The rain season is finally over in many parts of mainland Japan. Officials with the Japanese Meteorological Agency declared the Kanto, Yamanashi, Nagano, Hokuriku and southern Tohoku regions to be out of the wet tsuyu climate on July 18.
A 3.5-hour train ride from Tokyo, Fukui Prefecture is known as Dinosaur kingdom as 80 percent of Japan’s dinosaur fossils are found in the prefecture.
A mile off Yokosuka Naval Base’s shore you’ll find Sarushima, or Monkey Island. Unfortunately, the name is where the relation to monkeys ends.
Oshino Village is home to a set of eight ponds that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.
The Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center Shizuoka in Fujinomiya City is within a 2.5-hour drive from most military bases in the Kanto Plain and is a great place to learn about the majestic symbol of Japan.
Experience the tradition of indigo-dyeing near Lake Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture.
“Japan Airlines’ planes are very clean; the staff is very friendly and attentive.” - Luis Andrade, NAF Atsugi
“Misawa Inn is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Quiet and relaxing, away from big city noise.” - Alexandra Robinson, Camp Fuji
Fireworks highlight night skies in Japan nearly every weekend in July and August, as more than 80 fireworks festivals are held nationwide.
A 2.5-hour drive from Misawa Air Base will take you to Cape Oma in the Shimokita Peninsula, the northernmost point of Honshu with a scenic landscape of blue ocean of the Tsugaru Strait and white silhouette of Hokkaido.
Near the bustling Ueno Park, there is a historical building on a quiet hilltop among trees, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore the legacy of one of Japan’s richest families.
Japan’s rest areas are more than just gas stations and bathrooms. Many offer an extensive assortment of local foods, souvenirs and more.
Besezaki, or Cape Bise, is located at the northwest corner of Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island. It is known for its beautiful beach and unique landscape.
When François Verny and other French engineers founded Yokosuka Iron Works in 1871, it became Japan’s first Western-style shipyard with dry docks.