JAPAN

Travel

Holiday cheer delivered via truck in Aomori, Iwate Prefectures

If you find yourself anywhere outside of Misawa Air Base, around Aomori Prefecture, this holiday season, you may come across a peculiar sight.

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Okoge Pasta a taste of Italy with Japanese twist

Okoge means “burn” in Japanese. The chef, who lives in Japan, used the Japanese word to describe the unique texture of this pasta.

Travel

‘A Bunch of Stuff’: A visit to Johnny Depp art exhibit in Tokyo

Catching up on the local news recently, I came across an article about actor Johnny Depp visiting Japan.

Travel

Head into The Upside Down for one last Stranger Things pop-up in Tokyo’s Shibuya until Dec. 28

Although the mega-hit Netflix series Stranger Things is drawing to an end, if you’re in Tokyo, you have a chance to head back to Hawkings, Indiana, one more time at VA | STRANGER THINGS HOUSE, a themed pop-up in Shibuya for a limited time.


Latest Stories

Photo Of Best stollen in Tokyo for Christmas 2025

Food & Drink

Best stollen in Tokyo for Christmas 2025

The coziest winter dessert is back for Christmas.

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

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!


Videos


More Stories from Japan

Photo Of Only in Japan: Vending machines that go way beyond drinks

Food & Drink

Only in Japan: Vending machines that go way beyond drinks

From coffee to rare collectibles, here’s what Japanese vending machines offer.

Photo Of Japan Kitchen: Popular Japanese side dishes to try

Food & Drink

Japan Kitchen: Popular Japanese side dishes to try

Eat like a local, and try one of hundreds of options of tsumami dishes you’ll find at many restaurants around Japan.

Photo Of VIDEO: Exploring Japan: Inside look at a sushi restaurant

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Exploring Japan: Inside look at a sushi restaurant

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.

Photo Of Through Korean eyes: Over-tourism something I won’t miss about Japan

Travel

Through Korean eyes: Over-tourism something I won’t miss about Japan

While I thoroughly enjoyed stunning destinations, culture and cuisine during my visit to Japan, there are some aspects I won’t miss. 

Photo Of Four-day escape to Japan

Travel

Four-day escape to Japan

Feeling the itch to escape Korea for a few days, I booked a ticket to Japan on Korean Airlines using miles and spent four days exploring solo.

Photo Of Where to check out illuminations in Japan

Travel

Where to check out illuminations in Japan

Here are the winter illuminations and Christmas market locations across Japan.

Photo Of VIDEO: Discover the beauty of Japan’s Fuji Five Lakes

Travel

VIDEO: Discover the beauty of Japan’s Fuji Five Lakes

Described as a “sacred place and source of artistic inspiration” during its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fuji Five Lakes area is home to natural wonders like Mt. Fuji, the pristine lakes, eight ponds of the purest water and cultural wonders like villages of traditional homes and buildings.

Photo Of Japan's fun year-end tradition Bonenkai great way to celebrate with friends, coworkers

Food & Drink

Japan's fun year-end tradition Bonenkai great way to celebrate with friends, coworkers

What do sake, neckties, coworkers singing and the end of the year have in common? Bonenkai!

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