Anyone on here have any opinions of Iwakuni? I'm being considering for a civilian contractor position right now. We orginally wanted something in the Tokyo area but I was thinking this may be a good "get the foot in the door" opportunity.

Well, any good is just an opinion, isn't it?  Check their web site.  Personally, I find the small-town atmosphere to be a real kick.  For big city action Hiroshima is just a short train ride away.  The base is clean and has everything you need.  The people are friendly and the cost of living is low.

I once met some guys that were stationed there. They told me they actually hated it, because they wanted more excitement. There was only a few places to hangout, and go party. Its a very small town I heard..

One day, I hope to have all that information/restaurants/etc available on this website.. There really isnt a good website to find off-base information, and that is what I am trying to uncover.. Information through base websites, only provide official information, and cannot help or promote commercial establishments. I just want people to find information quickly.. Hopefully some people from Iwakuni can shine some light on restaurants for you, and give you some valuable information..

We live in Iwakuni on base and really like it. We also have a four year old, so wild party nights are out anyway. For date nights, my husband and I will often take a train to Hiroshima, about an hour away. Other than that, there are a lot of good restaurants around town and the base has everything you need. We like going to Coco's for Japanese curry, Ganesh for Indian curry, and there are a boatload of Japanese BBQ places. If you do come, be sure to go to California Chicken right off base. Absolutely the best chicken you will have!!! Because it is a small town, the locals are used to Americans and you can find many who speak English. The shopping isn't that great, but that's what the internet is for, right? If you need any more info, let me know.

Iwakuni is a beautiful place. I was there for 3 months and there is much to see and do. There a many old Japanese castles around the area that have tours. Some of them are a hike up a long trail to the top of a hill, but well worth the trip. There are many historical places and if you get a chance go see them all. As was mentioned above Hiroshima is about an hour by train and visiting the sites there is educational...although I felt about as big as a bug when visiting some of the memorials.

I absolutely love Iwakuni. I plan on never leaving. I believe whether you like Iwakuni, depends on your attitude towards life, and what stage in your life you are at. Many young marines that do not enjoy being here are not looking too far for entertainment, as the single Marine program is awesome. I have children in the school here, one actually graduated last year, and I hope to be here until my other son graduates. There is so much history to see, and small town atmosphere. Most people out in town do not speak english, so it really helps to learn some of the language. I love antiques, and good food, and wonderful grocery stores out in town. The produce off base is awesome. Any questions please ask. Good luck !!

 

How refreshing to read that at least someone likes it in iwakuni , i'm coming with an open mind i love travel and to explore so im looking forward to our pcs there in may !

i have a question how hard is it to find babysitting ? and or a nanny ?

I was in Iwakuni from 97 to 01, I love it!!! I spend most of my time in Hiroshima. I participated in many activities on base and off base, and took advantage of the single Marine program.

I was part of a group called 'Fascinacion Latina", we did dance performance all over Hiroshima at the local clubs, and festivals.

For young sailors & Marines looking for action, this is NOT the place to be. I agree with the earlier comment that the Single Marine Program is very good. Many of their trips are about 1/2 price of what it costs through ITT (MWR). If you want a laid-back environment, easy access to Japanese culture, and a genuine experience this is the place to be. The base is quite small; it has all you need but not much variety. I drive to Hiroshima in 45-60 minutes and that is a very cosmopolitan environment. I had to do all my furniture shopping up there, but all the stores there deliver to Iwakuni for free. Truthfully, the place is just a bit TOO slow for my taste but I still like it. My wife absolutely loves it!

Re: Babysitting. There are the regular crowds of girls and young moms who will babysit and usually you will find one, but I regularly see people who just can't find a sitter when they need. This is esp true around the Marine Corps Birthday/Navy Ball time, but sometimes it's just plain tough to find a sitter. Prices seem high to me, $8-12 per hour per kid is what I usually see. But I have no kids & I'm not in the market so maybe I'm wrong. Some parents exchange sitting services for each other to save money.

i honestly do not care of the price when it comes to someone watching my child , i just want awesome care for him while im doing my shopping or just having an hr to myself ...looks like im going to have to be doing some serious searching for child care !

I was stationed there as a Marine for 6 mo. in 88-89, then requested to go back for my last year in, even extended my contract to do so.  Iwakuni is the sticks by Japanese standards, but its all relative.  Like others have said, Hiroshima and Miyajima, major tourist attractions, are only 45 min away by train.  I taught English in Hiroshima and it changed my life.  Got my degree in International Studies-East Asia on the GI Bill, went back and studied in Tokyo, taught English in Nagoya for 5 years, and worked for a Jaanese airline.  If you think I'm a little extreme , maybe so. But check out Face Book and type in MCAS Iwakuni.  Click on all the people who recall the big and little memories from their "glory days" there in Iwakuni.  People from the late 60's thru now recall the place w/ fondnes, so it can't be all bad.  Just get off base and explore.  The rest will be yours to write home about or tell your kids/grandkids.  Email me at ramblinroundrob@hotmail .com, if you have more questions!  Rob

I came here as a civilian contractor almost a year ago and have loved it! You get the overseas experience, it's a great cultural experience, and I have kids that love it, too. There is the small town atmosphere that is safe, friendly, and way better than American bases with safety issues back in the states. I would do it again and again, and haven't regretted the decision yet. We're not ones to get drunk every night. Instead, we want to travel, see new cultures, work in the govt system, and see new things. Iwakuni is a safe, friendly place where you can do all of that.