Select what product or service you are interested in.
Please check back periodically, as we are continually adding new products and services.
Please click your desired category below to get referred and get discounts and service:
Autos
– Used car lots in Okinawa are different than shopping in the United States. There is no test driving of cars. All cars in Japan are required to have a Japanese Compulsory Inspection certifying the vehicle is safe to operate mechanically. There are models of cars that are not exported, so there more choices than usual ranging from sports cars to very nice vans. The cars are very affordable versus purchasing a used car in the states as a 6-12 year old will be very clean and in good shape. Our referred businesses are reputable and US military friendly. Please complete the form and let our NETWORK start working for you.
Housing
APARTMENT/HOUSE – Apartment seeking can be quick or a challenge. Your Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) will be the major determining factor when dealing with the housing agencies. Please find out your allowance prior to completing the form to make things efficient. The housing agencies will know your maximum allowance based on your pay grade and family members, so the only real negotiation is what will you get for the maximum allowance.
Monthly Fees: It is recommended to consider the yen rate and utility costs together with the monthly rental fee. Average bills are as follows: electricity ($200-$400), water ($80-$120), gas ($60-$100), trash ($30-$50), extra parking if necessary ($30-$50). Lease agreement requirements are the first and last month`s rent, deposit utilities ($50-$100 each), and an agency fee which is normally 50% of the monthly rent cost.
Location: Distance to where you will be working is important because getting from one place to another takes time due to traffic and the speed limit. Close to the water is beautiful but also keep in mind the impact of the salt air and typhoons. There are shopping centers nearby housing areas for your convenience.
Hobbies/Interests: Please make sure to complete this area. Example: if scuba is an interest, living close to dive areas might be of an interest for you. The housing agents will be able to lead you in the right direction and find an area where your area of interest is convenient.
Schools/Child care
OFF BASE CHILDCARE/PRE-SCHOOL-There is a range of off base daycare/pre-schools to choose from. Your child can learn English and Japanese at some of the schools. All of the schools in our NETWORK are well-respected for their care and education. Some offer field trips around the island and classes such as karate, etc. as part of their after school program making it convenient for parents because they do not need to pick them up and take to another location.
CHURCHES-Churches of all denominations are located off base.
CLEANING SERVICES –One of our parent company`s specialty is our home cleaning and Lawn Care services. Our professional staff is ready to meet your needs to include deep cleaning, re-occurring, and pre-PSC inspection cleaning.
BEAUTY SALONS, MANICURES, FACIALS-Japan is becoming a leader is beauty aids and techniques. Getting pampered with facials, getting your nails painted, and new hair styles are readily available throughout the island. This is truly a highly coveted service unique to your tour. Be careful as it can become a weekly appointment!
DINING-There are many restaurants serving American cuisine. There is also a wide range of cuisines from Japanese to Okinawa to French to Thai to Italian. A fun dining experience not available to the states is called going to an Izakaya. There you can truly experience tasting a lot of food and beverages at one time. Dishes are ordered and served in small quantities giving you chance to try a lot of things during one trip.
KID’S FUN-Japan is a safe place for kids and they offer a lot for children to do while stationed on Okinawa. There are play parks complete with fishing ponds, trampolines, karaoke rooms, climbing courses, arcade games, etc. The prices are very affordable for what you get. As a family oriented country, you and your family will be well taken care of during your visits.
VETERINARY CLINICS/PET SHOPS–The on-base vet clinic is extremely busy as they care for military working dogs as well as tens of thousands of privately owned animals. There are very good off base veterinary services with English speaking assistance. They have the latest in technology equivalent to what you would see at some of the top vet clinics in the commercial community stateside. Pets are family members here and that can be seen by looking at the wide array of treats, toys, and services available at the pet shops. The grooming services on base are constantly full like the vet services, but don’t worry as grooming services are available off base at very reasonable prices. If interested in purchasing a pet, various breeds are available for purchase accompanied with JKC certified paperwork. Be careful when purchasing a pet ensuring the proper care, shots, and certification is available.
CLOTHES SHOPPING-Japanese have always been a trendy yet peculiar fashion about their fashion statements. There are a wide range of clothing shops ranging from western to European to oriental fashion. Simply put, there everything for everyone. As could be expected, the size range is limited, but there is a lot to offer especially to toddlers, teens, and young adults.
FURNITURE SHOPPING- There are a lot of furniture shops off base importing Chinese antiques, European designs, as well as convenient shelving, etc. There is nothing you can’t find off base. If there is a need or use in the home, there is a bet it exists somewhere here!
TRANSLATION SERVICES-Sometimes it does not really hit someone they are in a foreign country until they have to deal with off base paperwork not handled by the military installation. From marriage documents to child birth registration to other documents when dealing with off base administrative requirements, there is a major need to have good translation services.
MOVING COMPANIES-You might not know it now, but when purchasing furniture, new or used, sometimes you will need moving services. These prices might be more affordable than the store delivery service, so it never hurts to check. The moving companies are very quick, efficient and reliable. Keep us in mind if you choose to move from one place to another during your stay here and let us help save you money!
GOLF COURSES-There are numerous off base golf courses offering new challenges for the novice to low handicappers. Japanese courses have a reputation for being narrow and short, but be rest assured they can also be very long. The courses are a perfect compliment to the base courses. Shorts courses with lights are also available for night play if the heat is too unbearable at very affordable prices as well.
HOME IMPROVEMENT-There are a couple of home improvement center stores off base that offer just about everything you need. They have tools, building supplies, generators, curtains, drapes, blinds carpet, etc. They also have flowers, plants, pet supplies, kitchen supplies, etc.
CAR REPAIR-Limited service is available on base, so you will want to know where to take your car for repair off base. A/C repairs, electrical, mechanical repairs, and the required Japanese Compulsory Inspection. Some repair shops conveniently provide loaner services while your car is in the shop.
CAR SHOPS-If you saw Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift, you have already seen the types of car accessories to expect to see here. They have had DVD/Car Navigation systems here for over 15 years to give you an idea of their technology. Car scent deodorizes, expansion mirrors, surround sound systems, etc are some of the popular item. You will find every car accessories imaginable.
RESORT HOTELS-Okinawa is a beautiful island and like most tropical climate area, beautiful resort hotels offer great weekend getaway opportunities. The military also has nice recreation areas, but if you’re looking for that real getaway like a short vacation check out one of the resorts.
INTERNET SERVICES-One of the most important things for people while stationed overseas is staying connected. There are various internet service providers available and finding one with English support while getting good bandwidth can be a challenge. Make sure to take your time and let us help you find the right one.
MEMBER CARDS-Like in the states, grocery stores and home improvement centers offer “member” cards offering discounts coupons after reaching purchasing milestones or a discount at the time of a purchase. The forms are all in Japanese, but our bilingual staff located at the Kadena USO will assist in completing the forms so you too can enjoy the discount opportunities.
ATTRACTIONS-Enjoy seeing local attractions to include dinner theater shows and other local sites at the lowest prices. For an extra fee, we can even include a bilingual staff member to accompany you and your family.
OTHER-Tax preparation, life insurance, and other services available.