We finally have travel plans!!! We will be getting into Japan via the PatEx mid-September. We will be arriving with myself, my husband, three kids and two dogs- a yorkie and a lab (and a partridge in a pear tree)

What are our options for getting from Yokota to Yokosuka with the dogs?

I am pretty sure I have read that pets cannot be taken on the shuttle, correct?

My first thought was to see if anyone from the ship was staying behind and if they would mind renting a van that we would pay for and come pick us up. Are there even rental vans or duty vans that could be used? It sounds like it is an option but it also seems like that would be awful bothersome, especially when we are new to the command and don't know anyone this time.

Would there be anyway to take the dogs on trains as long as they stayed in their kennels? We are comfortable with the Japanese train system but I am not sure if they allow pets....probably not.

If all else fails, approximately what would a taxi cost from Yokota to Yokosuka if one of us took it with the dogs and the other took the kids on the shuttle bus? 

No pets on the train, sorry

I would imagine a taxi would be really expensive between the two bases, but I'm sure your sponsor can help you figure something out! We came into Narita and a van picked us and our two dogs up and drove us to Yokosuka. I have no idea where the van came from, but it was a Japanese driver and not a ship duty van. Wish I had an answer for you, but I'm sure someone else will. I don't think you'll have to resort to a taxi!

You might have to split the family up for that two hour drive from Yokota, because I don't think they will have a vehicle that's large enough for 5 people, 2 dogs, and luggage. I would suggest having the kids, luggage, and one adult go on the base shuttle bus, and then find alternative transportation for the dogs.

your sponsor should arrange a van for you. We came from Sasebo with two cats and three kids...we each had a suitcase and then the cats...they will fit.
but your sponsor should arrange that for you and also book you for the navy lodge

As Jenn said, get your sponsor to arrange a van. That's what he or she is there for. We had a van waiting for us at Narita Airport because we had two dogs with us.

You definitely wouldn't want to take a taxi.....unless you rob a small bank beforehand. And, taking a train with kids, pets, and luggage would be a nightmare. I "think" you can take pets on a train as long as they are in a carrier....small ones anyways. I saw a dog on the train today but it was in one of those doggy strollers. Nonetheless, you definitely don't want to go that route - get a hired driver in a van.

George will do it at the best price:

https://sites.google.com/site/yokotajapan/home/private-shuttle-service

superbad@i.softbank.jp
geoguc@gmail.com
09099689995

You can also get a chartered rental van from Yokota but it will run over a 100.00 I'm sure but if it's a directed move you will get reimbursed when you submit your travel voucher.

Our sponsor is underway but his wife is trying to find a van and driver to pick us up. Someone she contacted today said that they wouldn't go all the way to Yokota. I will look into some of the other options that you all have suggested. Thank you

I saw a phone number on a website to call to arrange a gov van to come and pick up families with pets. Will try find it again.

I think I foundit when I googled transport pet from yokota to yokosuka.

will let you know how it is arranged as I arrive on Aug 17th.

Pets can not ride on the official Navy buses to Yokosuka, not even in the baggage compartment. Contact your Sponsor for an assist, or contact the Bus Transportation Liaison at cfaybus@cfay.navy.mil OR by phone at 011-81-46-816-7777 (international) 315-243-7777 (DSN from the US). The bus liaison needs several days, and a copy of your orders, to facilitate a transportation assist for pets

from this website:

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/F.../index.htm

PSD has a number for a private limousine service. I know they go to Narita so maybe they go to Yokota as well. Call the people who arrange the daily bus run to Narita. The price wasn't too extravagant. They need at least 24 hours notice.

This is probably the same service that Earn mentioned up above.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the responses and ideas! You all are great and are helping our PCS go so much smoother between the info I have found in past threads as well as ?'s I have asked.

I had sent an email to George and he would do it for $200- I will keep him in mind if we need transport somewhere after we are in Japan and need to take a vehicle.

I also called the number that ALocke gave and now have reservations for us and the dogs free of charge I was not expecting that at all. He needed our orders, itinerary and number of passengers, pets and luggage to ensure they brought the right kind of vehicle. Thank you so much for posting that!!!!

Glad the info helped. amazing what you can find when you google.....

Look forward to meeting you in person hopefully when you arrive in Japan.