Installations / Japan, Korea & Guam

Misawa Air Base

Misawa, Japan · Air Force / Navy

Moving to Misawa Air Base

Misawa sits on the northern end of Honshu and is home to the 35th Fighter Wing, with Navy, Army and Japan Air Self-Defense Force units sharing the airfield. It is a small, tight-knit community far from Tokyo, known for very heavy snow, hot springs, and a calendar of regional festivals. Families usually find life here quiet and close-knit, with most services on base and the surrounding towns a short drive away.

BranchAir Force / Navy
Nearest cityMisawa, Aomori Prefecture
Population servedRoughly 5,200 U.S. military personnel plus several hundred U.S. civilians and about 900 Japanese employees (Wikipedia estimate)
AirportsMisawa Airport shares the airfield for commercial travelers; the base air terminal handles government travel. Weekly Patriot Express charter flies from Seattle-Tacoma; domestic flights to Misawa leave from Tokyo Haneda.
ClimateHumid continental: cold, very snowy winters (about 126 inches of snow a year on average), mild humid summers with occasional typhoon rain.
On-base housingGovernment family housing in two areas, Main Base and North Base, about a 10-minute drive apart (managed by the Misawa Housing Management Office)
Medical care35th Medical Group clinic
Family support centerMilitary & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)

Official installation website

Where families live

Main Base housing

On base

Government family housing near schools and base services; assignment depends on rank and the waiting list.

North Base housing

About 10 min drive from Main Base

The second government family housing area, a short drive across the installation.

Misawa City

Minutes from the gates

The adjacent city of roughly 40,000 and the most common off-base choice, with shops and restaurants close to base.

Towada

Longer drive from base · DoDEA (Misawa schools)

A nearby town listed in the base newcomer guide as part of the local area; lakeside setting for those who want a quieter life.

Hachinohe

Longer drive from base

A larger port city on the Pacific coast, covered on the base cultural city tour.

Schools

Military children attend DoDEA schools on base: Sollars Elementary and Edgren Middle/High School. Bus service is provided through the DoDEA Japan student transportation office. Contact the installation School Liaison Office through the Military & Family Readiness Center for school enrollment questions.

On the installation: Sollars Elementary School (PreK-6), Edgren Middle/High School (grades 7-12)

School Liaison Office via the Military & Family Readiness Center (Torii Building 656, DSN 315-226-4735)

Things to do near Misawa Air Base

  • Lake Towadaoutdoors
    A large crater lake with scenic drives, hiking and a winter snow festival.
  • Shimokita Peninsulaoutdoors
    A rugged peninsula reachable by car, popular for coastal scenery.
  • Onsen (hot springs)outdoors
    Hot spring baths across northern Honshu are a classic winter activity.
  • Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festivalday-trip
    April festival in Hirosaki highlighted in the newcomer guide.
  • Nebuta Festivalfamily
    August lantern-float festival in Aomori.
  • Misawa Air Showfamily
    Annual September air show at the base.
  • Ski resortssports
    Several ski areas are within driving distance in the snowy months.
  • Cultural City Tourday-trip
    A Friday base-run tour of Misawa and Hachinohe, useful for newcomers.

Realtors & local services

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Real estate offices

  • Misawa Housing Management OfficeMisawa AB (Torii Building 656)
    Keeps a list of off-base rentals and English-speaking real estate agents; newcomers must check in within 24 hours.

Movers, storage, pets & more

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Local programs & support

PCS tips for Misawa Air Base

  • Report to the Housing Office within 24 hours of arrival; they hold the list of vetted off-base rentals and English-speaking agents.
  • Driving: USFJ personnel need a valid stateside license plus a USFJ Form 4EJ operator's permit (online course, then Pass & Registration). Anyone without a stateside license gets a 90-day on-base student permit.
  • Used cars need current Japanese Compulsory Insurance (due every two years) and road tax (due each April); ask your stateside insurer for a no-claim letter for a possible first-year discount.
  • Pets arrive through Narita quarantine. U.S. carriers and JAL stop accepting pets when temperatures exceed 85F from mid-May to mid-September, so book early or late flights or use the Patriot Express, and contact the base vet clinic well before your move.
  • Pack for serious snow: the base calls itself one of the snowiest in the Air Force, so plan winter gear and a vehicle ready for ice.

Benefits to use on this move

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Other installations in the Japan, Korea & Guam

Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.

Sources