⏱️ 5-6 min read
Congratulations … you’re moving to Okinawa, Japan!
Oh, that’s not what you’re feeling right now? Totally fair. Whether your thrilled, panicked, or somewhere between “adventure!” and “what just happened?!”, I can promise you — Okinawa is worth all the feelings.
And honestly? I didn’t exactly land in Okinawa willingly either. Actually, I came rather kicking and screaming, but it’s turned out to be one of the most incredible places we’ve ever lived.
So if you’re staring at those PCS orders wondering what to do next, this guide’s here to help you take your first steps, feel a little more prepared, and get just a tiny bit excited about your new island home.
Where Is Okinawa, Exactly?
This was my first question — and imperative to process the bombshell that had just dropped.
Technically, Okinawa is Japan — but it’s not the Tokyo of the travel guides (or TicTok reels). It’s a subtropical island chain (about 150 islands in total) sitting in the middle of the Pacific.
The main island — what most people mean when they say Okinawa – is about 66 miles long and 7 miles wide, with a unique shape you’ll never forget after living here.
On a map, it’s roughly 400 miles west of Taiwan, a two-hour flight from Seoul, and about 8 hour flight from Hawaii. So yeah, it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere – but in the gateway-to-the-rest-of-Asia sort of way.
What It’s Like Living in Okinawa
Think of Okinawa as the Hawaii of Japan – tropical, slow paced, and full of beautiful clear water. (It’s so stunning we even named it: Oki Blue.)
As a tropical island – the humidity will test your will power (and hair products) – but you’ll also find beaches that look straight out of National Geographic. (Be prepared to be asked by friends and family when they can come visit.)
Okinawa has it’s own culture – the Ryukyu Heritage. Once a sovereign kingdom, it still carries Chineses, Japanese, and American influences (taco rice) that make life here completely unique.
A few quick real-life notes:
- Time moves slower here. People work hard, but they aren’t rushing (including when they’re driving.)
- Crime is low — it’s safe to explore off base. Google Maps always get you back to the gate.
- Americans tend to be loud — Japanese are not. Talk softly in public places.
- Everything’s smaller: cars, parking spots, restaurant portions, houses
- Try everything once: soba, unidentified vending machine drink, sea grapes. It’s what the memories are made of.
If you show respect and stay curious, Okinawa is one endless adventure.
Where You’ll Live
There are 13 US Military Bases on Okinawa, but not all of them have housing. The bases are spread across the island and shared between the Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Army.
If there’s on-base housing available, that will be your fist offer. Sometimes, families can choose to live off base — or have to, depending on the situation.
Either way, both options have their pros and cons. On-base you have that tight military community — but it feels very American (including military-housing beige). Off-base you get the culture, and front-row seats to the most incredible sunsets over the East China Sea.
You can find the latest information about on-base housing availability at Okinawa Family Housing (.mil) .
Bringing Pets to Okinawa
Yes — you can bring your dog or cat to Okinawa. It’s not simple, but it’s doable.
The process can take several months, so start early. The Okinawa Veterinary Activity page is your go-to for current requirements and timelines. Sending an email their way will get you the latest information and spare you the endless run-around.
Military vets are also familiar with Japan’s import process and the rules for moving to Okinawa with pets. They can help you make sure your paperwork is solid.
Keep copies of everything, and plan for some out-of-pocket expenses. (A new reimbursement was approved in 2025 for up to $2k in pet travel expenses for an military overseas move. Ask your transportation office for more details.)
Moving to Okinawa with your pet is possibly the most stressful part of the move — but 100% worth it.
What to Do Right Now
Alright — so you know you’re moving to Okinawa. Here’s your quick, start-today, PCS to Okinawa checklist:
- Get Command Sponsorship. It’s required for dependents to travel on orders overseas.
- Schedule EFMP screenings. Medical care is available here, but limited for certain specialied care.
- Connect with your sponsor. They’ll be your on-island life-line — mailbox setup, housing tips, questions. (Don’t be afraid to ask the “weird” questions, like what brands of dog food are in the BX. We’ve all been there.)
- Join local FB groups. They can help, but your sponsor or unit will have the most accurate, branch-specific information for your move.
Essentials for Survival (Apps + Resources)
Here’s what made our move to Okinawa smoother (and helped me feel more prepared when we arrived.)
- 📱 Google Translate: Take a photo of text and it’ll tell you what you’re buying—bleach or laundry soap.
- 💬 Signal: Reliable for messaging friends back in the States.
- 📡 Express VPN: Reliable, reasonable VPN. Keeps websites and Google Map directions in English. Super helpful.
- 📍 Google My Maps: Drop pins with notes (“Gate that’s never open,” “Best soba ever,” ) to build your own custom island map.
- 🔐 Authenticator App: If you suspend your U.S. phone number, move your 2FA logins to email or an authenticator app first. (Trust me — no one wants to be locked out of their banking app.)
Moving to Okinawa soon?
🌺 Discover what part of the island will speak to you most → Take the Okinawa Soul quiz.
The Truth About Moving to Okinawa
This island has a funny way of making you fall for it. And believe me, I wasn’t going to when I arrived.
Even if you’re not excited now, give it time — one day you’ll find yourself saying, “I’ll miss this place.”
The sunsets, the seawall walks, the way that every day is a new adventure — it all becomes home.
So before you go, take a look at what’s waiting for you when you get here.