Shunan City is a short, one-hour drive from MCAS Iwakuni and has many attractions on a nice daytrip.

I like trains a lot. They have played a major role in my life. Not to brag, but I know almost everything you would need to know about trains in Japan, from JR to private railways and the names of the types of trains, to the announcement chimes played on them.

Volunteers from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni pose for a group photo after picking up trash during a clean-up at the Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni, Japan, April 21, 2025.

Picturesque torii arches in bodies of water give the appearance that they're floating – and they hold deep cultural and spiritual significance along with being visually striking.

High school graduation is a special time, and Stars and Stripes is pleased to once again be putting together our annual Grad Tab, highlighting information on all of the Pacific DoDEA high schools and their graduating classes.

The Ogori Cultural Museum and Jippotei Ishinkan are among Yamaguchi’s cultural assets, small, but playing important parts in cementing and conveying Yamuguchi’s place in Japan’s history.

Robert D. Edgren, which almost always gets a late start due to snow in northern Japan, highlights weekend events by hosting events in three sports.

On April 3, 2025, U.S. Marines and Sailors from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni joined local residents in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, to mark the 80th anniversary of a tragic World War II aircraft crash.

As cherry blossom season soon approaches, it’s time to start planning your outings to enjoy local festivals, Hanami (cherry blossom-viewing) picnics and more.

The JBL Pass, not to be confused with the Japan Bus Pass, is a flat-rate bus ticket that allows holders to ride up to three express buses per day for three, five, or seven days.