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MCAS Iwakuni

Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni runs an AMC passenger terminal in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. The official station page calls it "the only Marine-operated AMC terminal in the world," language also used in official Marine Corps photo captions. Space-A flights here are Marine-staffed AMC travel from a Japan-based Marine air station, not an Air Force aerial port. AMC lists the terminal under INDOPACOM.

Terminal contact

Address
BLDG 727, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan 96310
Hours
Mon-Fri 0700-1700L; Sat 0700-1400L; Sunday/Federal holidays/evening arrivals-departures/group travel by prior coordination. 24-hour flight recording currently unavailable.
Commercial
011-81-827-79-5509/5507/5262
DSN
(315) 253-5509/5507/5262
Sign-up email
M_IWKN_SMBIwakuniSpa@usmc.mil
Official webpage
https://www.mcasiwakuni.marines.mil/Organizations/Station/AMC-Passenger-Terminal/

Departing Space-A Flights

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Terminal FAQ

Last verified 27 August 2026. Hours, fees, and presence rules change. Confirm with this terminal’s official page before you travel. Pop’s is unofficial.

Where is the passenger terminal?

MCAS Iwakuni Passenger Terminal, Bldg 727, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan 96310.

Workbook address matches. GPS Bldg 727, not a generic “Iwakuni” or Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport pin. On base. Official USO Iwakuni page (27 Aug 2026): corner of Leatherneck Dr. and Lightning Ave. The terminal HTML does not publish a terminal-map URL.

How do I get on base / which gate should I use?

The passenger-terminal HTML does not name a Space-A gate and does not print gate hours.

From official PMO / DBIDS pages (mcasiwakuni.marines.mil, search-indexed 27 Aug 2026; direct fetch 403):

  • First-time access: Main Gate visitor’s center — passport and orders. Temporary DBIDS pass valid 24 hours, then PMO Pass & Registration for the lasting pass.
  • After-hours / weekend arrival: temporary DBIDS paper pass valid 96 hours at the Main Gate; visit PMO P&R with sponsor during business hours for the DBIDS pass.
  • Non-SOFA contractor personnel must access from North Gate.
  • PMO Pass & Registration: DSN 253-4640; Monday–Friday 0800–1200 and 1230–1600.
  • Visitor-request forms and Access Order MCASO 5500.2W are on https://www.mcasiwakuni.marines.mil/Visitor-Requests/

Non-SOFA travelers cannot treat Iwakuni as a Japan port of entry. See Customs below. CAC / DoD ID holders use a vehicle-access gate. Retirees and unescorted visitors should not assume a 0500 Sunday roll-up. Confirm with PMO / the terminal.

What are hours, phone, DSN, and email?

Hours (official terminal page — wins): Mon–Fri 0700–1700L; Sat 0700–1400L. Prior coordination is required for Sunday / Federal holidays / evening arrivals / departures / group travel.

24-hour flight recording: Currently unavailable (official contact block).

Service counter (official page):

  • Comm from CONUS: 011-81-827-79-5509/5507/5262
  • Comm within Japan: 0827-79-5509/5507/5262
  • DSN: 253-5509/5507/5262 (AMC directory prefixes this (315) 253-5509 — PACOM DSN, not a commercial number)
  • Front-desk line the page tells you to use from a local cell: 0827-79-5507/5509

Email: M_IWKN_SMBIwakuniSpa@usmc.mil (AMC directory, Space-A packet, and workbook agree). The June 2026 HTML contact block labeled “Email Space-A” did not render a visible mailbox in text extract; do not invent a second address.

Conflicts — official page wins; print the rest:

| Source (as of 27 Aug 2026) | What it prints | | --- | --- | | Official terminal HTML | Hours 0700–1700L M–F / 0700–1400L Sat; phones 5509/5507/5262; recording unavailable | | Live AMC directory | Commercial 011-81-827-79-5509 only (drops 5507/5262); DSN (315) 253-5509; same email; webpage = this terminal page | | Dated 28 Oct 2022 AMC Gram (still linked as “MCAS-I Passenger Terminal Gram”) | Hours Mon 0730–1630 / Tue–Thu 0630–1630L / Fri 0630–1830L / Sat 0730–1400L; phones 5509/5507 only; fee table $19.70 + $16.95 — dated, not current |

Do not publish AMC (312) as a commercial number. Iwakuni’s printed DSN subscriber is 253-xxxx; directory prefix is 315. Unofficial BaseDirectory hours (0630–2200 / Sun 1200–1600) are not verification.

How do I sign up for Space-A?

Submit the paperwork in the Iwakuni Space-A Packet linked from the official page, email M_IWKN_SMBIwakuniSpa@usmc.mil, and/or use the HQ AMC Space-A email form and select MCAS Iwakuni Japan (on the 40-location list). The page also has a Space-A Register electronic sign-up. If you sign up electronically, call or email the terminal to verify you were actually placed on the Iwakuni registry.

Active-duty military and federal civilians must be on leave (or pass / special liberty) to sign up. Changing the packet templates can get the form kicked back.

HQ AMC does not process sign-up. Print the completed form or confirmation. AMC Travel Self-Signup Tool is available for AMC locations.

How and when do I mark present?

The page does not use “mark present.” Remote email / electronic register is not presence. Be in person, travel-ready, with documents and all bags for the roll-call / NLT on that day’s 72-hour. Signing up is not a reserved seat.

When is roll call?

Space-A: no earlier than (NET) 2 hours 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

Space-R: standard show / roll call NLT 2 hours 20 minutes prior.

Exact times also live on the 72-hour. All flights can change. A live-index banner (27 Aug 2026 search) still described a 7 / 8 August 2026 Kadena and Seattle delay — that is a reminder PE exists and slips, not this FAQ quoting today’s board.

When should duty / PE passengers check in?

Doors NET 6 hours prior for AMC passengers.

Saturday PE, pre-manifested / booked through D/TMO/NAVPTO: check-in available 6 hours prior to ETD.

Early baggage — print both clocks on the same HTML; do not silently merge:

1. Notices block: early baggage 1430L–1630L the day prior to departure date. 2. Space-R / PE paragraph: early baggage the evening prior from 1400–1600.

Flagged on-page conflict (1430–1630 vs 1400–1600). Follow the 72-hour remarks the night before.

Early check-in requires: 2 copies of orders; military ID for anyone 14+; passport for dependents. Pets are not accepted at early check-in.

Does this terminal operate Patriot Express flights? If yes, to where?

Yes. The official page: “Our flights primarily serve bases in Japan and West Coast United States (Seattle-Tacoma, Washington only).” That is a region statement, not this week’s board. The same HTML describes AMC’s Saturday Patriot Express and a PE early-baggage process.

A dated delay banner named Kadena, Okinawa and Seattle, Washington as PE destinations in August 2026. That is not a 2026-forever rotator. Do not treat `30 Day Schedule 2025.pdf` as current. Open the live 72-hour icon. This FAQ does not quote live seats.

Where is short-term and long-term parking, max days, and pass rules?

Official terminal page: parking is across the street in the parking garage. Ground floor = short-term; upper floors = long-term.

Official USO Iwakuni (27 Aug 2026): parking is permitted only in the 4-story structure across from Bldg 727.

Max days and pass rules are not published on the HTML. Do not invent a day cap.

What lodging is nearby on-base and off-base?

The terminal HTML does not name lodging. User rule: Inns of the Corps official only.

On base (Inns of the Corps, checked 27 Aug 2026):

  • Inns of the Corps Iwakuni, MCAS Iwakuni, Torii Pines Town Center, Building 9500. Phone from USA 011-81-827-79-3221; DSN 253-3221; Fax 011-81-827-79-4861. Amenities listed: free Wi-Fi, lobby workstations, guest laundry, cable TV, fitness center. Pet-friendly is not on that listing’s amenity chips. https://www.innsofthecorps.com/Results?location=Japan

Second official MCCS lodging page (not IOTC brand listing; do not merge buildings):

  • Marine Lodge Iwakuni (MCCS) — listed as Bldg. 606, DSN 253-3181, OCONUS 011-81-827-79-3181, open 24/7, check-in 3 PM / check-out 11 AM, reservations up to 90 days out (held until midnight). https://iwakuni.usmc-mccs.org/lodging/kintai-inn

Bldg 9500 vs Bldg 606 and 3221 vs 3181 is a flagged two-property split. A dated 28 Oct 2022 Gram listed both Kintai Inn (3181) and Inns of the Corps (3221). A 2025 dual-facility lodging-manager vacancy still named IOTC Iwakuni / ML Kintai Inn. Treat them as two official desks, not one silently preferred inn. No nightly rates here (Gram rates are 2022).

Off-base: 2022 Gram hotel list is dated, not current. Confirm with the desk.

Is there a USO, food, Wi-Fi, showers, lockers?

USO Iwakuni is on the 2nd floor of Bldg 727 (official USO page, 27 Aug 2026): https://japan.uso.org/iwakuni · usoiwakuni@uso.org

Hours (USO page): Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sunday closed. Terminal counter can be open 0700 weekdays / 0700 Saturday before USO opens. Confirm in person.

Terminal HTML amenities: main floor — vending (drink machines only at the June 2026 capture; snack machines “limited due to a swap out”), DV lounge, free Wi-Fi. Second floor — kids play area, business lounge, movie, game rooms, free Wi-Fi provided by the USO.

USO amenities list: beverages/coffee/tea/snacks; CAC readers, charging, computers, DSN phone, Skype, Wi-Fi; games/PS4/Xbox; AC, baby-changing, bathrooms, children’s play area, lounge. Showers and lockers are not published on the terminal HTML or that USO list. Do not plan on them.

What documents are required?

Space-A: tourist passport (the page: Official / “No-Fee” passport is not authorized for leisure travel per FCG Section I.A). Military ID / affiliation ID. Leave / pass as required. Packet templates for EML, CAT V command-sponsorship, dependent-verification. Expired passports or IDs will not be accepted.

Duty / PE early check-in: 2 copies of orders; military ID 14+; dependent passports.

Unaccompanied minors: Space-R PE, ages 10–18, AMC Form 1004, adult to the gate and met on arrival. Space-A is not authorized for unaccompanied minors (17 and under). Minors under 10 may not travel unaccompanied.

Contractors (packet): contractors are not allowed to travel Space-A unless they are also retirees.

Have documents on your person, not packed.

What are baggage limits and Space-A/PE fees if published?

Bags (official page, Space-A block): 2 checked bags per person, 70 lb and 62 linear inches each. No excess baggage other than wheelchair, car seat, or stroller. One carry-on plus one personal item that fits under the seat.

Fees (official HTML — wins): Excess baggage / pets $125.00 each. Space-A Head Tax / Fed Inspection Fee: $40.81. Card only — cash is not accepted.

Dated 28 Oct 2022 Gram $19.70 + $16.95 is stale. Packet also prints $40.81 PE-to-Seattle, card only. Fees change; do not lock a 2025/2026 number months out.

Can I travel with pets from here?

Space-A: no. Official page: “pets are not allowed to travel via the Space-A program.” Packet repeats it.

PE / Space-R pets: check-in day of travel only (not at early baggage). Kennel before entering the terminal; health certificate and shot records. Pets stay kenneled in public/terminal areas; indoor climate-controlled pet holding is published as a courtesy. Temperature caution >85 F or <20 F. AMC Pet Pamphlet (page notes update 20 Oct 2023) and Pet Risk Acknowledgement are linked. Pet fee $125 on the HTML (Space-Required). Official DMO passenger-travel page has a separate duty-pet weigh/stamp process — that is DMO, not a Space-A pet slot.

Service animals: signed Statement of Assurance NLT 48 hours before departure; handler may be required to pay a pet fee / use a carrier.

See the AMC Pet Travel page. You own destination paperwork.

Where are schedules posted?

On the official Iwakuni AMC page (not Facebook as an official source — the June 2026 HTML did not print a Facebook board):

  • 72-hour flight schedule icon (workbook captured filename 72 Hour SlidesAUG027.pdf — a dated rotating file; re-open the live icon)
  • Roll-call icon (workbook: Roll Call SlideAUG027.pdf — same warning)
  • Iwakuni Space-A Packet
  • MCAS-I Passenger Terminal Gram (file in captures is 28 Oct 2022 — dated)

Do not open or treat `30 Day Schedule 2025.pdf` as current. Recheck the 72-hour the night before. All flights subject to change.

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Is this really the only Marine-operated AMC terminal?

That is the welcome-line the official page prints. Treat it as branding, not a second AMC directory.

Can a retiree fly Space-A *into* Japan through Iwakuni?

Not as a Japan port of entry. FCG Japan §2.4.H as quoted on the page: CIQ at Iwakuni is only for SOFA personnel during daylight hours (advance notice at other times). Non-SOFA (retired military, Japanese passport holders, diplomatic passports, DoD civilians not stationed in Japan, dependents not stationed in Japan) cannot enter Japan through MCAS Iwakuni unless on a SAM with prior USDAO Tokyo coordination. Enter via an FCG §2.4 port (page examples: Haneda, Yokota AB if entering on the PE, Kadena).

Is 24-hour recording 253-5509?

No recording. The contact block says Currently Unavailable. 5509/5507/5262 are the service counter.

Which early-baggage window is real — 1400–1600 or 1430–1630?

Both are on the live HTML. Flag and use the 72-hour. Do not pick one from this FAQ.

Can I pay the PE head tax in yen cash?

No. Credit card only.

Do I need a tourist passport if I have a no-fee official passport?

Yes for unofficial / Space-A. Official (no-fee) passport is not authorized for leisure travel.

Is the USO open at 0700 with the counter?

Not on the USO clock. USO 0800 weekdays / 0800 Saturday; Sunday closed. Terminal can be open 0700 M–Sat.

Is Kintai Inn the same desk as Inns of the Corps Bldg 9500?

Not published as one building. IOTC listing is Bldg 9500 / 3221. MCCS Marine Lodge is Bldg 606 / 3181. Dated Gram listed both. Use the desk you actually reserved.

Are showers in the terminal?

Not published on the terminal HTML or the USO Iwakuni amenities list.

What about the 2022 Gram fee and hour table?

Dated 28 Oct 2022. Official HTML hours and $40.81 / card-only / $125 win.

Can unaccompanied 16-year-olds fly Space-A?

No. Space-A unaccompanied minors 17 and under are not authorized. Space-R PE unaccompanied is 10–18 with Form 1004.

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For general Space-A questions, see the Space-A FAQ.