Misawa Air Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Misawa City, Japan. It is in Aomori Prefecture on northeastern Honshu. This guide covers directions, visitor access, housing, schools, medical care, services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Misawa Air Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address Hirahata 64, Misawa-kichi, Misawa-shi, Aomori-ken, Japan 033-0012
Main phone number 011-81-176-77-1110 (base operator)
Official website Misawa Air Base official website

Location and Directions

Misawa Air Base is on the shores of Lake Ogawara in Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture. It is about 400 miles north of Tokyo. Travelers can use the train route below, or drive from the Tokyo area using the listed expressways.

Travel method Details
Train from Tokyo Narita Express, Tohoku Shinkansen to Hachinohe, then the Aomori Tetsudo line to Misawa Station
From Misawa Station Transportation to the installation is required
Driving from Tokyo Higashi-Kanto Expressway, Bayshore Route, C2, Gaikan Expressway, Tohoku Expressway, and Hachinohe Expressway

Visitor Information

Visitors and personnel should coordinate arrival details with their sponsor. Follow current rules for identification, vehicle registration, visitor passes, and gate access. Keep passports, orders, identification, and other required arrival papers with you during travel.

The Pass and Registration office is at Hirahata 64. It can be reached at 011-81-176-77-3995 or 011-81-176-77-2897. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; it is closed on weekends, the first Tuesday of each month, holidays, and wing down days. Confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Military family housing is available in the Main Base and North Area housing areas. Eligibility, available homes, and assignments should be confirmed with the Misawa Housing Office. Temporary lodging is offered at Misawa Inn in Building 670 on Main Base. The inn has 174 rooms in four buildings; eligibility and stay length depend on orders, availability, and installation policy. Reservations can be reached at 011-81-176-66-0282 or by email at misawa.reservations@us.af.mil.

Facilities and Services

Misawa Air Base has a Base Exchange, commissary, post office, library, fitness center, bowling center, chapel, legal services, passenger terminal, Child and Youth Services, and Military and Family Readiness Center. Family support includes relocation, financial, employment, deployment, and family resources.

The Weasel Express provides shuttle service across the base. Commercial taxis are also available, and Misawa city buses operate near the Main Gate.

Schools and Childcare

DoDEA schools on the installation include Sollars Elementary School for Pre-K through sixth grade and Edgren Middle / High School for grades seven through twelve. The School Liaison can be reached at 011-81-176-77-0403, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Yoiko Child Development Center in Building 10 serves children from six weeks through five years. School Age Care is in Building 412 for kindergarten through sixth grade. Family Child Care is in Building 653 for children from two weeks through 12 years. The Lunney Youth Center can be reached at 011-81-176-77-3220.

Medical Services

The 35th Medical Group is in Building 99. Services include family medicine, pediatrics, preventive care, urgent and emergency care, mental health, laboratory and radiology, surgery, orthopedics, physical therapy, pharmacy, dental care, vision services, and more. Care and appointment rules depend on beneficiary status, enrollment, and available space. Use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal or contact the medical group for current procedures. The pharmacy phone is 0176-77-6607, and the dental clinic phone is 0176-77-6700.

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation options include Potter Fitness Center, the bowling center, library, Outdoor Recreation Center, Lunney Youth Center, and Misawa Teen Center. The base also offers sports, fitness, arts, education, youth activities, and community events. Outdoor Recreation programs, equipment, activities, and eligibility may change by season.

Things to Know

  • Misawa is in a rural area of northeastern Japan with substantial winter snow and changing weather.
  • Misawa is a joint U.S. military installation. The 35th Fighter Wing is the host unit, and the Air Force manages the installation.
  • Personnel arriving for a permanent change of station should tell their sponsor about travel plans and follow check-in instructions.
  • Housing, childcare, medical access, visitor rules, and facility hours can change. Confirm current details before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What branch operates Misawa Air Base?

The United States Air Force manages the installation. It also has Navy, Army, Space Force, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel and units.

Where is Misawa Air Base?

It is in Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture, on northeastern Honshu in Japan, near Lake Ogawara.

Is housing available on base?

Military family housing is located in the Main Base and North Area housing areas. Eligibility and availability should be confirmed with the Misawa Housing Office.

Are schools available at Misawa?

Yes. Sollars Elementary School serves Pre-K through sixth grade, and Edgren Middle / High School serves grades seven through twelve.

Does Misawa have medical care?

Yes. The 35th Medical Group provides primary, specialty, dental, pharmacy, mental health, urgent and emergency care, and other services.