please tell me more about Misawa, Japan A.F.B?

Question

Have you been there, what is it like, should I accept that offer, give me all the info you can PLEASE!

Answer 1

Misawa is a city located in Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku region of Japan. Misawa is a small city of about 43,000 people which sits on the southern shore of picturesque Lake Ogawara. The nearest city of any size is Hachinohe which is 30 to 40 minutes away by car. The surrounding area is mostly rural and quite scenic. There is some limited nightlife. Tokyo is an hour away by air, about 3 and a half hours by train, and about 10-12 hours by car.
Autumn is beautiful with pleasant temperatures, late-blooming flowers, and the changing colors of the trees. Winter gets serious in early December, peaks in January and February (20's to 30's), and starts fading near the end of March. Strong winds often intensify the cold temperatures. Snowfall is erratic, however even the heaviest snowfalls can melt quickly. Icy roads are the greater concern as the sunshine will often melt the ice and then as afternoon temperatures cool down, the water from the melted snow and ice refreezes. As the ice and snow clear and the ground dries, dust storms become a hazard near farm fields.
In early spring, the winds switch and come from the east off the ocean. Thick sea fog is common in the morning or early evening. May is usually quite pleasant with warm temperatures. However, it is usually the "calm before the storm" or in this case before the rainy season.

Answer 2

I've been to Misawa city, albeit as a civilian. It's a nice area to live if like to ski, hike, fish, etc. Lake Towada and lots of hot springs are nearby. There is a combination bowling alley/hot spring in town where people bowl wearing yukata-no joke! If you like the big city Misawa is not for you though. Like a lot of other small towns in Japan, it really is a small town-a place where young people leave as soon as they can.

You pretty much need a car to get anywhere up there. But of course as military you get a special deal on registration etc. I think relations between the AF people and the locals is much better than at other bases in Japan. Both sides make an effort to mix with each other, and the locals are happy to have the base there both for the $ it brings, and the diversity, etc. Touch and go exercises or whatever that are just an annoynance for the locals at Kadena or Atsugi are considered good entertainment and "the" local industry in Misawa!