Military Bases in Japan
The unofficial survival guide for military families in Japan.
Air Force Bases
Kadena Air Base
Located in Kadena Air Base Okinawa, Japan
Kadena Air Base in Kadena Air Base Okinawa, Japan, is the largest U.S. Air Force installation in the Pacific. This strategic hub supports air operations, intelligence, and rapid deployment missions across the Indo-Pacific.
Misawa Air Base
Located in Misawa Air Force Base, Japan
Misawa Air Base in Misawa Air Force Base, Japan, is a joint U.S. and Japanese installation operated by the U.S. Air Force. The base is known for its strategic role in Pacific air operations and its unique partnership with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
Yokota AB
Located in Yokota Air Base, Japan
Yokota AB is located in Yokota Air Base, Japan and serves as a strategic hub for the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific. The base is home to the 374th Airlift Wing, supporting airlift operations, humanitarian missions, and regional security.
Army Bases
Camp Zama
Located in Sagamihara, Japan
Camp Zama is a major U.S. Army installation located in Sagamihara, Japan. As the headquarters for U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward), the base is known for its strategic role in the Pacific and robust community support.
Marine Corps Bases
Camp Courtney
Located in Camp Courtney Okinawa, Japan
Camp Courtney in Camp Courtney Okinawa, Japan, serves as a key Marine Corps installation supporting the III Marine Expeditionary Force. The base is known for its robust operational role, on-base family housing, and proximity to American-friendly schools and Okinawan amenities.
Camp Foster
Located in Camp Foster Okinawa, Japan
Camp Foster sits in Camp Foster Okinawa, Japan and serves as a major hub for the United States Marine Corps. This base is known for hosting the headquarters of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D.
Camp Hansen
Located in Onna Okinawa, Japan
Camp Hansen sits in Onna Okinawa, Japan, and serves as a major United States Marine Corps installation. The base is known for its extensive live-fire ranges, urban training facilities, and support for forward-deployed Marine units in the Pacific.
Camp Kinser
Located in Makiminato Okinawa, Japan
Camp Kinser in Makiminato Okinawa, Japan, is a key United States Marine Corps logistics base supporting the III Marine Expeditionary Force. The installation is known for its extensive warehousing, supply operations, and proximity to both on-base and off-base housing options.
Camp Schwab
Located in Henoko Okinawa, Japan
Camp Schwab is a United States Marine Corps base located in Henoko Okinawa, Japan. This installation is a key training hub for the III Marine Expeditionary Force, offering extensive live-fire ranges and amphibious training areas.
MCAS Futenma
Located in Futenma Marine Corps Air Stati, Japan
MCAS Futenma sits in Futenma Marine Corps Air Stati, Japan, serving as a vital hub for the United States Marine Corps aviation operations in the Pacific. This base is known for its strategic location on Okinawa, supporting rotary-wing aircraft and key regional missions.
MCAS Iwakuni
Located in Iwakuni, Japan
MCAS Iwakuni is a major United States Marine Corps air station located in Iwakuni, Japan. This base supports forward-deployed Marine aviation units and serves as a key hub for US-Japan defense cooperation.
MCB Camp Butler
Located in Okinawa, Japan
MCB Camp Butler is located in Okinawa, Japan and serves as a key Marine Corps installation in the Pacific. The base is known for supporting III Marine Expeditionary Force operations and offers a mix of on-base and off-base housing, international schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Navy Bases
Fleet Activities Sasebo
Located in Sasebo, Japan
Fleet Activities Sasebo in Sasebo, Japan serves as a key U.S. Navy installation supporting the Seventh Fleet’s operations in the Western Pacific. Known for its strategic port facilities, the base offers on-base housing, DoDEA schools, and easy access to local Japanese amenities.
Fleet Activities Yokosuka
Located in Yokosuka, Japan
Fleet Activities Yokosuka sits in Yokosuka, Japan, and serves as the largest overseas U.S. naval installation. This base is the home port for the U.S. Seventh Fleet and supports key naval operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
NAF Atsugi
Located in Atsugi, Japan
NAF Atsugi is a key U.S. Navy installation located in Atsugi, Japan. The base serves as a major hub for naval air operations in the Pacific, supporting both U.S. and allied missions.
Japan’s Pacific Defense Base
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Japan, Kadena Air Base, Misawa Air Base, Yokota Air Base, Camp Zama, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler (including Camps Courtney, Foster, Hansen, Kinser, Schwab), Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, and Naval Air Facility Atsugi are cornerstone installations, supporting U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy missions under the U.S.-Japan alliance. These bases drive Indo-Pacific security. This guide to military bases in Japan offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in this vital ally nation.
Historical Foundations
Japan’s U.S. military presence began post-WWII under the 1951 U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. Kadena Air Base, established in 1945 on Okinawa, became a Strategic Air Command hub. Misawa Air Base, founded in 1945 in Aomori, supported air operations during the Korean War. Yokota Air Base, near Tokyo, was occupied in 1945, named for a nearby village. Camp Zama, set up in 1945 in Kanagawa, served as a command center. MCB Camp Smedley D. Butler, formed in 1955 on Okinawa, consolidated multiple camps. MCAS Futenma (1945) and MCAS Iwakuni (1945) supported Marine aviation. CFA Yokosuka (1945), CFA Sasebo (1945), and NAF Atsugi (1945) anchored naval operations, shaping Japan’s strategic role.
Economic Impact
U.S. bases in Japan contribute over $8 billion annually, employing 50,000 personnel. Kadena Air Base, spanning 4,900 acres, generates $2 billion and 15,000 jobs on Okinawa. Yokota Air Base adds $1 billion and 8,000 jobs in Tokyo. Misawa Air Base contributes $500 million and 5,000 jobs in Aomori. Camp Zama sustains $700 million and 4,000 jobs in Kanagawa. MCB Camp Smedley D. Butler and MCAS Futenma add $2 billion and 12,000 jobs on Okinawa. MCAS Iwakuni, CFA Sasebo, and CFA Yokosuka collectively generate $1.8 billion and 10,000 jobs. Families access 5,000 housing units, DoDEA schools, and TRICARE clinics, with MWR programs like 2025 Okinawa cultural festivals.
Key Military Facilities
Kadena Air Base (Okinawa): Hosts the 18th Wing with F-15Cs, KC-135s, and F-35As, conducting 4,000 sorties, with 15,000 personnel.
Misawa Air Base (Aomori): Home to the 35th Fighter Wing with F-16CJs, supporting 3,000 sorties, with 5,000 personnel.
Yokota Air Base (Tokyo): Hosts the 374th Airlift Wing with C-130Js, managing 2,500 airlift missions, with 8,000 personnel.
Camp Zama (Kanagawa): Headquarters for U.S. Army Japan, supporting 4,000 personnel and regional command.
MCB Camp Smedley D. Butler (Okinawa): Includes Camps Courtney, Foster, Hansen, Kinser, Schwab, hosting 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, with 12,000 personnel.
Marine Corps Air Station Futenma (Okinawa): Supports 1st Marine Aircraft Wing with MV-22 Ospreys, with 3,000 personnel.
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni (Yamaguchi): Hosts Marine Aircraft Group 12 with F-35Bs, conducting 2,000 sorties, with 5,000 personnel.
Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo (Nagasaki): Supports 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed ships, with 5,000 personnel.
Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (Kanagawa): Home to 7th Fleet and USS Ronald Reagan, with 8,000 personnel.
Naval Air Facility Atsugi (Kanagawa): Supports Carrier Air Wing 5 with F/A-18s, hosting 3,000 personnel.
White Beach Naval Facility (Okinawa): A logistics hub for 7th Fleet ships, with 1,000 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Japan’s bases are critical for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the U.S.-Japan alliance. Kadena Air Base’s 18th Wing conducts 4,000 sorties, with 2024 F-35A upgrades enhancing air superiority. Misawa’s 35th Fighter Wing supports 3,000 F-16CJ missions, bolstering regional deterrence. Yokota’s 374th Airlift Wing manages 2,500 C-130J missions, aiding disaster relief. Camp Zama oversees 100,000 U.S. Army personnel regionally, with 2024 community programs strengthening ties. MCB Camp Smedley D. Butler’s 3rd MEF trains 10,000 Marines, while MCAS Futenma and Iwakuni execute 3,000 MV-22 and F-35B missions. CFA Yokosuka and Sasebo support 100 7th Fleet ships, with 2024 exercises countering regional threats. These bases ensure stability despite unconfirmed 2024 security concerns.
Notable Distinctions
Kadena Air Base, the “Keystone of the Pacific,” hosts the largest U.S. air wing in the region. CFA Yokosuka is the Navy’s largest overseas base, home to the 7th Fleet. MCB Camp Smedley D. Butler is the Marine Corps’ largest overseas hub. The bases offer 5,000 housing units, DoDEA schools, and MWR events like 2025 Tokyo cherry blossom festivals, fostering vibrant communities in Japan’s cultural landscapes.
U.S. service members on PCS to Japan or TDY in Japan will find mission-critical roles and dynamic communities across these bases. From Okinawa’s Shurijo Castle to Yokosuka’s historic ports, Japan’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable cultural experiences for military families.