JAPAN

Travel

Japan’s Ocean Day to be observed July 21

Japan’s Umi-no-hi, or Ocean Day, will be observed July 21 this year. This national holiday is the unofficial start of the summer season for students, but there are not official celebrations.

Travel

MY FAVES: Night views in Japan

Hang around long enough and you’ll notice that in Japan’s cities, the hustle and bustle often continues on into the night. What does change however, is the nightly glow of the streetlights and illuminations some of the major buildings host.

Travel

Finding central Tokyo: Let’s explore the city’s six wards

Finding central Tokyo sounds easy, right? At first glance, finding a city’s center seems simple. London calls its center “central,” New York claims Manhattan, and Sydney points to Circular Quay.


Latest Stories

Photo Of Exploring Japan: 4 great attractions in Hachinohe City near Misawa AB

Travel

Exploring Japan: 4 great attractions in Hachinohe City near Misawa AB

Hachinohe City, only a 30-minute drive from Misawa Air Base, is a good destination to enjoy the great weather and great attractions. Here are four great spots to visit in Hachinohe City.

Photo Of Japanese eels: Your guide to unagi & anago: Let’s dive into the depths of Japanese eels

Food & Drink

Japanese eels: Your guide to unagi & anago: Let’s dive into the depths of Japanese eels

In Japan, eels are considered a delicacy, grilled, lathered in a sticky, sweet sauce, laid over rice and enjoyed all year round.


Videos


More Stories from Japan

Photo Of SEGA STORE TOKYO Opening on July 18th: SEGA’s first flagship in Japan brings limited goods and more

Travel

SEGA STORE TOKYO Opening on July 18th: SEGA’s first flagship in Japan brings limited goods and more

Some big news has been confirmed for gaming fans: SEGA’s very first official flagship store in Japan, branded as SEGA STORE TOKYO, is set to open on July 18th 2025 at Shibuya PARCO.

Photo Of VIDEO: Take me out to the ballgame at Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Stadium

Travel

VIDEO: Take me out to the ballgame at Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Stadium

In Japan, one of the favorite summer pastimes is heading to the ballpark for a fun game of Nippon Professional Baseball.

Photo Of Taste of Japan: Walk off a hearty steak dinner in Tokyo’s Daimon District

Food & Drink

Taste of Japan: Walk off a hearty steak dinner in Tokyo’s Daimon District

For a taste of old and new Tokyo, head to Daimon, also known as Hamamatsucho, a busy business district near Tokyo Tower.

Photo Of Taste of Tokyo: Cheap and delicious Chinese lunch at Nanaban in Roppongi

Food & Drink

Taste of Tokyo: Cheap and delicious Chinese lunch at Nanaban in Roppongi

In the center of Tokyo, Roppongi and neighboring Nishi-Azabu are home to skyscrapers, embassies and many fancy shops, bars and restaurants. In the busy and flashy district, cheap eats are usually hard to find.

Photo Of A journey through Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Travel

A journey through Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Japan’s Volcanic Heartland​

Photo Of Summer survival products in Japan

Community News

Summer survival products in Japan

It’s time to upgrade your summer strategy for staying cool and hydrated.

Photo Of Dance to the beat of a traditional Japanese festival

Travel

Dance to the beat of a traditional Japanese festival

In the next couple of months, you may see people in summer kimonos gathering in local off-base parks - colorfully decorated with lanterns - to eat, drink and perform traditional dances to the beat of Japanese folk music.

Photo Of Share your ink in Stars and Stripes’ 2025 Pacific Tattoo magazine!

Community News

Share your ink in Stars and Stripes’ 2025 Pacific Tattoo magazine!

Stars and Stripes wants to feature your tattoos and the stories behind them in our next Pacific Tattoo magazine!

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