Visiting Japan Questions

[eehhhlieshhhaa]

So my boyfriend just recently got stationed to Japan, and I have sooo many questions. Done so much research I'm not sure what to believe or not because I'm getting different answers. That is one reason why I joined navyformoms seems more legit and have people on here that may know more than what i'm searching on "google" So he's been in Japan since middle of the past July, and we are planning for me to come down for seven days in December. I just want to know whats the possibility of me being able to do that or is it a waste of time even planning since he's only been there for less than 6 months. I know there are certain rules especially depending on the rate, I just want to make sure what does he need to do in order to get those days approved off when I get there because I know for me it's easier I just have to request those days off. I just don't want to plan and assume that everything is going to go well then when I show up he'll be underway or something, that'll be a bad vacation waiting to happen...eeekkkk.If anyone knows anything let me know, if you need more feedback please respond thanks!

[Anti M]

I was stationed in Yokosuka for 12 years, so I know a few things. What part of Japan? We have many bases there.

He has to put in a leave request chit for more than 3 days off. Usually a sailor puts in a leave request two to four weeks before the desired days off. It varies, he should ask his COC when the best time is to pan a visit.

Is he on a ship or on shore duty? If it is a ship, the time off will depend heavily on the operating schedule. New guys don't get to miss ship movement. He might not even know that far in advance!

If you are planning a Christmas vacation, that's not the best time for him to ask for leave. The reason is that he's the new guy, and if the people who have been there longer want the days off, he's on the bottom of the list for approval. Doesn't matter about your visit, sorry.

Around New Year's is the worst and most expensive time to travel to Japan. They don't celebrate Christmas, but New Years is the biggest holiday of the year, everything is crowded and prices shoot up. Is that the only time that you can get off? November is so much better.

[eehhhlieshhhaa]

Yeah he's stationed in yokosuka well its after the christmas holiday, yes he's on a ship and yeah he was telling me about that since he's the newbee like those that were there first are priority...like if we have to wait i don't mind I just was wondering if I will be able to see him anytime because I've been "reading" different things like i would have to wait a year or since it's overseas there's chances i'll never see him but I doubt the never seeing part. I'm not that worried, but yeah November he's actually coming back to port soon so i have to discuss that with him the only thing with me I need to get my passport asap! But yeah I also researched information about the time we are planning for me to be there it is pretty pricy. But other then that yeah I'll def let him know to request days off incase they might approve it (crosses fingers)

[Anti M]

Why would you have to wait a year? I'm ex-Navy, never heard of that one. Not unless his ship has a policy which says he can't take leave before that. He can answer that one for you! He can also ask about special liberty, which can give him up to four days off, then work a day, and then maybe go on a relaxed schedule. Not every work center can or will let them do this, but if he's one of their hard workers, it isn't impossible! Explore every possibility. And if he gets to know married sailors, there's always a couch somewhere to stay a night or two...

Get your passport, you know you'll need it.

Japan is pricey, but he might be able to get a room at the Navy Lodge. It does get crowded, but he can try.

[eehhhlieshhhaa]

Thanks yeah since he's underway right now I'm doing as much research as I can I tried going to the Navy lodge website but it says that I would have to contact them directly about availability on rooms but I'll let him do that.. yeah i've been doing a lot of researching transportation from airport to base, I just want to be prepared especially my first time out of the country and my boyfriend only being there for almost three months he probably doesnt know that much about Japan as well but yeah thanks soo much ill def keep in mind the information you gave me to let him know too because it just seems that when it comes to visitations seems strict but i guess it all depends right? Hopefully we will figure something out and plus i am going there instead of him coming back to states so hopefully itll be more easier