Camp Zama

Branch: U.S. Army
Location: Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Installation Type: Camp
Status: Active

Overview

Camp Zama is the headquarters of U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) and the Japan Area Support Group (JASG), located in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. The installation sits on land that was formerly a Japanese Imperial Army academy and was occupied by U.S. forces following World War II, with the current base formalized in 1950. Camp Zama serves as the primary U.S. Army command and administrative hub in Japan, maintaining close coordination with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Serve as the headquarters for U.S. Army Japan (USARJ), providing command, control, and administrative oversight for U.S. Army forces throughout Japan, and supporting U.S.-Japan alliance operations.
Major Units: U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) Headquarters; 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) — historically associated, verify current status; Japan Area Support Group (JASG); 500th Military Intelligence Brigade.
Tenant Units: Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) elements; U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) support units; Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Camp Zama (shared cantonment); various U.S. and joint tenant organizations.

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Sagamihara and Yamato (immediately adjacent); Tokyo approximately 40 km northeast; Yokohama approximately 25 km east.
Nearest Commercial Airport: Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), approximately 80 km northeast; Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), approximately 45 km east. Yokota Air Base (U.S. military terminal) approximately 50 km north.
Gate Access: Access requires a valid CAC, SOFA status identification, or sponsored visitor pass. The Visitor Control Center (VCC) processes visitor passes during duty hours. Non-U.S. visitors (Japanese nationals) must be sponsored. Gate hours and access procedures are managed by the Japan Area Support Group (JASG) Directorate of Emergency Services.

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 1,500-2,500
Family Members: Approximately 2,000-4,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,000-2,000 (U.S. and Japanese national employees)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 5,000-8,000 (including JGSDF personnel sharing the cantonment)

Key Facilities

Medical: Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center (KACC) — provides primary and some specialty outpatient care for SOFA beneficiaries; referrals to Landstuhl (Germany) or U.S. for complex cases; Sagami General Hospital (Japanese) available for emergency care.
Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary operated by Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA).
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — AAFES main store, Class VI, food court, and specialty shops.
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness centers, indoor pool, outdoor sports fields, bowling center, golf course (Camp Zama Golf Club is a well-regarded installation facility), skeet range, and Camp Zama Community Club.
Schools: DoDEA Zama Middle/High School on post; Zama Elementary School serves younger students. DoDEA schools serve all K-12 military-connected students at Camp Zama.
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on post; School Age Services (SAS); waitlists are common — register early through the Child & Youth Services (CYS) portal.
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) at Camp Zama — provides routine care, vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates for pets; essential for navigating Japan’s strict import/export requirements.
Legal Assistance / JAG: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA) — provides legal assistance by appointment; services include wills, powers of attorney, and legal advice on SOFA-related matters.

Housing

On-Post Housing: Government quarters available for accompanied service members; housing on Camp Zama and nearby Hardy Barracks (Tokyo) and Sagamihara Housing Area; managed by U.S. Army Japan housing office.
Average Wait Time: Waitlists for on-post family housing are common; average wait time varies from a few weeks to several months depending on rank and unit of assignment.
Off-Post Housing: The Zama, Yamato, Sagamihara, and Atsugi areas have a range of Japanese apartments (manshon, apartment) and single-family homes. Average rent ranges approximately 100,000-200,000 JPY/month for a 2-3 bedroom unit; higher near train stations and in sought-after neighborhoods.
BAH Rate Reference: Check current Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Sponsors are assigned through the gaining unit; contact the unit S1 or rear detachment to request a sponsor before travel. The Japan Area Support Group (JASG) Relocation Readiness Program can assist with the pre-arrival process.
In-Processing: Report to the Installation In-Processing Center (IPC) during duty hours; in-processing covers finance, legal, medical, housing, and administrative requirements. The USARJ Welcome Brief is mandatory and provides essential SOFA, UCMJ, and cultural orientation information.
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): EFMP enrollment screening is required prior to PCS for family members with special needs. Japan has specialized services available but resources vary; EFMP screening at the losing installation is critical. Contact ACS EFMP coordinator for current procedures and availability.

OCONUS-Specific Information

SOFA Status: U.S. forces in Japan operate under the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed 1960. The SOFA governs jurisdiction, facilities and areas, taxation, customs, and the legal status of U.S. personnel and their authorized dependents. Japan SOFA is one of the more comprehensive bilateral SOFAs the U.S. has in the Pacific region.
Host Nation Rules: Personnel are subject to Japanese law off-post. Japan has strict laws regarding narcotics (including some substances legal in U.S. states), weapons, and public behavior. Driving under the influence (DUI) standards in Japan are stricter than U.S. standards. Shoplifting and minor violations are taken very seriously and can result in Japanese prosecution. Personnel should review the USFJ General Order 1 equivalent and cultural awareness briefings during in-processing.
Curfew Policy: U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and USARJ impose curfew restrictions on assigned personnel. The standard off-post curfew is typically 0100-0500 local time for all SOFA personnel, unless traveling for official duty. Curfew violations are a serious disciplinary matter. Check the current USARJ or USFJ policy for the most current curfew hours, as these are subject to revision.
Ration Card / Customs: Japan does not use a formal printed ration card system in the same manner as Korea, but purchase limits and duty-free controls exist. Commissary and AAFES purchases are restricted to authorized SOFA personnel. Resale or transfer of duty-free goods to Japanese nationals is prohibited and can have legal consequences under the SOFA.
Vehicle Registration & Licensing: POVs may be imported to Japan but must comply with Japanese vehicle safety standards (JCI – Japanese Compulsory Insurance and shaken inspection may be required). USARJ issues USFJ driver’s licenses; U.S. state licenses are not valid for driving in Japan outside of base. An international driving permit (IDP) from a Japanese-recognized country may be used temporarily; however, SOFA personnel typically use the USFJ license. Left-hand traffic (driving on the left side of the road) applies throughout Japan.
Language & Culture: Japanese is the official language. English is moderately available near military installations and in larger cities, but off-post in suburban or rural areas, Japanese language ability is very helpful. Japan’s culture emphasizes harmony, respect, punctuality, and social courtesy. Removing shoes before entering homes is standard. Bowing is the standard greeting. Japanese language classes are available through ACS and the Education Center at Camp Zama.
Currency & Banking: Japanese Yen (JPY) is the local currency. On-post banking options include a Community Bank branch and ATMs. Japan Post Bank ATMs at Japanese post offices accept foreign cards. Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted, though cash remains important in Japan, especially at smaller businesses.
Travel Restrictions: Japan is generally open for leisure travel; U.S. SOFA personnel may travel freely within Japan on leave/pass. Travel to neighboring countries (South Korea, China, etc.) requires a valid passport, command notification, and leave approval. No specific travel ban areas within Japan for most personnel, though Okinawa and other sensitive areas may have specific local guidance.
Mail: APO address: Unit PSC box, APO AP 96343 (Camp Zama). Mail is processed through the U.S. Postal System APO network. Standard mail delivery from CONUS typically takes 10-21 days; Priority Mail approximately 7-14 days.
Pets: Japan has strict pet import requirements. Dogs and cats must be microchipped (ISO 15-digit standard), vaccinated against rabies twice (first vaccination then a booster at least 30 days later, with both vaccinations documented), and must have a negative rabies antibody titer test result of at least 0.5 IU/mL taken at a Ministry of Agriculture-approved laboratory no sooner than 180 days after the second vaccination and no more than 2 years before arrival. All documentation must be pre-approved by the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS). Failure to meet requirements may result in up to 180 days quarantine at the owner’s expense. Planning must begin at least 8 months to 1 year in advance. The VTF at Camp Zama can provide detailed guidance.

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons; hot, humid summers (June-September) with a rainy season (tsuyu) typically June-July; mild, relatively dry winters; cherry blossom season in late March to early April is spectacular. Typhoon season is June-October.
Cost of Living: High by global standards; the greater Tokyo-Yokohama area is one of the most expensive regions in the world. On-post facilities mitigate daily costs significantly. Local dining and markets are excellent but can be expensive; convenience stores (konbini) offer affordable meals.
Nearby Attractions: Tokyo and its neighborhoods (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara) approximately 40 km; Kamakura’s Great Buddha and temples approximately 30 km south; Hakone and Mount Fuji views approximately 70 km west; Yokohama’s Chinatown and harbor approximately 25 km east.
Spouse Employment: On-post employment opportunities include AAFES, DeCA, NAF positions, CYS, and contractor roles. Remote and telework opportunities have grown. Local Japanese employment requires Japanese language proficiency and work authorization; spouses may work under SOFA status provisions in some categories. ACS Employment Readiness Program assists spouses.

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.zama.army.mil/
Main Installation Phone: DSN 263-4500 / Commercial +81-46-407-4500 (approximate — verify through official channels)
MWR Website: https://zama.armymwr.com/
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Army Community Service (ACS), Camp Zama — contact through installation operator; provides relocation readiness, EFMP support, financial counseling, and employment assistance.

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: U.S. Army Japan (USARJ); Japan Area Support Group (JASG); www.zama.army.mil; zama.armymwr.com; DTMO OHA rates; DoDEA school locator; USFJ SOFA documentation; Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) guidance; IMCOM Pacific, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law