Okay... while not in the past 10 years as requested, much of what I have to say is still relevant, even tho it was back in the day when the dollar was actual worth something.
I spent 6 years at Yokota AB ('70~'76) which was a very busy place during the Vietnam era, and 7 years at Kadena AB in Okinawa ('84~'90). Even today I would jump at the chance to do it again. Be warned, it's expensive, very expensive. The Yen is now hovering at 90 yen to the dollar. Years ago 100 yen equaled 23 cents. Goes to show you what the world thinks of our dollar.
You will not be able to take your car. Buying a car over their is also an expensive proposition. Most buy older cars, but the 2 year inspection and yearly road taxes will be a lot higher than what you pay here. The two year inspection is expensive... they go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb and fix everything that is broken. The JCI (Japanese Compulsory Insurance) also has two be bought in two year increments at the time the car is inspected, adding to the cost. Many GI's buy a used car 5~6 years old from a dealer near the base that caters to the service people. If they take care of it, it will last the entire tour. Many people junk their cars instead of going through the inspection and the costs involved. They find it cheaper to find a used car on the base lemon lot and buying a car that has a current inspect and JCI.
Most GI's suffer a huge financial loss going overseas because of having to sell their cars, renting/selling their homes etc and the cost involved in making the move. Check around with the guys you work with... many actually dread the move because of the expense, and many with over 20 years service will opt for retirement earlier than they had planned rather than take the assignment, even tho they get extra pay in the form of a cost of living allowance, overseas pay etc. It's not a move to be taken lightly.
Many GI's never stray far from base because of the expense and for a variety of reasons such as being afraid of being in a very stange place they do not understand. Many of the younger troops spend their time in the bars that cater to them downtown. The exception to the rule being a trip or two to downtown Tokyo by taking a 40 minute train ride to see the Ginza, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower and other sights around the city that it has to offer. The extent of off base travel for many is traveling to the different bases within a few hours of each other to see what the other base exchanges have to offer that theirs doesn't The Yokohoma, Yokouska and Atsugi Navy bases are favored weekend destinations for just that reason. The Navy Exchange is different from the Army and Air Force exchange system and offers many things you won't find at Yokota.
It's a cultural shock for sure. If you land during the hot and humid summer months, your nose will tell you immediately, as you step off the plane, that you have arrived in the Land of the Rising Sun (after a day or two you get used to it). Get out and enjoy your experience. Road signs and train station signs are in both Kanji and English which makes traveling easier. It's a beautiful country with many, many historic sites such as temples, shrines and castle that are well persevered and hundreds of years old... much older than anything this country has to offer. There is much to see and do around the base and the many festivals are something to experience. New Year's most women dress in kimonos as they go to visit shrines and temples to pray for good fortune in the up coming year. The summer Tanabata Festival held in Fussa and throughout the country is also an experience. The Oban Festivals and traditional dancing in the streets and parks in late summer is another experience you'll see across the country in smaller towns and villages.
Be sure to take a several day road trip, or do it by train to visit the temples and hot springs (co-ed bathing can still be found in some small places) in Nikko, home of the three monkeys of hear no evil, speak no evil and see no evil fame....
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3800.html Also plan a 3~5 day trip to the old capitol city of Kyoto and Nara with their many sights and points of historical interest. The city is a living history book and old culture. It's also one of the most cleanest city in the world that you'll ever visit....
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.htmlThe easiest and fastest way to make the trip to Kyoto is via the Shinkansen (Bullet Train)....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen You take the train from Fussa Station which is a short taxi ride from Yokota to Tokyo Station where you board the Bullet Train. It's an expensive experience in itself. It's very fast... quicker and more comfortable than flying. Cost for a round trip ticket is right at 27,000 yen, which at today's exchange rate is close to $300.00. The Shinkansen drops you off in downtown Kyoto by the Kyoto Tower within walking distance of several hotels and small Japanese style inns called Roykans.
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/abou ... /index.htmOnce in Kyoto you'll spend much of your time walking and taking buses and taxi's to your various destinations. Many of your trips can be planned and reservations can be made at the USO travel office on base.
If you're not an adventurer and don't plan to get out and experience the country... you would be well advised to decline the job offer. If you love travel and are willing to stray farther than a few miles from base... jump at the chance to go. I wish I had a skill that would enable me the opportunity to go back working for the military over there.
I liked it so much, that when I retired from the AF, I stayed on an extra two years at Kadena AB (even tho it does not come close to anything found on the mainland). I worked as a civilian for MWR at the Kadena Marina driving a small deep sea fishing boat catching mahi-mahi, wahoo, bonita, large jacks and an occasional sword. I also did dive charters when not fishing. Low wages made it very difficult, even with my AF retirement, so I had to throw in the towel and come back to the US.
Some may say it's un-patriotic or un-American, but if I had the chance... I would spend the rest of my days over there. The lack of crime, culture, beauty, history and the willingness of the locals to point you in the right direction when you get lost won't be as prevalent anywhere else as it is in Japan (especially the farther away you travel from the big cities).
Check out the links on the right side of the page, it will give you some insight of what to expect from the military point of view....
http://www.yokota.af.mil/One final word... if you don't plan to get out and really explore the cities and rural country side, pass up the assignment. Once you get there, you'll hear many people complaining and moaning while they count down the years, months and days until their assignments are up and they can return to the "World". They key is to learn a little of the language which will really impress the locals by showing them you care and then get out and explore.
I almost forgot... Yokota is a great jumping off point for places to visit such as Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines. The USO offers special rates and tours to different places throughout the Far East. Believe it or not, a trip to Hong Kong during Christmas was one of the most popular tours.
Sorry for the long post, but it just goes to show how much I enjoyed my time over there.
Good luck and I envy your chance to go!! I wish I had the money to go, even if just for a few weeks vacation.
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