Please contact MWR directly for information on the service available.

You can also visit: Airport Shuttle & Airport Vehicle Transportation Service :: Camp Zama :: US Army MWR.

Welcome to Japan

For those of you assigned duty with United States Army Japan and I Corps (Forward), United States Army Garrison-Japan, or one of the other units/activities in the Camp Zama area, you will usually arrive in Japan at either Yokota Air Base or Narita (Tokyo) International Airport.

For those being assigned to Okinawa, most will be assigned to either Torii Station or nearby Kadena Air Base. Many of the support facilities are at Kadena AB, therefore, information you will need is at: Kadena Air Base.

Arrival at Yokota Air Base

Yokota AB is about 25 miles from Camp Zama and takes about 90 minutes to drive. There is no regularly scheduled bus service. Contact your sponsor to have them either meet you at Yokota AB upon your arrival or have an Army vehicle with driver meet you. You must have your gaining unit’s sponsor make the vehicle reservation for you at least several days before you and/or your family arrives in Japan.

After your flight arrives, you will be met by an Air Mobility Command (AMC) representative who will guide you through immigration and customs clearance procedures. You will then pick up your bags and go through the customs inspection area for inbound customs inspection. If any of your baggage is missing or damaged, you should file a claim with Lost and Found before you leave the baggage area.

Once you are cleared, you should be met by your sponsor. If you know that only a vehicle will be there, proceed to the parking lot on the north side of the terminal where your driver will be waiting.

If you have a pet accompanying you, please see “Travelling with Pets” section below.

 

Arrival at Narita (Tokyo) International Airport

Narita (Tokyo) International Airport is about 75 miles from Camp Zama.

When you arrive at Narita IAP you will first clear Japanese quarantine before proceeding to Immigrations, both on the second floor. Once cleared through Immigration, you will proceed to the first floor to claim your baggage at the designated baggage carousel. Once you have your baggage, proceed to a Customs counter for final clearance into Japan.

If you have a pet accompanying you, please see “Travelling with Pets” section below.

 

Arrival at Haneda International Airport

Narita IAP or Yokota AB are the preferred arrival gateways for newcomers and those on temporary duty. However, if your itinerary absolutely must use Haneda IAP, contact your sponsor well in advance so your sponsor can arrange Army transportation from Haneda IAP as there is no daily MWR bus service like that from Narita IAP.

Commercial bus and train transportation is readily available at: /information/Haneda_Airport.pdf.

Taxis to Camp Zama are very expensive and can easily exceed $300 which is usually not reimbursable for official travel.

 

Air Force MWR Bus From Narita to Yokota Air Base

Air Force MWR Bus from Narita to Yokota Air Base

There are a few Army people who will work at Yokota Air Base. Air Force MWR offers three shuttle buses each day leaving Narita IAP. For more information please visit: Yokota 374 FSS

 

Commercial Transportation From Narita to Camp Zama

Taxis to Camp Zama are very expensive and can easily exceed $400 and usually are not reimbursed for official travel.

In the event that no transportation arrangements have been made and you have not made prior arrangements with your sponsor, there are alternatives using commercial bus and train transportation. The bottom line is to work closely with your sponsor because hauling your luggage around can be overwhelming and you cannot take more than one suitcase and a small carry-on per person on the trains. Also, pets are not permitted on commercial buses or trains.

 

Commercial Limousine Bus to Camp Zama

There are three commercial limousine bus companies which provide transportation relatively close to Camp Zama. The destination is Sagami-Ono (相模大野). Bus tickets range between $35~40 for each adult passenger and are less expensive for children. Purchase tickets from one of the commercial bus companies in the arrival lounge area. Follow their instructions for departure time and bus stop number.

When arriving at Sagami-Ono, you may take a commercial taxi to Camp Zama Main Gate 1 or use the MWR Sagami-Ono Transfer Service. Commercial taxis are not permitted to enter the installation so you must get off at the Main Gate. There are no on-post taxis either, so you should call ahead for your sponsor to pick up there or you will walk to Army Lodging.

 

Trains to Camp Zama

There are two lines that operate from Narita IAP. The Keisei Skyliner and the N’EX Narita Express.

 

N’EX Narita Express

The N’EX Narita Express operates trains from the lower level of Narita IAP Terminals 1 and 2. The trains run throughout the day on a regular schedule. There are N’EX Narita Express representatives who will help you get your ticket. Ticket turnstiles into and out of stations, as well as nearly all ticket vending machines, are automated. After you insert your ticket is will reappear about 30 inches from where you inserted it in the turnstile. Keep your ticket as you will need it to exit the station on the end of your leg. Do not bend or mutilate your ticket. The N’EX Narita Express rail line takes about 83 minutes to Shinjuku Station (新宿) and costs ¥3110 for ordinary car and ¥4600 for the green car. At Shinjuku Station look for directions to the Odakyu Line (小田急線). Again, there is a representative to buy tickets, to tell you which train to take, and which track to board from. The closest train station to Camp Zama is Sobudaimae Station (相武台前). At Sodudaimae Station turn right after exiting the train ticket turnstile. Go down the stairs to street level and turn a half-right again. You will see a street signal right in front of you, cross the street and continue walking straight to Camp Zama’s Gate 4 pedestrian gate, or you can take a taxi to Camp Zama Main Gate 1. Beware of traffic especially if you are not familiar with driving on the opposite side of the road from the U.S.

 

Keisei Skyliner

The Keisei Skyliner operates trains from the lower level of Narita IAP Terminals 1 and 2. The trains run throughout the day on a regular schedule and are ¥2,580 per passenger, half fare for children. There are Keisei representatives who will help you get your ticket. Ticket turnstiles into and out of stations, as well as nearly all ticket vending machines, are automated. After you insert your ticket it will reappear about 30 inches from where you inserted it in the turnstile. Keep your ticket as you will need it to exit the station on the end of your leg. Do not bend or mutilate your ticket. The Keisei Skyliner rail line takes 41 minutes to the final stop, Keisei-Ueno Station (京成上野). You can purchase tickets here from Keisei Skyliner's English website: https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/e-ticket/en/. (No commercial endorsement implied.)

Upon arrival at Keisei-Ueno Station, you will then take the underground to Ueno Station (上野) for the Japan Rail (JR) train lines. From an automated vending machine, purchase a ticket for Shinjuku Station (新宿). Though there may be a language barrier, most Japanese will help you determining the price and buying your tickets. The green Yamanote Line (山手線) is a circle train, so if you head in the longer direction, don’t worry because the price and destination is the same.

At Shinjuku Station look for directions to the Odakyu Line (小田急線). Again, there is a representative to tell you which train to take and which track to board from. The closest train station to Camp Zama is Sobudaimae Station (相武台前). From Sodudaimae Station turn right after exiting the train ticket turnstile. Go down the stairs to street level and turn half-right again. You will see street signal right in front of you, cross the street and continue walking straight to Camp Zama’s Gate 4 pedestrian gate, or you can take a taxi to Camp Zama Main Gate 1.

 

Money Exchange

You can either exchange money at your airport in the United States or upon arrival to your commercial airports in Japan. Purchase sufficient yen for buying snacks and for purchasing tickets on commercial trains or buses.

 

Camp Zama's 'Military Installations' (Military OneSource) Page

Military OneSource serves our service members, our military families and our entire global military community – to help you live your best MilLife. Learn more by clicking here.

 

Traveling with Pets

Pets may be brought to Japan as excess baggage on AMC charter flights that land at Yokota AB or on commercial flights that land at Narita IAP. Pets may also be shipped as commercial cargo to arrive to Narita IAP. Shipment of pets must be at the owner’s expense whether moving as excess baggage or commercial cargo.

Both Camp Zama and Yokota MWR have vehicles and drivers to transport you and your pet(s), but should be arranged well in advance. Work with your sponsor or contact the respective MWR early for pricing and availability.

It is extremely important that you have your required documentation in order.

More information is available at: /Units/vet/import/

Or view this PDF for information:

Aggressive or Dangerous Dog Breeds

In accordance with Army Policy, “Domestic Animals on Army Installations,” residents, employees, contractors or visitors may not bring onto any installation any dog or breed (including mixed breed) that is deemed aggressive or dangerous, or potentially aggressive or dangerous.

For the purposes of this policy, “aggressive or dangerous” or “potentially aggressive or dangerous” breeds of dogs are defined as pit bulls (American Staffordshire, bull terriers or English Staffordshire bull terriers), Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, chows and wolf hybrids.

U.S. personnel who own one of the above breeds cannot bring their pets to Japan or Okinawa. Exotic pets are also prohibited. You can find additional information on bringing pets to Japan here: https://www.usarj.army.mil/units/vet/import/.

 

Medical

Japanese Healthcare

  • Emergency Departments are NOT required to accept and provide stabilization in Japan, unlike in the U.S.
    • Medical capabilities can vary from day to day at Japanese hospitals.
    • If you or your family member have a medical emergency, it is possible you will experience a delay until acceptance to a hospital is agreed to.
    • Dial 119 for an ambulance and they will locate a medical treatment facility (ambulance services do not incur a cost to the patient, but the ER care does)
  • Cultural attitudes about doctor-patient interactions, treatment of pain, and therapy for behavioral health may be different than found in the U.S.
  • Behavioral Health resources are very limited across Japan.
  • Specialized therapy for children and adolescents, such as ABA therapy, is extremely limited or not offered at all.

Japan is an EFMP Restricted Site

Process:

  • Families must be EFMP screened and approved at their losing duty station.
  • EFMP on Camp Zama reviews the packet to ensure medical needs can be met within our medical system.
  • If PCSing to a location different from Camp Zama, the gaining MTF must approve the EFMP packet (may be another military service provider)

Most Common Reasons for Disapproval:

  • BH: frequent counseling, complex BH needs, complex BH history.
  • Need for sub-specialty services and follow-up.
  • High risk Obstetrics

*** Incoming personnel should consider whether accompanying dependents have serious medical conditions that would preclude them from relocating to the overseas duty assignment. ***

Bringing Prescription Medications into Japan

Arrive with 30-day supply in bottle with name and full prescription sticker.

  • More than 30-day supply requires an import certificate, “Yunyu Kakuninsho” Click for INFO

Prohibited Drugs:

More information regarding Japan's rules for bringing personal medications to Japan can be found at the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan website.

 

Passports

Official.jpeg   Official Passport

A maroon, Official passport is issued to employees of the US government and their eligible family members traveling abroad as part of their official duties. As with a diplomatic passport, entitlement to an official passport is based on several factors that are carefully reviewed by the Department of State before approval.

 

Service.jpeg   Service Passport

A gray, service passport is issued on a limited basis to non personal services third party contractors traveling to support the US government whose travel cannot be accomplished using a regular passport.

 

Diplomatic.jpeg   Diplomatic Passport

A black, Diplomatic passport is issued to U.S. government employees and their eligible family members who are serving the United States of America abroad under Chief of Mission (COM) authority; persons to whom the Department of State has granted diplomatic or consular titles; and persons who have diplomatic or comparable status due to the nature of their foreign mission or the position they hold.

 

No Fee.jpeg   No Fee Passport

A blue, No Fee, Regular passport is issued to various U.S. citizens traveling in a government affiliated capacity including Military dependents, Peace Corps and American Red Cross Volunteers, American seamen employed on U.S. flag vessels, personnel traveling on DoD Invitational travel orders, and next of kin (NOK) traveling to visit members of U.S. Armed Forces who are ill or injured or abroad order.

 

Who Requires a Sip/Visa

Japan eFCG currently authorizes Official Passports for the following:

  • Military personnel assigned PCS to the following organizations, limited for official travel to countries that specifically require it, but not to enter and/or exit Japan:
    • Military Personnel Exchange Program (MPEP)
    • Foreign Area Officer (FAO) Program
    • Personnel attending foreign military schools
    • Air Force office of Scientific Research Tokyo
    • Defense Courier personnel assigned PCS/TDY/TAD to USTRANSCOM
  • Civilian personnel on official travel.
  • Eligible Family Members of DoD Civilian personnel on Official Travel when the sponsor
    is issued the Special Issuance Official Passport.

NOTE: In addition to the passport, personnel will have to present another form of
photo identification and travel orders stating assignment to US Forces Japan.

Japan eFCG currently authorizes Diplomatic Passports for the following:

  • Military and Civilian personnel on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) travel orders, under (COM).
  • Military and Civilian personnel with an assignment to USDAO Tokyo and Mutual Defense Assistance Office (MDAO).
  • Military personnel require a visa for PCS and TDY travel.
  • Civilian personnel and Eligible Family Members of DOD Military and DOD
    Civilian personnel assigned to the USDAO Tokyo and MDAO require a
    visa.
  • Eligible Family Members of DoD Military and DOD Civilian personnel on
    Official Travel when the sponsor is issued the Special Issuance Official
    Passport.

NOTE: In addition to the passport, personnel will have to present another form of photo identification and travel orders stating assignment to US Forces Japan.

Japan eFCG currently authorizes No-Fee Regular Passports for the following:

  • Eligible Family Members of DoD Military personnel on Official Travel when the sponsor is not issued the Special Issuance Official Passport.
  • Non-SOFA Eligible Family Members with stays of more than 90 days
    require a visa.

NOTE: In addition to the passport, personnel will have to present another form of photo identification and travel orders stating assignment to US Forces Japan.

When to Use a SIP

  • When authorized by the eFCG.
  • You must use your special issuance passport when traveling overseas for your official duties (entering and exiting your PDS). Use a regular passport for personal travel.
  • Use of a Tourist passport in lieu of an SIP may be deemed fraudulent at port of entry.

 

Liberty Policy

Please Click see the Liberty Policy. 

Off Limits List

Please Click see the Off Limits List. Please review to keep yourself out of trouble.

Sofa Card

Please Click see the Sofa Card. Please print this card out and carry it with you at all times.