Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan -- The Cultural Adaptation Program here offers guided bus tours to local attractions at minimal cost to participants the first and third Fridays of every month.
The tours are designed to familiarize new arrivals with the air station and other local venues, but are also open to those who are interested in traveling and exploring Japan.
“Although the tours are meant for new arrivals, they are also open to all Status of Forces Agreement personnel and their dependents age 5 and older,” said Hiroe Ruby, Information and Referral specialist. “Active duty service members can sign up for the Friday tours, regardless of how long they’ve served here, as long as they request permission through their immediate chain of command.”
Active duty service members will not be charged leave or required to request special liberty to go on a tour.
However, they must go to the Information and Referral Relocation Office in Building 411 and receive an authorization form to give to their chain of command confirming their participation.
Up to 40 people can attend each tour on a by-reservation basis only.
The bus tour begins with a brief orientation of the station and different programs offered by Marine Corps Community Services.
The bus then proceeds to one of many destinations selected by the Cultural Adaptation Program.
The destinations include Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Kintai Bridge, Aeon and Alpark malls and the Chicken Shack in Yanai.
“We recommend participants bring at least 5,000 Yen for their personal expenses on each tour,” said Taeko Yokoyama, Youth Cultural Program event coordinator.
The bus ride is free for participants, but participants must pay for their own meals and other transportation, such as the ferry ride to Miyajima.
Dates are subject to change if the first or third Friday of each month falls on a U.S. or Japanese holiday.
In case of inclement weather, the tours will go to shopping malls in Hiroshima.
“It’s great that the base offers free tours like these,” said Pfc. Justin R. Codes, a new arrival here who participated in a recent tour to Miyajima. “Thanks to this program I was able to taste Japanese culture for the first time and explore a place I probably would have never known about.”
Questions about upcoming tours can be directed to the Information and Referral Relocation Office by calling 253-6161. All reservations must be made in person.