PURDY and FLEET REC GYMS

There are 2 main gyms on base. One is the Fleet Rec, which is by the piers and a great place to work out before work, during lunch, or after work.

The newest gym on base is Purdy Gym, which is by the Post Office. This is the one I go to. It has a large swimming pool, Cardio Room (bikes, stair masters, treadmills, etc.), raquetball courts, and a couple of different weight rooms. There are yoga and aerobics classes, and you can get massages, too, for a fee.

Upstairs is a large gymnasium.

They no longer ask that you swipe your ID card, so TDY spouses are fine. There is one room with padding for the kids, and toys with a bike, treadmill, and stair? machine. It's great, because you can work out and watch your young kid at the same time.

You can check out equipment (with ID), workout clothes, locker locks and towels.

The place gets busy around the time PT evaluations are going on in the military.

I am impressed with this new gym. I have never been to the Fleet Rec one, my husband sometimes works out there, since it is so convenient to work (you don't have to try and re-park your car, you're already there).

You can also hire personal trainers here.

CLOTHING to bring

As I have yet to finish a full year in Japan, I have not been here in the January and February months.

They are some of the dryer months, I'm told, and very cold. It's the wind chill-factor that gets you.

On my list would be a warm winter coat. One that sheds water. When it rains here, it pours. The systems tend to blow in and out, but they usually are drenchers.

Being a native Western Washingtonian, I had to learn how to use an umbrella. Seriously! I grew up with the: RUN to the car, go wherever you were going, wait a bit for a break in the rain, RUN inside the store, and keep going. A good rain coat was all you needed. Sometimes the wind here makes using an umbrella costly and foolish. The trash bins are filled with inside out, broken 100 Yen store hulks.

Since the mud puddles get big like this one on base (it's flat-land, sea level here), boots for the kids. The NEX only had girl ones when looking. Our son loves the Japanese ones. They aren't necessarily cheap, but really cute ones can be had. The Japanese children's shoes tend to be a bit wider than American ones, so they are easier to pull on. The ones I bought William weren't too tall, so for a long time this summer (rainy season here) they were his favorite pair of shoes to quickly pull on!

Layered sweater/fleece light jacket. Some older places here aren't well insulated. While you won't be staying in places like this, you may visit some. It's nice to have a warm option if you're a cold type, like me. Some eateries are so small, that every time the door opens, it's completely new outside air.

Slippers. Yes, I know... you can buy a pair at a 100 yen store. But, it's hard finding what I like here, for my size of foot. I am a woman's size 9 W. For length, that is LL here, and they don't stock those heavily. Same goes for big footed man shoes. The floors are usually uncarpeted (the humidity causes huge mold problems here) so you might have to deal with those cold floors. And a day of walking around barefoot on those floors just makes you tired. In most houses and apartments (here they call apartments mansions) there is a place just inside the door to take off your outside shoes (and cabinets for storing your shoes). Usually the floor is tile or stone. You then step-up to wood or laminate. Wood floors here are easily scratched. My son just runs around in socks.

Confused why they put slippers in the bathrooms? Your place (or restaurant you visit) might have special slippers for the bathroom. After living in a Japanese house, with Japanese toilets, I now understand. Sometimes when they flush, they spit out a bit of liquid. Ewww. I am continually anti-bacterial cleaning my bathroom floors. Traditionally, the Japanese wear slippers into the bathroom as a way of keeping those germs there, and not tracking them elsewhere.

PRESCRIPTIONS

If I were coming, I would try to have my normal re-fill supply with me. Carry them with you, and the appropriate label and bottle should show that they are for you, and prescribed by a doctor.

There is a whole list of pharmaceuticals that are AVAILABLE AT THE US NAVY HOSPITAL that was given to us so that we could see if what we are prescribed are okay to be dispensed from the Naval Hospital here. So, be mindful that some medications are restricted and they might not be able to give them to you (think controlled substances). All our meds were on that long list, so we have no problems.

I don't know what to do about diabetics. My mom has the mini-shots kind, so screening at the airport is always fun. I have several friends with the pumps who travel with supplies. I'd bring my prescription. The Naval Hospital here was awesome. One of our medications is a new one, and they had to special order it in. But it got here quickly, and have supported our continued need.

I miss Group Health!!! It was so easy getting refills through the mail. I don't see why they couldn't send it to you here, either. EXCEPT, they'd have to fill out a customs form to send you medications, and they'd have to know if it's okay, and I don't know if that's going to happen. I have never tried this. I am currently researching Blue Cross, who is going to stick me with full cost of some meds (didn't I say it was a 'new' medication?) if I don't order through the mail. I am currently researching if it is okay to do this.

When we PCSed, I had a new re-fill supply (give us time to situate ourselves) and had made a doctor's appointment with Group Health before we switched over to ask for an official Rx prescription. It was a special print-out with the doctor's scribble. I hand carried it to the pharmacy here. That way I could get my meds without having to see a doctor here, first. Of course, we now have to see the doctor here to ensure it's still what we need, as it was only for a few re-fills.

I packed in my luggage a certain amount of children's liquid medications. Japan (like our PUD water supplier out in Crosby area) doesn't fluoridate the water. Small children often get the liquid form. Can't carry too much of that liquid stuff on the plane with you, anymore! I did have a small amount of baby tylenol with me, as any kid can spike a fever during a 10 hour flight!

The NEX and commissary carry the traditional aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cold meds, children's meds. So once you are situated, and if you need it, you can get it here.

WARNING Something the Japanese will absolutely not let anyone have here is the cold medication (and some allergy drugs) that contains the drug that they make meth from. Pseudephedrine, I think it's called. Japan has strict anti-stimulant laws. Look at the label of our over-the-counter stuff, and make sure NOT to bring that type of medication with you. Sorry, gotta go with the other kind.

Spring can bring allergy season to Japan. You'll see people wearing masks, not because they are sick, but because they have allergies. Mid-march begins the blooming season here, and it lasts a long time! Plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, Japanese cedar...

The American Embassy says what the laws are.

MEDICAL CARE for PCS

This is about PCSed folks, not TDY, and especially not TDY dependents (spouses, children, etc.) the U. S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka is closest to Womble gate, and is a 'one stop shopping' type of place.

Emergency room, pharmacy, dental, laboratory, GPs, surgery, etc. For a complete list of what, and the phone numbers, go to the cfay page, click on links at the top, and towards the bottom of the list is U.S. Navy Hospital.

The emergency room experience was kind of weird. We came through the side of the hospital near the bus stop that says EMERGENCY on it, and turned to our left, and went into a small 'box.' I was told I couldn't see them, but they could see me. Someone showed up with a clip-board, and we were then assigned a curtained-off area. From that point, it was just like any other emergency room experience, except it was fast.

The clip board person will want to know your SPOUSES social security number, or at least the last four digits. They'll want to know their 'command,' which I assume is PSNS. You are definitely a DoD civilian (which they list as being folks they care for, however, being a TDY spouse or dependent... I'm not sure which way they'll go with this). They might want your spouses work phone number. Have your health insurance card ready, as well.

Rear Admiral Kelly spoke to a group of us, and promised they'll help us out over here. He also said if they don't have the specialized equipment needed, they will send you off base. A friend had to do this, and they sent her with an interpreter. But it was a pretty unique service needed. Again, I really don't know how they'll handle the dependents of TDY.

When I was here TDY, I had a cyst rupture (I didn't know it at the time). I thought I was having an appendicitis attack, without the fever. I was memorizing the Japanese words for sick and pain and hospital. I figured I'd try to get on base first to the hospital, and go from there. Hey, when you need help, you need help. And that's when you're secretly glad the Japanese study so much!!!

A friend (spouse to a DoD Civilian PCSed here) just had surgery, and said she was impressed by the US Navy hospital. For another condition they couldn't treat here, she was sent home. They paid for car and hotel while she had tests done.

At USNH, military get preference. A retired military, now PSNS employee spouse and I had to wait a WHOLE DAY in the dental emergency room to be seen for a crown that popped off. When we arrived, they explained that they are low staff (people deployed to Iraq) and that they'd try to work her in. While we waited, we watched many children be escorted back to have their teeth looked at, or cleaned. One of the kids moms said that it is such a long wait to get to see a dentist, that she wasn't going to cancel! So, there are few cancellations, and therefore took so long to get in to be seen. They told her the root needed pulled.

Eventually my retired military/DoD Civ spouse flew home to Washington state to see her dentist and have him take care of this. He re-did the crown.

So, moral of this story is, get your dental work done at home!!! I come home each year on our own dime, and one of the things I have done is my dental. I teach a dentist English here, and I have no reason to believe that dentists aren't top notch here. But, I'm pretty picky and need to trust the person who sticks drills into my mouth. That niggling tooth ended up being a pain until I got home to take care of it.

Second moral of the story: Don't get sick! If you do, it is a modern country, and you'll be fine. Some places abroad ask that you pay up-front, and sort out the rest with your health insurance later (keep that receipt!). I had to pay like that in Canada (carry-you-down-the-mountain-ski-accident emergency room visit) and Australia (strep throat Doc-in-a-Box... Group Health and Blue Cross respectively), but I used to travel a lot.

CHILD CARE

I've been asked about child care. If you are a single parent in need of child care here while TDY, unless your child is on your orders, and is command sponsored (like PCS), then (it's my understanding) they don't qualify for Military Child Care. DON'T TAKE MY WORD as ABSOLUTE TRUTH if you've been told otherwise. I asked Hourly Child Care and Home Child Care people on base, and they said TDY is not covered.

The Hourly CDC on base is wonderful. Highly trained, and wonderful people work there. I left my child there while we were in PCS transition, and when I had a doctors appointment, or just needed a break. Current immunizations and a mandatory training session for the parents have to be done before your child can attend, IF you can get a spot (there are specific times to call, two weeks ahead, and you hope you're the first one to ask).

The Main CDC is a wait-list situation, where single parent military come first, then military, then DoD PCS folk, and other civilian contractors... or something like that.

Home Care is regulated, and as part of housing contracts, people on base providing more than 10 hours of child care to anyone, HAVE to go through training and become registered. They can lose their on-base house/apartment if they don't follow this rule.

So, what are your options?

There are Japanese child care places, but I'm not familiar with them. From what I've seen, Japanese are gentle with kids and have more patience than me! Our son has gone 4 months now in an all-Japanese environment, and is picking up a bit of the language. Dame (Daw-may) means 'stop it.' :)

If it were me, I'd advertise for someone off-base who wants to do in-home child care either in the Seahawk, or post a 4X6 card outside the commissary to see if anyone wants to do this. I see a military wife in our neighborhood take care of a little Japanese girl for some extra cash.

Japanese high school kids are pretty focused on their studies and don't really do baby sitting. We are really fortunate to have a few American girls in the neighborhood who will babysit. We also have a network of friends that we trade back and forth with. You can ask around the TDY group and see if anyone wants to baby sit one night, so you can go out.

When we were TDY here, and our son was small, we just took turns going out. Even though the Japanese love kids, and there are booster seats occasionally, our son wasn't a patient type when 2. Come to think of it, he's not a patient type now!

ALARM CLOCK

Since the electricity is different, our American alarm clocks did not keep correct time.  Yes, you can buy alarm clocks here (I don't know if the apartments come with them), on or off base.  If you bring one, a battery operated one is recommended.

Just a little giggle:  We have a friend here who had gotten a PDQ alarm clock with CD player.  His kids used it as a CD player only because the alarm clock wouldn't keep correct time.  After they moved here, they noticed it was keeping the correct time!!!  

Toilet Trauma

Yes, Japanese use squat-type of toilets.  But, usually at most places, there is at least one stall with a western style of toilet.  Be prepared to wait for it.  Sometimes it's the handicapped, or family toilet that has that.  I've never been left without toilet paper before, but it's handy having along.  And there are no towels for drying your hands.  Either have them blown dry, or take along a small washcloth, as most of the Japanese do.

Convenience stores usually have toilets.  Train stations do have them.  Department stores have them.  You can always ask, toire? (TOE-ee-ray?) and they'll point the way.

Kannonzaki Park

Kannonzaki park is probably only accessible to TDY folks via bus (24 or 25), or taxi, or with a friend with a car.  Just roughly 8 or so kilometers southeast of the base, you walk up these beautiful paths and find a glorious slide (use the butt protectors!) and play areas.  We love the slide the best.  Take a picnic lunch, and make a day of it.  

The entrance to the slide is hard to find, as it is at least a kilometer hike up to it.  But there is a covered area with bathrooms and vending machines.  WARNING:  If your kid hits the emergency button that looks like a flush button in the bathroom, the re-set button is on the outside, at about eye level.   

I would rate this park for 3 and up.

I love this one the best when the ajisai or hydrangeas are in bloom.

You can also see this wonderful play ship!

Verny Park

Next to Daiei (main gate or Daiei gate) is a small place to play.  The park is named for a Frenchman who helped Japan come into the industrial age.  You can tour the re-built museum that tells the story.  I love this park when the roses are in bloom.

Mikasa Park

Exit Womble gate and make a left, and you're basically at the beginning of the park.  From the Mikasa archway, go to Womble gate and make a right.  There is a small playground there, and for a few hundred yen, you can tour the battleship Mikasa.  It was instrumental in winning the war with Russia (I didn't know this... oh, the history I'm learning and won't annoy you with... come and experience for yourself!).  There is a wooden play structure, beautiful fountains, and plenty of room for running.  There are bathrooms and vending machines.

In the Case of an Emergency

Call 119.  They'll figure out you're American, and where you are.  On base, it's 911.  They might even take you to the hospital on base.  But remember that's the emergency number.  Or, get to a koban (police box).

Okay, I've not gotten shaken up too badly since being here, but earthquakes do occasionally happen.  TDY season doesn't really coincide with Typhoon season, so no worries.  If you think you've felt a tremblor, I go to the Japan Meteorological website.  You can get it in English, and you go to the left and click on earthquakes, and within 5 minutes, they're usually posted, so I can prove to my husband that we did have one.

Yokosuka is in a bay, so tsunamis aren't as big of threat, even if one happens. 

However, if something happens, run where the Japanese are running!  You will see running man signs, and basically you 'run with the man' to the safe place.  If there is a role-call muster in your local area, do it there.  They work with the base and will let them know you are there, I'm told.  So, don't feel like you have to try to get back on base.

I do keep a bit of water and a few items like flashlights and a power bar or two, just to get through a short spell.  Better safe than sorry, is the adage I follow.

I don't post this to concern anyone, but to give you knowledge of where to go and what to do.  You must determine the best structural place, or outside place for you to be, or where your family should congregate.  It is good to make sure you know the stairs route out of your building.  When I came with my TDY husband and stayed at Hello Lodge, we took a gander at the outside emergency exit system, as well.

I love it.  At the Japanese kindergartens I've looked at, they all had slides for the kids to exit quickly the second stories.  Sounds fun to me!!!

Other Base Playgrounds

There are quaint little playgrounds on base. Like this one, off of Gridley Street, across from Sakura Heights (a tower). We love the train.  There is also one behind the townhouses on Duncan? court.  Right by the sea, you feel like your boat is on the water, as well.  Sakura Heights is the newest playground on base.  And then, behind the fences is the school playground.  It has a whole row of swings.

PLAYGROUNDS OFF BASE

There are some groovy playgrounds off base, but with less safety equipment than what is legislated in the states. However, if you're looking for a few good ones, try the small area by Daiei at Verny Park (see Verny Park post), the small boat by the main Yokosuka post office (shown here), and the bigger one by LIVIN. LIVING is a large store (think Walmart) that has a great selection. The bus that goes there from downtown is every hour or so. It is a kilometer, at least off of base, but it has a lot to it. You can shop, play, shop, play....
You will find a lot of small playgrounds here and there. Use them! If you're cooped up in an apartment with kids, get out there!!! When I lived in Paris, France, it was a part of daily life to take the kid to the park at 9:30 or 10:00. You just had to get out and let the kid roam. Kids love routine and familiarity.
The Japanese use sand, so be prepared to dump out those shoes! There are some very cool big parks to go to, as well. However, make peace with going to the local playground. I try to study Japanese or write a letter, or play a game on the cell phone while I'm hanging out.
There are beaches about. The sandy ones are over by Kamakura, so it's easy to get there by train (get the directions off the internet... CFAY site, FFSC maps link). Instead of going towards the Big Buddha, go the other way about 3 blocks, and you'll get beach! In Sandy Eggo, Wednesdays were beach days!

EATING on base

The nice thing is, they don't require ID to be able to eat on base!

At the commissary/NEX area is Baskin Robbins, Anthony's Pizza, Dunkin Doughnuts (I think), and another place to get a variety of foods.

STARBUCKS and Taco Bell are across the street.

On one of the main drags is Mean Gene's (at the bowling alley) and at 'Main Street USA' (a strip mall type row of eateries with a common seating area). A&W, Long John Silvers, Popeyes, China Wok, Subway, Cinnabon share an area. Sbarro's is right next door.

There is Mean Genes at the Rec center, and several small cafes for lunch around base.

Chili's is out by the Navy Lodge (you can take the base bus there).

McDonalds is by PSD, and has a play area inside and a small park style play area outside.

Just FYI: Finding Diet coke off base as a drink is hard. I guess Japanese aren't worried about their waistlines. Also, some places are starting to have a pour your own pop type of thing, but it is a new fad. Bottomless refills are on base, but rare elsewhere.

Getting on base

In order to get onto base, you have to either get a daily pass (sponsor has to be there when signing you on), or you can get a paper signed by the command to let you on for the period of time you'll be here. You still have to go with your sponsor (spouse) to the main gate during business hours with your passport and their ID and work phone numbers, and get the permanent piece of paper that must be with your passport to get on base.

Children under a certain age do not need this paper, they get on with your paper, but they do need their passports.

I don't know the whole process, but it makes it much easier to be able to come onto base and meet the spouse or go to the fast food restaurants, where they don't require ID.

MAIL

The post office on base is great. Send your stuff home with an American stamp on it. I have only been asked for my ID once. So, if you're concerned that as a spouse, you can't use it, yes it is a possibility.

However, your spouse has the rights to go in and use it. There is a mail drop box at several locations around base that you can put your stuff in. Boxes? Hmm... might have the ID holder in your family take care of that. Next to the NEX, the mail box looks like R2D2. There's also a box outside and inside the post office. There's one by the Navy Lodge. And, there should be some in SRF and FISC. That way, the employee can drop them off when they're on lunch.

OFF BASE big post office is a hoot. It's fun to send at least a few post cards (buy post cards on base, it's hard to find out there!) with Japanese stamps. You'll falter through, but they'll figure it out, and you spend (last time I sent) 70Yen to send a post card.


The red Japanese post boxes are everywhere.

Go to the NEX place

There are several NEX on base.  Unlike the commissary, you can accompany your spouse (with their ID card) into the nexus of the NEXES.  The ID checker gets paid about $7 an hour, so it's bad form to hassle them about this policy.  If you have a friend with an ID card, you can go in with them, as well (doesn't have to be your spouse).

The main store is next to the commissary, and has clothing, shoes, electronics, toys, books, booze, and laundry items. There's a beauty shop and flower shop, as well (don't need ID for those parts).

Directly across in a smaller building, is the NEX with the household items and kitchen goods. They also have a Japanese selection that have quality items at decent prices if you're looking for stuff to take home! Upstairs is all things for kids, like car seats, clothing, (shoes and toys are in the main NEX).

Across the street, is the furniture NEX where you can buy... rugs, lamps, furniture.

At the gas station, there are automotive needs items, and gardening supplies, along with convenience store items and booze.

Near the gas station is another NEX building that is the stationery and supply store. While the main store carries some items, if you're looking for specific envelopes, or reams of paper, this is the place to go. Plus, they also have culinary items for mass production. I believe you can buy tools here, as well.

Anything sports related, is at the NEX in the Fleet Rec center. Need tennis shoes, or a uniform? bike? this is where you can purchase those items. They also have a GNC if you're concerned about your nutrition needs.

If any of these places tell you to go off-base to find something, ask them for a store recommendation and for one of their Japanese employees to write it down for you. I had to find a special glue, so ended up at HOMES (think Homer Depot meets JC Penney home) and a nice old man gave me something that worked. Don't know if it's really what I wanted, but so far, so good. My house sign is still on the rock wall. And, it saves you from walking up and down the aisles LOOKING because you don't know the name for it. I have done MILES of walking, "looking" for what I need. Just say 'summimasen' (SUE-ME-MAW-SEN), and hand the helper the paper. They'll go with you to get it.

CELL PHONES

There are several different cell phone companies in Japan.  Docomo isn't shown here, but you can get a cell phone contract for a year.  However, you have to pay the $180 or so cancellation fee.  Bummer.  If you chose this option, you can find places on Blue street that speak English, but you still get that, "with this option for X amount per month, you save X amount, but you can cancel after one month and save X amount, and of course, there's taxes..."  So, you go away just like you do in America.  That cell phone program they advertise isn't what you're sold in the store, if you know what I mean!

However, there is a pre-paid cell phone option on base, I believe through Softbank. Go to the main NEX and the kiosk is by the DVDs. I can't find my notes on it, but you pay for a phone, and put $50 on it (about a buck a minute), so for around $80 or less (depending on the program/sale/etc.) you can have a phone for emergencies and to find each other when out and about.  

In Japan, the cell phone caller pays all fees.  Receiving a call is free.  If your spouse has a company cell phone, then have them call you!  :)

I am also told you can purchase at the NEX an international pre-paid phone card.  You dial the number, and then you can call the US for about 10-15 cents per minute.  You can call from your cell phone, and it doesn't charge you cell phone minutes, just the minutes to the states.  This is cool, because at 10 in the morning (until daylight savings kicks in again back home), it is 5 p.m. back home, and you can talk to friends who are making dinner, and keep in touch.  So, if you need that time frame, those cards are perfect for it.

I like having a cell phone.  I have dialed a number and handed it to a policeman at a koban (little Police boxes everywhere) to get myself somewhere I needed to be.  It is also good to have the ability to call base or the base accident or emergency number if you're ever in trouble.  

They also give out blue 'I'm lost' cards the size of business cards.  It is written in Japanese, and asks that you be directed back to Yokosuka base.  Haven't had to use it yet, but it is a lifeline.

The fun thing in Japan, is getting cell phone 'bling.'  Some people have many little chachkies dangling off their phones.  100Yen shops have some.  So do many of the 'cute' stores.  It is fun finding something that means 'you.'

GETTING CASH

Getting yen... there are several ways to do it.  Have cash to convert (have passport available when you go to banks or money changing places near the main gate).  You can go to the Alliance club on the second floor of the main gate building, and look for a small teller booth.  That will all be done in English.

The best ATM rates may be at the Japanese post office.  Yes, people do their banking there.  This is at the main post office in Yokosuka.  It has an English button you press, and you're set!  As any ATM away from home does, it charges you a sum for your transaction.  This is a pretty good exchange rate, but when you're talking a buck or two per hundred, you have to ask yourself is it worth the hassle?  

There are ATMS on base.  You can get yen out of the Community Bank (operated by Bank of America) outside the main gate, outside the NEX, across from FISC, and outside of the bank at the PSD building.  Just press withdraw in yen.  WARNING:  Since the exchange rate has changed, I am now going over the $300 withdrawl limit when I take out 30000 yen.  My bank has flagged my account that it might be mis-used.  You might have to call them, and set this up.  When we got here last March, it costed me roughly $282 for that much yen.  Now it's $320.

There is a Navy Federal Credit Union on base (near the bowling alley) with an ATM there, one at the NEX complex (glass doors by the commissary) and I think one across from FISC.  But, you can only get cash in American currency, which is what is used on base.

I use my debit card and get cash at the commissary when I'm checking out my groceries.

I haven't used an ATM at a local bank yet.  I have cashed in travelers checks.  They give the best rates on travelers checks (fax in the numbers, versus dealing with what to do with some American bills).  But, by the time I pay for the travelers checks and run around to do it all, unless I'm needing more than $2000, it's not worth the hassle.

TRAINS

Trains are simple in Japan... HA! Even when I've spoken the language, like in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., unless you know where you're going, it is difficult.

Even though there are small signs in English, you have to pay attention to them.  I strongly recommend getting a good map and watch for each station, so you know when to get off.  

This guide in English is WONDERFUL.  You can get them for free at the Fleet and Family Services Center on the second floor of PSD.

When you get to the station, you are confronted with a screen like this.  On the upper right hand corner is a little button on the screen to push for English.  You look onto the wall to find where you're going, and what the fare will be.  If uncertain, pick a low fare, and when exiting the train at your destination, look for the Fare Adjustment machines.  Stick your ticket in, and it will tell you how much you owe to get back out the wickets.   Those type of tickets go IN the wicket, and are sucked through, and returned to you, except when exiting, the machine keeps it.

I recommend getting the SUICA or PASMO cards.  Have a 5000 Yen to start it out with.  You just touch it to the wicket on the way in (do NOT put it in the machine!), and a radio signal tells you how much money is on it.  On the way out, it tells you how much it charged your 'account' and what your new balance is.  It takes the guess work out of how much it will be!  See the video at the end of this post for how to use it.  It makes it so simple.  Go up to the Screen, press English, and look for PASMO or SUICA (they both can be used most places, in Yokosuka, you get the PASMO variety.  Your card can be added to at any time you need more cash on it.  Again, press English, stick it in, and it should step you through the process.

Children 5 and under are free.  You just walk through the gates with them near you, and all is good.  If you have older kids 6-12, they get their own PASMO card.  If you are going to travel by train every day, get the monthly pass.  It saves about 30%.
In Yokosuka, you look for these signs for which way you want to go.  If going to Tokyo, you would want the #2 platform.  Look for trains with Green or Red kanji in a small icon on them (front, side signs).  Those are the express trains (they don't stop at every station) as the black, or LOCAL trains do. 
Some subways in Yokohama (second largest city in Japan, 25 minutes away from Yokosuka) and Tokyo (largest city, and 1 hour away) have these signs.  After 5 or so, some cars are for women only to prevent unwanted or lewd behavior.  But how does one know, when you're packed in like sardines?

There are different train lines.  Look at the different colors on the map.  When changing trains, quite often you go through wickets OUT and OFF of your train line, and one back onto another.  This is where the PASMO shines.  No stopping, thinking, and how much will it be?  Just look for your next destination sign overhead, and go for it!  This is a subway in Yokohama.  Most large stations are a labrynth.  Many have escalators and an elevator.  BUT, be ready to do steps.  Those are usually the only direct way up out, or wherever.
There are two excellent web sites to plan train trips.  One is Hyperdia and one is Jorudan.  Google these.  Hyperdia makes you look for the ENGLISH small icon on the left, but they're worth it.  Spellings of the start and stop destination train stations is imperative, but it will tell you when the next ones are, when to change and where, and the times.  Don't forget to look at the times for when you'll be coming back as well.  Some people forget the trains stop at 1 or so.  My 19 year old Japanese English student had to walk 5 hours in the middle of the night to get home when they didn't get to the train station on time.  Ouch.  If you're partying in Tokyo, go late, party all night, and catch the 5 a.m. sleeping train (joke) home.  Taxis from Tokyo are EXPENSIVE, about the same as a night at a hotel.

BEWARE OF HAWKS

The seahawks here are skilled at swooping down and grabbing food from unsuspecting kids and adults alike.

They hang out by the sea, so at the parks, get under cover while eating, or hide the food between bites. I've heard tales about this, and then our friends were outside Daiei (the mall near main gate with food store, and bakeries) and voomp, the cream filled pastry was gone! So it really does happen.

We were at the park, and these people were tossing food to the hawks. I don't recommend doing this. But, you get the idea.

PLAYGROUNDS ON BASE

The main playground on base that isn't a part of a tower or townhouses is behind Purdy gym, by the ball fields. You'll recognize it when you see it. Get off the bus at the commissary, or the Post Office and walk around to get to it.

There is a large playground at the elementary school, but until school is out, you can't really go there. Many parents who pick up their little ones hang out for a bit and let them play before having to go back to the tower.

I like this main one because there is a tot lot one. It has a special fence, and in the summer it has a cover.

There are only 2 swings at this one (bummer) and when people are having parties at the gazebos on the weekends, are crowded.

The slides are awesome, and the rubber mat is wonderful. We call this the CAT SCAN playground, as my son was pushed out of one of the top things and then proceeded to just want to sleep, and started throwing up, all classic signs of a head injury. So, we ended up having a CAT SCAN done.

There are a couple of benches and a public (always has been clean when I've used it) toilet right there. Plus, there's a Japanese vending machine near the batting cages when you need a drink.

Most kids are monitored here, as it's not near a tower or townhouse row. Those quite often are treated as play areas, as they should be, but mom might not be around, just a responsible aged kid.

Convenience Stores

Convenience stores or Konbini in Japanese (KOHn-bee-nee) are everywhere. 7-11, Lawson, and Family Mart are the most common.

I used to call them my big refrigerator. The extra quart of milk, eggs, soda or beer, it's there, and it's cold!!! Yes, you pay a bit more for the convenience.

Japan is a cash based society. So, small credit card purchases are rare. Cash is best. Some stores only take cash. Look for the VISA logo (just like in America) as to whether the store will take your card.

These places even have food to go that you look at what it is, and buy it if it looks good. These are very fresh and good. My Japanese friend tried to convince me of this before I came. She told me how they check almost hourly for freshness. After living at the Hello Lodge across from the 7-11 near Hotel New Yokosuka when my husband was TDY for 3 weeks, I can tell you that I saw the trucks come and go, and they are fresh. And when tired, and you just want to eat, a very convenient way to get food. My favorite is fried chicken chunks with rice to the side. It's like your spouse left you some food, and you just have to re-heat it.

The basement of Sakaya on blue street has really good food. More money, but quality stuff. About 6:30 it goes on half-price. So, if you're leaving the gates about that time of night, it's a good dinner.

Japan kitchens are so small that these foods that take special ingredients or a lot of time to prepare, they just buy in small quantities (for one meal). Side dish shops are common. It's like home cooking fast food, or deli sections at Fred Meyer. Don't spend the time and energy to do it yourself.