementary
I lived there on and off base as a single guy from 93-99 and would go back in a heartbeat either as a single person or in my current state (married with 2 kids).
The best advice I can give you is to learn some very basic Japanese and make friends with some Japanese people. There’s a whole world outside Misawa City that most on base miss out on because they never take the time to actually make Japanese friends.
That said, you’ll either love it or hate it – I don’t know too many people who were in the middle on their opinion. The other advice I can give you is to ignore the family members who hate it (the very vocal minority) who attempt to make life miserable for everyone else.
I might be moving there in august of 2008; any advice, I will be bring my wife and 2 dogs;
Put your adverturer’s hat on an go! It is a Great place! I made life long friends there and explored the country by van, train, plane, ferry and on foot. There is so much to see, experience, learn, eat and drink. Get out and take a chance. You will come back with memories that will last a life time. I even came home with a Beautiful Canadian wife who I found teaching English in the Japanese school system. 1994-97. I want to go back and so does my wife.
Hi, I will being moving to Misawa AFB in December with my husband. I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of floor plans or on base housing so i can get an idea what to plan for. i’ve heard nothing but great things about Misawa and hopefully i get the same impression. If you have any photos or advice please e-mail me at dservas05@yahoo.com. thanks!
I am in Misawa right now and I hate it. I am married with two kids and there isn’t much to do here with an infant. Off base is not very family friendly. Most of the restaurants are too small for a car seat to fit so going out with family is not easy. If you are single it’s a fun place. They have a program for single airmen to go on cheap trips and the nightlife is great. The japanese love their beer. The blood alcohol limit is .02 so there is a DUI about every month and everyone suffers because of it. The BX basically gets leftovers from everywhere else. Getting anything new here is almost impossible. If you are plus size or pregnant you pretty much have to order all of your clothes on line. The commissary never has anything that you like and the parks at the beach always have spiderwebs all over them. The spiders here are huge and they are everywhere. It’s unbelievable humid in the summer and snows like crazy in the winter. You are required to pay road tax every year and the roads still suck, I’m still not sure where the money goes. You are also required to pay for JCI on your vehicle every 2 years (around $500 and up). Although the insurance here is cheap, everything else is expensive. All in all, I have never seen anyone sad to leave here.
Ok. I’m at Misawa right now. and I love and hate it all at the same time. I was stationed at Yokota before coming here and let me tell you….BIG difference. First of all..Yokota..is closer to Tokyo therefore it is the city and I’m from the city so I had no problems adjusting. Then I PCSd here last august and was stoked up until I got here…LOL! I mean it’s not bad, but it’s not great! I think it’s because it’s a more family oriented base. I’m a single airmen and it can be very boring at times. I live off base…which is awesome! And by the way is the #1 reason why I love it here. #2 reason I love it here is my COLA!!! Yeah it could be much higher considering the overly expensive travel costs..but it’s extra $$..so you can’t really complain. And plus I love living overseas…I’m trying to get another overseas assignment after I leave here…If they allow!! But all in all…misawa is pretty lame if you’re single and live off base. But then again…it may just be my career field. I work in a very very small unit…only 36 of us and only 10 of them are military…which all of them are married w/kids or officers…and i’m enlisted..so go figure! So, I don’t hang out at the bars…but I don’t think I’d really want to considering..they are only like a few..and it’s the freaking country..so everybody knows everybody! it was like that at yokota too…but not as bad as it is here!! So, really I have no desire to go out. Shopping is very lame…especially for me…I can’t fit these clothes!! I’m just not built like the Japanese. So, I do most of my shopping online. And the BX it sucks too…so I’m hardly ever in there either. I don’t want to wear the same clothes and shoes as everybody else. Ummm..I know I’m typing a lot…but I’m a Japan Native now…I’ve been here so long..LOL! So…I’m going to cut it short right now, but I will say this before I go…TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL!!!! Anytime you can , anyplace…just travel!!!! It will definitely make your experience is misawa better…because you’ll be traveling so much you will have already forgotten about the dislikes here!! Well any other questions or concerns you may have…please feel free to email me: fllaaj@yahoo.com
I have lived in Japan for a little over 3 years now and I have to say that it’s not for me. I have met many people that I have made friends with and ventured off base but I’m ready to leave. It is hard to describe but there are a lot of BS that you have to put up with, mainly because your in the middle of nowhere. I was single for the first 6 months here and married for the last 2 1/2 years. If you have any chance of liking it here you have to get off base. But…it is much more pricy than jumping in your car back in the US and driving for 2 hours, maybe camping for a couple of days, and then driving back. The toll roads are ridiculously expensive and most things are about double the price of what you would pay stateside. Even though it’s not there fault the BX NEVER has anything for very long. They just don’t get enough of what people use and your forced to either stock up or not have it at all. The commissary isn’t too bad but they don’t have the greatest selection, and fruits/vegetables go bad sooner rather than later. You can’t fly Space A out of here anymore…budget cuts surprise, surprise. If you are used to ANY sort of city life it will be difficult for you and you may never like it. In my honest opinion this should be more of a remote tour. A major reason why small things are wearing on me is because of the complete BS we are fed at work. We are expected to do more with less and that doesn’t cut it. We can’t get simple, everyday necessities and it pisses you off. I just want to leave and go back to the states.
I am going to be moving to Misawa in the next couple of months and I have some questions on off base housing and transportation. I have heard nothing but great things from everyone and just want to email me with someone who can give me some information. Thank you
Sorry here is my email sean.p.nagel@cvw2.navy.mil
Thank you
What’s the dance community like there for adults? any lessons? anything going on? Not looking forward to coming to Misawa. Give me some positives!!!!!
My family and I will be moving to misawa around october of this year because of my husband’s job. I’m looking forward to it but I’m a little worried about job opportunities for myself. I’m an RN and am aware there is a small airforce clinic ( hospital). I would like to know how big and what kind services the hospital or clinic offers.
I was there in 1953 with the 31st fighter bomber wing from Turner AFB in
albany
ga. I enjoyed it…however I was 18 years old guesss that says a lot what i remember most is having to scramble our fighters everyday
I’ve been here at Misawa since 2006 and could not disagree more with Katie’s comment. The area is the MOST family friendly place my wife and I have ever seen. All of the local merchants love my daughters and give them candy/trinkets ALL the time. The folks in town are warm and friendly, especially if you make the effort to respect their very polite society. Some travel can be costly, but COLA more than offsets this (along with some good planning). Someone asked about dance lessons…yes, there are free lessons at the Club and several studios downtown. There is also a boxing gym run by an American just outside the gate. You get all four seasons, so prepare for good snow and great summer weather. Also, to further dispute an earlier comment…almost everyone I know is sad to leave here! My wife and I wish we could extend!
I will be moving to Misawa the beginning of Aug 2008, with my 4 year old daughter. I am very excited about it. I’ve been reading all I can about the area via the internet, but I’d love to really talk to someone who’s been there, to give me a real inside scoop. So far I have heard more positive than negative. Please email me with some more “positive” feedback, I’d love to hear it.
I (like others I noticed) assumed my email would appear since you have to type it in before your message. That’s what we get for assuming. Please feel free to email me at st_3_phan1e@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Moving to Misawa AFB in December with my husband… wanted to know if anyone has advice on living on or off base. Also what kind of places they have around the area. we are leaving for a 4 year tour and I’m nervous about how the experience will go. Also, someone said something about huge spiders everywhere!? What’s all that about. Please email me if you have any advice or information sites. thank you.
Amandarenee1982@yahoo.com
Hey, I’m leaving for the Air Force in 10 days and i’m wondering if I can get a quick response before I’m shipped out (*crosses fingers*). lol. Anyways I’m searching for good air force bases and I am very into the Japanese culture. I’m single, and by myself. I’m going into the field for aerospace propulsion. Are there many apprentices for that field working on base? How is it living wise? I don’t mind country settings or big city life, i’ve lived in both. I love nature, and the outdoors. Misawa sounds like a great place for me. Although, Yokota AFB near Tokyo does too!
Okinawa seems kind of in the middle of no where though.
So i’m thinking… Misawa AFB or Yokota AFB. I know I need a dream sheet… & my chances of getting stationed here are hard.
Thanks!
Mike comment (45)
My e-mail is: ridgedspikes05@yahoo.com
Thank you all so much!
My husband and I are moving to Misawa, Japan in january of 2009. We have a two year old, who will be three in december of this year, and expecting. I was just curious about the family activities they have in misawa for children that young. Also about the school system what is the youngest age for the child to start school. I would greatly appreciate it if some one would email me at larrissa.roach@yahoo.com telling me about the school, the age the child can start school, and family activities. THANK YOU SOO MUCH
genetic.prophetic@gmail.com
I am PCSing to Misawa in March of 2009. I’m single, so most peoples comments have been split 50/50. I’m taking a japanese course this semester. I’m excited though to get stationed overseas because for the past year I’ve been in Texas and have been trying to do anything to get out of here because I’m originally from Ohio and the heat is so brutal here, and San Antonio doesn’t have much of a night life. Though I hear Misawa doesn’t have much of a nightlife either, so maybe San Antonio was just preparing me for that. I’m also finishing up my degree through UMUC so it’ll work out perfectly for me. I’ve just got a year left once I get to Misawa so I can spend the first year knocking that out.
We are moving to Misawa in May 09 (maybe, if it goes through). We are now in Okinawa, so I am familiar with the local customs, however, I want more info about the base. For example, I hear there isn’t any cable (we have cable here at Okinawa), internet on base is only provided by softbank there? So, is there not high speed? Are there any other off base companies that can provide high speed internet on base or cable? Not having a/c will be horrible, but, how is housing otherwise? I have animals so I don’t want to know about the towers, I’m concerned w/family housing—enough kitchen cabinets?, enough storage(closets)? What is the approximate waiting list for a 3 or 4 bedroom house? How about the schools (elementary)? There is a lot of great info on here, but, most answers seem to be from years ago, so am looking for more up to date info. Thanks.
Whoa- I thought everything in Misawa was supposed to be great. I’m PCS’ing there in Jan ‘09 and I am looking forward to it- but some of the comments here have given me pause. What’s this about giant spiders? And is there or is there not high-speed internet access? Also- can someone point me to site that has pictures of what the town (Misawa) is like? So far I’ve only seen a couple and need to see more. Are there any parks? Plazas? Shopping districts? Halp! I’m moving off-base and would like to know (see) what the areas of the town are like so I know what to expect… Thanks in advance! Oh yeah- jlplasencia@gmail.com
I am thinking about trying to get an assignment to Japan. Does anyone know if a MSgt can bring a vehicle to Japan?
Lived there in ‘84, had 278″ of snow between Dec and March, but I understand that was a record…one would hope, anyway. Culturally fascinating; one young store merchant dressed in leather, studs, rainbow mohawk and more piercings than found at the Grammys, but was the most cordial, accommodating guy in the world–I don’t think he fully understood the extreme attitude that was supposed to accompany those clothes. Interesting, but one year was enough (no McDonalds, Airmen drove 400 miles roundtrip for a big mac-that’s probably different now)
I am leaving for a 3 week trip to Japan in December,and most of that will be spent in Misawa. My parents live there, my dad works for DECA on the airbase, and my mother Japanese from the Yokohama area. My parents love it, I think if you like the outdoors and not the hustle and bustle of a big city you will enjoy it. I know that Misawa is more country like than what you expect Japan to be when you see images of Tokyo. I hear the food is great, the onsens (Japanese hot springs) are beautiful, and the community is close and very friendly. I grew up in Japan, but not the northern part. So I am excited to experience a different side of Japan than what I am use to. I agree with the other posts, take the time to explore Japans beauty – it’s like no other, the Shinto shrines, the landscaping will stick with you forever. Of course this time of year, its nothing but snow – so if you’re not shy spend time at the onsens, drinking eating and singing (Karaoke). Glad I found all the wonderful things written here about Misawa.
yve2569@mac.com
Just found this website. I was stationed at kadena okinawa from 99-02 then moved to Misawa and loved it, reminded me of home in West virginia. We had to leave in 2007, if I would have known I had to come back to the states, I would have just retired and stayed there. My 10 yr old daughter loved it there and can not stand being in the states. My planns are to retire and return to any where in Japan with final goal of going to Misawa.
Hey everyone! My husband is in the Army and we received news yesterday that we have secured orders to Japan. Erik thinks it’s to Misawa and I have so many questions, I don’t know where to start. I do know that we will be reporting in June 09. From the comments that I just went through it looks like the good definitely outweighs the bad. I was in the Navy from 96 thru 2001 and I was stationed at Gitmo Bay Cuba for about 18mths. As I was reading through the comments, this place reminds me of Cuba. I loved LOVED Cuba. I didn’t realize just how much I loved it till I got back to the states. So I’m thinking that we’re going to enjoy being in Misawa. I just would like for people who have been there for awhile or has just gotten there to email me with information about the housing, and the educational benefits and what kinds of stuff should we bring. Can we take our car? How about our washer and dryer? And our microwave, can we bring that? So many questions…so little time…email me if possible…otherwise see you when we see you! Merry Christmas! Email address: the4bs78@gmail.com Lizz
Hi i am also interested to learn as much as possible about moving to Misawa. I need to know about places to rent near the base and also how to find a job there too. I know there is alot of teaching English, but i wanted to know if there are any other options. I am learning Japanese now so i will know the basics by the time i get there. I will be moving there in Aug 2009. my email is tumoyia@gmail.com please HELP!!!!
Ok I just found out from my husband we are being stationed in Japan. Hes airforce I have one son so its just the 3 of us if anyone could give me some (alot) of info or a website so i can do some research before we leave Id really appreciate it Im kind of scared about going so Im hoping more I know the less insecure Ill be when Im out there
Misawa is very “country” so if you like activities, you’ll get bored very quickly. If you are a stay at home parent with young children, you will get very bored. Activities during cold weather are very limited. I hate complaining, but our three years were really rough here. I have two small children, so I was either pregnant or breastfeeding most of the time, which meant I didn’t get to participate in skiing and other winter sports here. Also, the cold weather keeps you indoors with small kids and that is enough to drive you and the kids nuts.
We did get out and explore Japan. We drove everywhere, got maps and travel guides and went to every festival. (usually every year…) We also went to Tokyo twice, Hiroshima…but travel from Misawa is so expensive. We lived on base…so the neighbors were annoying, but I think that happens everywhere. BX and commissary are limited, but just shop online or go in town. I think this base is better for single people or couples without kids or families with older kids in school who can get out and ski. Anyways, we PCS in a couple months, and I am counting down the days! (And it’s not just me. I know that a lot of the stay at home parents get really depressed here. And the work hours for the enlisted guys are NUTS!) Really makes family time hard to get. But I’m just counting my blessings that we get out of here soon and on to Spain!
Hi to anyone that has been in Japan or soon going…my dad was stationed in Misawa from summer 1967 thru 1970. I was in 8-9-10th grades, my older sister was already out of school and my brother in elementary. We all loved being there – it was the best 3 year expereience any of us have ever had and we still talk about it as being the favorite of any place dad was stationed in the US – I’m sure the area has changed dramatically after all of those years but would still love to see it again. The people were gracious, shopping was minimal but we made the best of it, mostly ordering by US catalogs. Our biggest ‘excitement’ was the great earthquake on 5/16/68 that we still remember as Great Shakes Day. I also remember Hakodate / Hokkaido as memorable countryside. I would love to hear from anyone that lived or was stationed there during this period. I also would like to know if anyone can get a High School yearbook from 1969-1970 as I never received mine. Happy travels to all still active – when dad retired in 1975, it was hard to get used to not travelling around and seeing new places…
Oops – my email address is
bridgie54@gmail.com
if responding, please use Misawa as ’subject matter’
We lived in Misawa from 95′-98′ on our first tour there. From the moment we stepped off the plane until we pcs’d it was great! We lived off base for 10 mnths, and moved on base. Definitely go off base and enjoy the country, especially the festivals. We were actually in two of the festivals. The kids were small then and enjoyed themselves. They didn’t want to leave. They are grown and gone, it’s just my wife and I on this tour (09′-12′) and we plan on making the most of it! Spending lots of time off base. How can anyone come here and not experience life in another country. Don’t stay inside the base, you will miss the memory of a lifetime. We took the kids to Tokyo Disneyland (take plenty of money). Did the Mt. Fuji climb, toured Tokyo, Lake Towada Fireworks Festival, castle tours in the northwest area of Japan, went on shopping trips to Korea. There is now a McDonald’s off base, Burger King and Popeyes on base. If you drive north of Misawa on the tollroad to Amori, visit the Big Budda statue and museum, the Aisamushi Aquarium, and downtown Amori. Drive north along the coast and visit the nuclear facility visitor’s center. Like many of the others have said, camping and skiing! The kids will love it, if you have kids. You will love it! If you are worried about there not being enough places to shop, don’t. On our first tour we did a lot of online shopping through J C Penney, L.L. Bean, Walmart, Sears, etc…The kids enjoyed that because they were not wearing what many of the other kids were wearing from the BX. For them it was like Christmas year round. (38) Maryfe, ck on USAJOBS, or DODEA which is the schools website for school nurse jobs. (56) Victoria, go to http://www.35fss.com there is tons of info for kids and on/off base activities. See everyone there!
(56) Victoria try http://www.35fss.com lots of info for kids. It has lots of info for on/off base activities, including employment.
Couple of other things. For those of you who are concerned about the schools, don’t be. Our son was at Sollars Elem and daughter at Edgren High. When we pcs’d back to the states, our kids were 1 to 2 mths ahead of stateside schools. They were sitting in the classes bored, doing work they had already done. The schools are excellent!! For those wanting to ship cars, DON’T!! To have your car meet Japan standards it will cost you $2000-$5000. You can get most cars on base for $800-$7000. Make sure it has more than one year JCI. If you buy a car offbase you are looking at $2000 up. Motorcycles the same. As for microwave ovens, clocks, most electrical appliances they will operate slower, thus taking a little longer to heat food. You can take your washer and dryer. You may need to change out the dryer cord from a 3 prong cord to a 4 prong cord due to the voltage. There is a on base bus shuttle. Off base city bus/taxi service. No, there is not on base cable. There are several news, movie, afn/afrts, and some japanese channels. There is only one internet service onbase at the moment, but they are looking at getting one from stateside (verizon) maybe. Housing has been in remodeling for a few years now. They have built new towers and townhouses and remodeled some existing towers. If you live on the 4th flr or higher, you will hardly use your heat during the winter. Warm air rises!! Those on the lower floors will keep your units warm. Summers are not that long or hot, so ac is not used. It’s not like living on Okinawa or Guam. I know, we lived on Guam b/4 pcsing to Misawa the first time. Here’s my email: calmtea1@yahoo.com Have fun! I know I we will.
My dad was stationed in Misawa in 68-72. We arrived in feb 68 and left july 72. After living there for so long, not sure if I wanted to return to the “world” as we call the US. I know the country has changed alot since we lived there, but go and see as much of the country as possible, fetivals, etc. I was in High school 8th thru 11th with my brother in elementary school. Learn the language and experience as much of the japannese culture as possible, we did and loved everyone minute. We still talk about Misawa, as this was the last base my dad was stationed, he retired out in August of l972, I too had a very hard time after living all my life at base after base all my life. Was stationed alot of places overseas and in US, but will always remember good old Misawa, off base living, teen center, movie center, BX and alot of changed with the flight line and security hill. enjoy people.
ddsmithnfso@msn.com
My husband is in the Navy and we received order not too long ago, to be going to Misawa AB in July. We will be arriving early due to me being pregnant and we have to arrive there weeks before my due date in August. One thing we are having a lot of trouble with on planning for this move is getting rid of our car. No one wants to refinance it and take over payments and we don’t want to leave it in storage for 3 years and have to pay for something we can’t even drive. Any suggestions or ideas? Has anyone found a way for the military to help you get your car overseas? Just wondering, before we lose all hope and have to do what we never wanted to do and leave it in storage. Thanks for reading, and for anyones input.
I would highly recommend you read the Misawa’s Welcome Aboard Package. If you don’t know what that is ask your spouse. His sponsor should have sent it to him, or at least the link to it. Inside you will find that you CAN ship a car to Misawa. HOWEVER, it also says that if you do you will need to convert your car to meed Japanese emission standards. The average conversion will run approx. $3-5K. Then if you decide to ship your car back to the states then you will have to pay the same amount to convert it back. For most, if not all, the emission conversion process is a show-stopper when considering to ship a car. The government will store your car for you at no cost. The location where they store our cars is in a temperature controlled environment. I understand that you and your spouse don’t want to pay for a car that you are not even driving but the options are #1. If you don’t break even when you sell your car and are not able to pay off your car loan then you will still have to make monthly payments on it until you pay off the loan and you still have no car when you return to the states. #2. You could store your car and continue to pay on the car loan and maybe have it payed off when you return to the the states and you will have a car to drive.
I would recommend that you and your husband goto your local Fleet and Family Support Center and meet with the Relocation Specialist who will give you the information you need when moving to Japan and the Financial Specialist who can help you identify financial options for your car. If this is your first trip overseas they will also tell you of the additional income you will receive. Good luck!
Ok-enough with the negativity about Misawa. It is not the best location to go to, but like it has been always stated “it is what you make out of it”…I would suggest that anyone trying to bring their car would be a lost case for the simple fact that it is expensive to try to bring one over here. Like I did, I had to bite the bullet-put my car in storage because no one wanted to buy it back in the states. I lived on base for a while and I can say that it was ok. Having a child here is automatic! For some odd reason here- you can show up with no kids and leave with 3.That is why I suggest that you get out and get busy with outdoor activities. The festivals are great and I can say that I have been to almost all of them in the past year. Also, do not get fooled by people who are at times trying to sell their cars due to pcs. Reason being that at times people try to get rid of their cars for what they got them for 4 years ago. Its a sleezy move on their part, therefore I suggest that you do your research and shop around. Do not get caught up on getting the first vehicle……look around and do your research. There is no AC on base and that is why I have decided to move off base this year.
Japan was the worst thing to happen to my family ever. Instead of a husband I have a “baby daddie”. All because he hooked up with a lil jap tart who has clung on to him and his money and his house. Now the kids and I are not welcome, he calls once in a blue moon, she doesn’t know the kids or their names and does not care to know either. All she wants is a free ride to America on the military dollar. Good luck WIVES of military men. You may think he is faithful but in the end….well…that;s where those girls take it so to speak!
Hey everyone,
My future wife and I are about to move to Misawa. She is a Surgical Assistant in the AF. We are looking for any information we can find out about what we need to bring with us there and pretty much any information we can get at this point and time. Please e-mail me any info you can thanks. earnestma1982@hotmail.com
My husband and I will be moving to Misawa in the fall of 2009. I am interested in what to bring and what to leave behind. I know it is cold and we live in Florida so I will have some clothes to purchase. Other than that let me know the basics, furniture and appliances? Not sure how large base housing is or off base. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
I forgot here is my email. traceofspades@cfl.rr.com
for comment number 69 reply to traceofspades@cfl.rr.com
http://www.misawajapan.com is the website you will want to look at. Also its not that its just cold up here, or that it just snows, Listen: IT SNOWS HERE! we got like 7 or 8 feet this last winter which was really mild and easy and wierd form the norm but the year before we got around 15 feet. The houses off base that you will use from the air force will already be set up for american appliances. There will be a stove (a small one and I mean like 2 burners on the small side) and there will not be cmuch room in the houses. The houses here are not insulated like american and you will have to pay for kerosine for the winter. The housing on base has heating, but no air conditioning, and it gets mugy and hot here in the summer, what 3 or for months of it we have. Winter starts in late october and ends in early may. Lowest I have seen the temp here is around -5, most 90. Also this city is extreamly windy, and I mean like 35 to 50 mph gusts every other day. In the japanesse houses you can not wear shose so have nice slippers on standby. Oh yea and get ready to learn how to drive ont he other side of the road on the other side of the car too. If you have any other questions let me know. ens_nuke@yahoo.com in the subject put asking about misawa so I dont junk mail it. good luck and welcome to japan.
http://www.misawa.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090507-001.pdf
Hi! I have a question about Misawa. Are there any riding stables nearby? My daughter is involved in equine sports and serious competition, and I don’t want to PCS here is she can’t continue her training. Any information would be helpful. To all our military members and their families: Thank you for serving! Happy 4th!
I lived in Misawa between “67 to “70 when my husband was station there in the AF. I loved every minutes of our stay. Even going through the two earthquakes in 1968. The people were the nicest people I ever wanted to meet, they were helpful when you needed it and sometime didn’t stay around to be thanked. I took classes to learn how to make their punch pictures. The shops, the parades, everything was just fabulous. When we got ready to leave, I cried as the airplane took off because I really didn’t want to leave.
I just married my husband while he was on leave-July 2nd-and he is already stationed in Misawa. I am still back in the states and I was hoping someone could write to me and maybe give me a bit of information about how long it might take to get me over there? We are both pretty clueless but I can’t see myself waiting 2-4 years to see him. I’ll go crazy. Please? If anyone has a clue …email me at Clare-142003@hotmail.com
I’ve been here for a little over a half a year. I’m half korean so i’ve lived in asia before and while i have loved it. I can seriously say that i hate it here and disappointed. Not to make other people miserable, but i really do not like it here. Shopping here is more or less like shopping at a flea market. You get what you get. I just shop mostly online for whatever i need. Yeah there are places to go but you have to spend alot to do the things you want. Except for some places and mostly they are a drive away. Road tax is okay but i don’t see where the money would go, roads are still very crappy.The commissary is a joke and i STRONGLY suggest that you buy your fruits and veggies off base. Stuff expires here quick and we get all the left overs from other bases. Schools here are okay, they don’t meet enough standards that i feel comfortable with, so i provide more homework for my child. Weather in the summer for a short time is hot and the fans are a must. The snow is crazy!!!I’m stuck here for the next 2 yrs and i’m gonna bear it and after that hasta la vista. Hello USA
I hope others will like it more than i have, but to each their own.
Hi, my husband is on the VML list right now and Misawa is an option. I’m a working girl and was wondering if any of you spouses have tried to find work in Japan. I’m nervous about citizenship requirements to get a job there. Does anyone know anything about job hunting there?
We are hoping to move to Misawa soon. I own a Judo club and my son and daughter are interested in earning their black belts in Japan. Does anyone knows anything about Judo in Misawa and japanese schools that would take a couple of gaijins??
Please reply to nikkojudoacademy@gmail.com
Thank you,
Hi all,
I was stationed in Misawa from 1984-1988, both in Air force, and as a civilian contractor. It was simply a wonderful experience for me. I spent a lot of time taking road trips, and enjoying the local economy. The Japanese people were simply a pleasure to deal with, so polite. I miss it very much, and would return in a heartbeat if I could. If you’d like, feel free to contact me if I could be of help.
Ron
Let’s try this again. My email is swiers3@hotmail.com. I’d love to communicate with some comrades!
I need help please. My husband is stationed in here Misawa and me & my daughter just got here a week ago. At first he was supposed to be here 2 more years and the military was supposed to sponsor me & my daughter so that we could stay in Misawa. Well the military just changed my husband’s orders and he will only be here till July 2010. The military now says they will not sponsor me & my daughter because my husband won’t be here long enough to do all the paperwork. I really want to stay here with him but my daughter really needs to go to school (she’s supposed to be in kindergarten) and we can only stay 90 days on our passports. If anyone has any ideas of ways for us to stay in Misawa, a way for me to work and my daughter go to school I would really appreciate it. My email is lilmissvixn@hotmail.com…thanks! =)
Hello All,
If any of you know anyone who is leaving Misawa and PCSing to Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA or Postmouth Naval Shipyard.
We are renting the rooms out of almost 3000 sqft foot Golf course community home.
We are due to be in Misawa in Dec. 2009.
I can be reached at: Luisp@aloadoff.com
i WAS STATION AT MISAWA JAPAN, I WAS STUCK WITH A LONG TOUR NOBODY SHOULD HAVE TO LIVE THERE MORE THEN 2 YEARS. ITS THE USAF WAY OF SCR88ING THE ENLISTED LIKE AWAYS. WE SHOULD OF GOT A EXPENDITANRY OR CAMPAIGN MEDAL IT WAS SO BAD THERE WAS WAITS EVERYWHERE OUT SIDE THE BAND THE COMMISSARY OF CORASE THEY BUILD NEW ONES. BUT THE AIR FORCE BASE SET UP TEAMS THAT ARRIVED IN MAY 1985 WE SHOULD OF GOT A MEDAL OUT OF THEAT SH88 HOLE. THE AIR FORCE ALWASY SC99 THE ENLISTED. SHOOT IF IF WAS ALL OFFICERS THEY WOULD OF GOT THE WON TON SOUP EXPEIDARY MEDAL. IF YOU GOT ORDERS THERE, GET OUT OF THEM. ITS LIKE LIVING ON THE MOON. WHEN WE WERE THERE IN 1985 IT HAD THE HIGHEST DIVORCE RATE IN PACAF.
Wondering if someone knows of a way to get sponsered for trick-or-treating on the base. I was stationed in Misawa from ‘88-’92 and am now teaching English about 3 hours away. I would love to bring my two little ones (4 and 6) up for Halloween. Needless to say, they don’t celebrate Halloween in Iwaizumi.
If someone can answer my post in regards to being sponsored for trick-or-treating on Halloween, please contact me at iwatejeff@yahoo.co.jp Thanks!!
hey all,
i’m planning on moving to Misawa with my boyfriend because he chose that for his duty station. i know a little about what it takes to get a long term non-spousal/dependent visa but if anybody could offer anything more, i would most appreciated. thanks
my email is: marishaj@yahoo.com
Hi,
Me and my husband are moving to Misawa AFB in Feb of 2010. We just recently got married in Oct 2009. I am very nervous about living the United States and am more nervous about things to bring or not to bring. We also are interested about the on base housing or off base, also the pricing of things relative to money in the U.S. like if it’s so much there for rent how much that would be in U.S currency were trying to figure out what were going to do about living and everything. My husband is very excited and i am very nervous i can’t get enough information. I’m worried about leaving my family and friends to go somewhere i don’t know anyone. Wondering about the community and well honestly EVERYTHING. If you would like to help please email at DiNana09@aol.com THANKS