Stripes Japan

Japanese children in traditional cloth for Shichigosan.

It all adds up on Japan’s 7-5-3 Day

If you visit a Japanese shrine or temple in November, you will likely see a lot of young children dressed in beautiful traditional attire and holding colorful envelopes filled with candy.

Dig into tasty oyakodon, other Japanese washoku dishes at Sansui in Mito City

From late February to early March, visitors head to Mito City’s Kairakuen traditional Japanese garden to marvel at the bright pink plum blossoms.

Kanazawa, Ishikawa - A taste of old Japan

While cities like Kyoto and Nara often steal the Edo spotlight, Kanazawa has quietly preserved the charm of the era, all without the tourist crowds. Historic tea houses, narrow winding streets and one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens, all in a city that blends the feel of a small town with the perks of modern conveniences.

Travel

Day trip to Japan's beautiful Mt. Takao

In the Kanto Plain, one of the go-to places for hiking is Mt. Takao in Hachioji City. Every year, this peak draws over three million climbers and is even in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Latest Stories

Travel

Get your photos published in Welcome to the Pacific magazine, deadline Jan. 25, 2026

In May 2026, the next edition of our annual Stars and Stripes Welcome to the Pacific magazine will hit the streets, and we’re looking for you, our readers, to help make it the best ever!

Travel

Appreciating convenience of Japan and Korea’s convenience stores

Now that I live in Japan, I see the similarities and differences between the two country’s convenience stores.

Videos

VIDEO: Meet cute small creatures at animal café near Camp Zama

Dogs, cats and other cute animals can provide stress-relief thanks to their lovable faces and gestures.

Travel

Edo’s Inked Heroes: Edo Firefighters

Legends, tattoos and the art of bravery.

Food & Drink

Taste of Japan: Sample succulent tonkatsu pork cutlet in Tokyo’s Oimachi District

Oimachi is an important transit hub town in the south side of Tokyo’s city center on the way to Haneda, Odaiba and Ariake.

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Speakin’ Japanese: I’m full!

A meal always is better and fills you up when enjoyed with friends.

Travel

Potty talk: ‘Toilet situations’ in Japan that shock foreigners

Naturally, different countries have different cultures! One of the things related to culture is the “toilet situation.” You may ask, “Isn’t a restroom always the same in every country?” What about it?

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Inside look at sushi restaurant in Japan

Ubiquitously located within Japan, kaitenzushi, or conveyor-belt sushi joints, are something you can’t miss. A popular spot for a quick lunch, sushi here starts at as little as 100 yen a plate.