JAPAN

Travel

VIDEO: Kamakura’s Engakuji Temple near Tokyo shines bright in autumn colors

Most of Japan has already entered the koyo, or autumn, season.

Food & Drink

Natto Beans: All about Japan’s weird fermented soy superfood

Japanese natto beans have garnered a bit more of the spotlight in recent years for their superfood and probiotic appeal.

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Exploring Japan: A look inside a sake brewery

Fukushima Prefecture’s Aizu region is famous for its sake. The Lords of Aizu clan promoted sake brewing during severe famine in the late 18th century as a way to stimulate the local economy.

Travel

MY FAVES: New year's customs in Japan

Japan is home to countless seasonal events throughout the year. Among them, however, New Year holidays, called “Oshogatsu,” are still the most important.


Latest Stories

Photo Of Sanrio Puroland lights up holidays with Hello Kitty, My Melody and more in Japan

Travel

Sanrio Puroland lights up holidays with Hello Kitty, My Melody and more in Japan

In Japan, winter means that many open-air amusement parks roll out colorful dazzling illumination events sure to keep you entertained and in the holiday spirit.

Photo Of 5 Sapporo hotels with great breakfasts

Food & Drink

5 Sapporo hotels with great breakfasts

Heading to Hokkaido? Consider staying at a hotel in Sapporo known for its breakfast offerings.


Videos


More Stories from Japan

Photo Of VIDEO: Eating in Japan: How to properly use chopsticks

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Eating in Japan: How to properly use chopsticks

You may have difficulty using them, but before giving up and asking for knife and fork, take a look at this video and practice.

Photo Of Holiday Recipe: Sweet margaritas for Christmas

Food & Drink

Holiday Recipe: Sweet margaritas for Christmas

The holidays are quickly approaching and so are the (sometimes much needed) holiday cocktails! This yummy concoction is one my family is anxiously awaiting.

Photo Of Celebrate New Year's in Japanese Oshogatsu fashion

Travel

Celebrate New Year's in Japanese Oshogatsu fashion

New Year’s, or oshogatsu, is one of Japan’s most important and longest holidays. Although oshogatsu originally referred to the whole month of January, most people associate it with the first three days (sanga nichi) of the month.

Photo Of Cycle delights: Sweets spot near Yokota Air Base worth a stop

Food & Drink

Cycle delights: Sweets spot near Yokota Air Base worth a stop

Living in Japan, you don’t need a car to travel around to get out the barracks. Riding a bike can make traveling and exploring fun here.

Photo Of Fluffy, cuddly samoyeds await at Winter Village café in Seoul’s Hongdae

Food & Drink

Fluffy, cuddly samoyeds await at Winter Village café in Seoul’s Hongdae

Seoul is home to many cafés, and in particular, pet cafés. You may have visited a cat, owl or reptile café as you’ve explored the large city.

Photo Of Section of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace opens for autumn foliage viewing

Travel

Section of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace opens for autumn foliage viewing

Autumn is one of Japan’s most beautiful seasons as the landscapes transform into fiery crimson and orange hues.

Photo Of Submit photos for Welcome to the Pacific magazine by Jan. 22, 2025

Travel

Submit photos for Welcome to the Pacific magazine by Jan. 22, 2025

Have you ever dreamed about having your photo featured on the cover of a magazine?In May 2025, 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!

Photo Of Let Stars and Stripes customize T-shirts, tote bags for you!

Community News

Let Stars and Stripes customize T-shirts, tote bags for you!

Stars and Stripes’ Printshop now offers customized T-shirts and tote bags.

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