Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAG) - Misawa Air Base

3. COMMUNITY INFORMATION
THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN!
27
Return to Table of Contents
Welcome to Misawa Air Base, a great place where U.S. Forces Japan and Japan Air Self Defense Forces,
along with the Misawa Community, join together in a cooperative spirit to create one of the Pacific’s
finest military communities. Our unique location and war-fighting mission make Misawa an exciting
place to work and play.
A. LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
1. Location:
Latitude 40° 40’ N, Longitude 141° 23’ E
This is approximately the same latitude as Central Park in New York
City; Newark, New Jersey; Kearney, Nebraska; Peoria, Illinois; Lima,
Ohio; and Salt Lake City, Utah.
2. Geographical Features:
Misawa City is located in the southeastern portion of Aomori Prefecture
on the northern end of Honshu Island. The Pacific Ocean lies at its east
and Lake Ogawara on its northwest. It is surrounded by the towns of
Kamikita on the west and the towns of Shimoda and Momoishi to the
south. Misawa City is shaped like a rectangle and is 11 km wide (eastwest)
by 25 km long (north-south). It covers an area of 120.76 square
kilometers (46.6 square miles) and has an elevation of approximately 130
feet.
Misawa has an airport, train station, and Towada Kanko Dentetsu Station. Because Route 338 is along
the Pacific coastline, Misawa is a transportation focal point to go to Lake Towada, Shimokita Penninsula,
the northern part of Sanriku coast in Iwate Prefecture, or to Hachinohe, Towada, Aomori, and Mutsu
cities.
3. Population of Misawa City is approximately 44,000.
Misawa
4. The Japanese People
The Japanese are some of the most polite, friendly and courteous you will ever meet. Just remember their
culture and customs are different from ours and we are in their country. Japan is a very safe country with
very low rates of violent crime. The water here is safe to drink. Fresh fruits and vegetables (in season)
and seafood are less expensive off base and of better quality. Just wash all fruits and vegetables first.
B. WEATHER Return to Table of Contents
1. Seasonal Summaries:
WINTER: (December through February). Winter is in full force in December as the average daily
temperature drops to 35ºF and monthly snowfall totals reach 22.7”. Average low temperatures cool
to 23ºF in January and February, the coldest months of the year. Brisk winds during this season
combine with low temperatures to create unpleasant wind chill conditions. Snow shower activity
increases in January and February with snowfall totals rising to 39.7” 32.7”, respectively.