Location
Yokota Air Base is located on the island of Honshu, Japan, on the Kanto Plain, 28 miles northwest of Tokyo at the foothills of the Okutama Mountains. The base lies within the political boundaries of six municipalities. These are Akishima, Fussa, Hamura, Mizuho, Musashi-Murayama, and Tachikawa. The base operator’s phone number is 011-81-31175-5-1110, or DSN 315-225-1110.
History
Yokota AB opened in 1940, under Japanese authority as Tama Air Field. Yokota was used as a test facility for the Japanese Imperial Army. In 1945, Tama Air Field became Yokota AB. The 374th Air Wing formed in Australia in 1942, and was among the first to fight in Korea in 1950. The 374 then served in Vietnam from the 1960’s to the 1970’s, and arrived in Yokota in 1989. For more of Yokota’s history visit the installation’s homepage.
Mission
Yokota is both a US and UN base, and is primarily a UNC airlift hub. Yokota Air Base serves as the host base for Headquarters, United States Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force. The 374th Airlift Wing provides tactical airlift, medical evacuation, and distinguished visitor airlift for the western Pacific, while serving as a key strategic airlift hub for the entire theater.
Population Served
Military Personnel – 3,446
Family Members – 4,130
U.S. DoD and USAF Civilians – 196
Japanese Local National Employees – 1,967
DoDDS Employees – 163
Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Employees – 286
Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Employees – 75
Others – 950
Total – 11,213
Base Transportation
Yokota AB offers a free shuttle (Kanto Express) that tours the base, with abbreviated services on holidays and during base exercises.
Sponsorship
Sponsors are assigned to inbound personnel by their gaining unit upon receipt of an assignment notification. Your sponsor should make contact with you by the new online e-Sponsorship Application and Training system or by phone, mail, or email. If provided a copy of your orders, your sponsor can obtain a mailbox or arrange your temporary lodging. Please provide your sponsor with a contact number in case of an emergency. If you need sponsorship assistance, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at DSN 315-225-8725 or 011-81-3117-55-8725.
If you fly into Narita International Airport, Tokyo, it will be necessary to secure transportation to Yokota. Contact your sponsor if traveling with a pet, some restrictions may apply. Most newcomers arrive at the AMC terminal via the Patriot Express where you will be required to clear customs, claim your luggage, and be greeted by your sponsor. Your sponsor should have already worked with you to make billeting arrangements.
Temporary Quarters
The main lodging office is located in the Kanto Lodge, Bldg. 15. Please make your billeting arrangements as soon as you have a port call, your sponsor should be able to assist you. To make reservations, please call DSN 315-224-2002 or 011-81-31175-52002. TLF is open to all Military ranks, DoD Civilians, and NAF employees on leave or official duty. Pets are not allowed in on-base lodging.
Relocation Assistance
Contact the Yokota Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) for Relocation Assistance. If you are calling from the United States to Japan, our commercial number is 011-81-31175-58725. Your sponsor will provide you with a sponsor package with information on base resources.
We invite both the active duty and spouse (if applicable) to attend our 2-day Right Start Newcomers Orientation offered weekly. All mandatory briefings to include medical in-processing, drivers licensing, travel vouchers and cultural adaptation is offered through Right Start.
The Family Services Loan Closet offers a number of household items for you to use while your items are in transition. A copy of your orders is required. During the high PCS rotation (May-Aug), expect some shortages in supply.
Please note: The A&FRC does not directly provide bed linens. These are available at the Linen Exchange.
The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) will pay for 20 hours of child care under the “PCS Child Care” program for all our Air Force members, up to 60 days after arrival. Contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center upon arrival for assistance.
Critical Installation Information
Moving to Japan can be challenging-especially if you plan on bringing your pet(s) with you. However, having the proper paperwork and being pro-active can make the process a smoother and less stressful one for you and your animal.
Although a majority of Yokota’s Military Family Housing units do not allow pets, members are given the option to be wait-listed for on-base housing (garden units) which do allow them. Pet boarding fees are expensive in Japan and can be overwhelming for families if on-base housing is unavailable or not immediately available. Please ask your sponsor for more information, or refer to the Japan District Veterinary Command (JDVC) website.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, it is essential members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.