Getting Around As Comfortably As Possible

Backpack Comfortable Walking Shoes Band-Aids (you will be walking a LOT, having these on hand helps) Sunscreen (if you arrive between March-Sept, to prevent sunburn while you are walking) Nice clothes for going off base, such as a polo and slacks, or jeans and a nice shirt without "American" writing or logos on them There will be some time between your arrival, completion of the required two-day briefs, studying for and passing your written driver's test, and finding and acquiring a vehicle, so you will definitely want some comfortable walking shoes and a backpack to carry your things in. The base is small, but if you aren't accustomed to walking several miles over a day's time, you will definitely appreciate having these things. You'll also find that an umbrella and sunglasses are handy, but you can pick these up at the Exchange. You can buy backpacks in the Exchange, but the variety is very limited! For one of the briefs, you will be taken off base to get a taste of the local culture. You will need to dress appropriately for this (polo style shirt and slacks, or jeans and nice shirt, or nice shorts and nice shirt, you get the idea), and bring about 5000 Yen with you (which is roughly $50, you can use your regular ATM card in the Community Bank ATM to withdraw funds in Yen from your checking/saving account).