Kadena Air Base

Kadena Air Base · Kadena, Okinawa, Japan

E-5 rent ceiling

$2,021

O-3 rent ceiling

$2,358

Avg home price

Rent reimbursed up to the ceiling

Branch

Air Force

Air Force18,000+ military and family members

Kadena Air Base is the largest US Air Force base in Asia and home to the 18th Wing on the subtropical island of Okinawa in southern Japan. The wing has retired its F-15C/D Eagles. The permanent replacement is the F-15EX, with the first jets scheduled to arrive during fiscal year 2027, and fighter squadrons rotate through Kadena until that fleet is in place. Okinawa offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, unique Ryukyuan culture distinct from mainland Japan, and a warm climate year-round. Kadena is one of the most sought-after Pacific assignments with world-class diving, Asian travel access, and a vibrant military community.

These are 1 October 2026 DTMO rent ceilings for members with dependents, converted at that pay period’s exchange rate. OHA reimburses the rent on the lease up to the ceiling. Unused ceiling is not paid. A separate utility allowance is paid on top, and the without-dependents ceiling is 90 percent. Dollar amounts move on the 1st and 16th. Confirm the figure on the DTMO OHA lookup before you sign a lease. How OHA differs from BAH

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Where Kadena Air Base Is

Approximate installation location. Hold ⌘/Ctrl and scroll to zoom.

Neighborhoods

On-Base Housing (Kadena)

Military Housing

Up to the rent ceiling/mo

Extensive on-base housing areas managed by the base with multiple neighborhood options.

Okinawa City (Koza)

Japanese City

Up to the rent ceiling/mo

City adjacent to the base with a strong US military presence, entertainment district, and cultural fusion.

Chatan and American Village

Coastal Entertainment

Up to the rent ceiling/mo

Popular area west of the base with shopping, restaurants, and beachfront Mihama American Village.

Northern Okinawa Villages

Rural Japanese

Up to the rent ceiling/mo

More authentic Ryukyuan culture in the north with lower rents and beautiful nature.

Schools

Ratings are a planning snapshot, not an official state or DoDEA accountability score. Confirm the campus, boundaries, and enrollment with the School Liaison before you sign a lease.

Kadena Elementary School (DoDEA)

Grades K-5

On-base DoDEA elementary with excellent programs in a diverse Pacific military community.

Kadena Middle School (DoDEA)

Grades 6-8

Strong DoDEA middle school serving the Kadena community.

Kadena High School (DoDEA)

Grades 9-12

Competitive DoDEA high school with AP programs and strong Pacific athletics; rival of Kubasaki High School.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is popular and competitive. Apply immediately upon receiving orders.

Off-Post Rental Market

Off-base apartments in Okinawa need housing-office approval. OHA reimburses actual rent up to the ceiling.

Commute

Kadena is large but Okinawa is a small island. Most communities are within 15 to 30 minutes of the base gates.

Installation Highlights

Largest USAF base in Asia, preparing for F-15EX fighters scheduled to arrive in fiscal year 2027
World-class scuba diving and snorkeling in the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean
Subtropical climate with warm weather year-round and beautiful beaches
Access to Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands within a few hours by air
Unique Ryukyuan culture with Okinawan music, karate, and cuisine distinct from mainland Japan

Insider Tips

Get a Japanese drivers license as early as possible; the process takes months and you need it to drive off base.
Buy an annual park pass for the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium; it is spectacular and worth multiple visits.
Dive certification on Okinawa is affordable and the diving is world-class; prioritize it early in your tour.
Visit mainland Japan on a Space-A flight or discount airline for cherry blossom season in March and April.
Learn basic Japanese greetings and shopping phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it helps enormously.

Nearby Attractions

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (world-class)
Shuri Castle UNESCO World Heritage Ryukyuan palace
East China Sea diving and snorkeling sites
Okinawa northern beaches and Manza Beach
Island hopping to Miyako and Yaeyama Islands

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Kadena Air Base.

Phone: DSN: 634-1321
DSN: 634-1321
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm (Japan time)

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Keep Exploring

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Official sources

Government pages for this guide. Confirm the figure for the year you are filing or the orders you are executing.

Military OneSource PCS and housing

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