Kadena Air Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Okinawa City, Japan. The base is in Okinawa, and the 18th Wing is its host unit. This guide covers arrival, base access, housing, schools, medical care, services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Kadena Air Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address Douglas Boulevard, Building 220 (Gate 1), Okinawa City, Japan 96368-5134
Main phone number 011-81-98-961-3366
Official website Kadena Air Base official website

Location and Directions

Kadena Air Base is in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan. The nearest commercial airport is Naha International Airport. Kadena also has an Air Mobility Command passenger terminal for Patriot Express and other military-contracted flights.

Travel detail Information
From Naha International Airport Travel generally takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Transportation planning Coordinate transportation with a sponsor before arrival. There is no regular shuttle from Naha International Airport to Kadena.
Taxi access Commercial taxis need authorized on-base access markings to enter. Many drivers accept yen, but card use varies.

Visitor Information

Access rules and procedures may change. Visitors should coordinate with their sponsor or the proper installation access office before traveling to the gate.

New arrivals should report to the Air Mobility Command passenger terminal or coordinate with a sponsor. Temporary lodging check-in is at the Shogun Inn, Building 332. The Military and Family Readiness Center in Building 220 provides relocation and newcomer help.

Housing and Lodging

The Shogun Inn is in Beeson Avenue, Building 332. Call 011-81-98-962-1100, 011-81-98-962-1101, or 011-81-98-962-1010 for reservations. Reservations may be made up to 90 days ahead. Families on permanent change-of-station orders may be authorized up to 30 days in temporary lodging, based on current policy and room availability. Pet-friendly rooms are limited.

Military family housing is centrally managed from Kadena. The housing office is in Douglas Boulevard, Building 217, and can be reached at 011-81-98-938-1111 or DSN 634-0582. Accompanied active-duty personnel are required to live in government housing when suitable units are available. Dormitories are available for unaccompanied personnel; eligibility and assignment rules should be confirmed with the housing office or gaining unit.

Facilities and Services

Service What it offers
Military and Family Readiness Center Relocation help, newcomer support, family information and referrals, and voting assistance in Building 220.
Child and youth services Child development, youth, teen, sports, fitness, arts, STEM, and leadership programs.
Education Office Voluntary education advising, tuition assistance support, testing, professional military education support, and college services.
Chapel Chapel activities and services.

On-base taxi service and transportation help are available. Telephone numbers and operating conditions should be confirmed before use.

Schools and Childcare

Department of Defense Education Activity schools serve eligible military-connected students in the Okinawa area. Schools identified for the area include Kadena Elementary, Kadena Middle, Kadena High, Ralph F. Stearley Primary, Amelia Earhart Intermediate, Bob Hope Elementary, Ryukyu Middle, Bechtel Elementary, Kinser Elementary, E.C. Killin Elementary, Kubasaki High, Lester Middle, and Zukeran Elementary.

The School Liaison Program is in McKennon Avenue, Building 99. It helps with student transitions, school registration, school zoning, and connections to education resources. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; it is closed on weekends and holidays. The DSN number is 634-2231. Kadena also offers child development and youth programs, including Wakaba Child Development Center in Building 132.

Medical Services

The 18th Medical Group provides primary care, family medicine, preventive care, immunizations, mental health, family advocacy, laboratory services, radiology, pharmacy, dental care, vision care, pediatrics, women's health and pregnancy care, aerospace and operational medicine, and case management. Beneficiary service representatives help eligible beneficiaries with TRICARE and access-to-care questions. Call 098-630-4817 or DSN 630-4817. Beneficiary service DSN numbers are 630-4310 and 630-4469.

Recreation and Amenities

Kadena youth services offer youth sports, fitness, gymnastics, dance, STEM, teen programs, and recreation-room activities. Outdoor Recreation provides equipment and related programs. Current offerings, eligibility, reservations, and hours should be confirmed directly before making plans.

Things to Know

  • Kadena Air Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Okinawa City, Japan, and is home to the 18th Wing.
  • Arrange transportation with a sponsor before arriving through Naha International Airport because there is no regular shuttle to Kadena.
  • Military-contracted flights may arrive at the Kadena Air Mobility Command passenger terminal.
  • Families should complete the housing briefing before enrolling children in school because housing and school zoning are connected.
  • Access, facility eligibility, housing eligibility, and school enrollment rules depend on status, orders, command sponsorship, and current policy.
  • Phone numbers, hours, access rules, lodging availability, and service eligibility can change. Confirm them with the installation before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kadena Air Base?

It is in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan.

What airport is closest to Kadena Air Base?

Naha International Airport is the nearest commercial airport listed for the base.

Is there a shuttle from Naha International Airport to Kadena?

No regular shuttle service is available. Coordinate transportation with a sponsor before arrival.

Where do new arrivals check in?

New arrivals should report to the Air Mobility Command passenger terminal or coordinate with a sponsor. Shogun Inn handles temporary lodging check-in.

What medical care is available?

The 18th Medical Group offers primary care, pharmacy, dental, vision, pediatrics, mental health, laboratory, radiology, and other listed services.