beaches

Visitors swim and relax in the shade at Al Dar Island. JOSHUA KARSTEN/STARS AND STRIPES
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Swim, kayak, relax at Al Dar Islands, a short boat ride away from Manama

Bahrain is an island of sand, but the beaches are not what folks write home about.
Photos by James O’Leary
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My Paradise: Riding the waves and hitting the slopes in Japan

The military can be a great travel agency. My family has been stationed overseas for the last 9 years, first to Hawaii, then Germany, and now, Japan.  In Hawaii, I learned how to surf.
Kafu Banta; Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Going high and far on Miyagi Island

Past Henza Island, the road will lead you to Miyagi Island, formerly known as Takahanari Jima, or “a high and distant island” in Okinawan dialect.
Ikei Beach; Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Take a long trip to Ikei, Okinawa’s ‘farthest island’

What once required a two-hour boat ride from Okinawa’s Katsuren Peninsula, a visit to “Ichihanari,” or the “farthest island,” now takes less than 30 minutes on the Kaichu Doro Causeway.
Photos by Allie Whalen
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My Paradise: A weekend on Iejima

We made a day trip to Iejima and were instantly in love. The ferry ride from the Okinawa main island was an easy 30 minutes, and once you’re on the island, it is like a breath of fresh air (literally.) Iejima one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the Ryukyu Islands chain.
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Beachin' fun near near bases on Kanto Plain

The sweet summer months are upon us. It’s time to make a splash in the ocean, curl up our toes in the sand, and prepare for that perfect tan. Here is a list of 12 beaches located in the Shonan area of Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa prefecture.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: European

On Georgian Feasts & Family Traditions

I have dined in luxurious restaurants and exotic tiny local eateries around the world, yet when it comes to naming the most memorable meal of my life there is only one that comes to mind – our family dinners on New Year’s Eve at my grandfather’s house back in Tbilisi, Georgia.
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Submit photos for the cover of Welcome to the Pacific

Have you ever dreamed about having your photo featured on the cover of a magazine?
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Stretching that holiday budget: Remember your commissary for Thanksgiving savings

Spending for the Thanksgiving meal can quickly spiral out of control. By shopping the commissary, military members can save money on this one meal and help manage their budgets for the rest of the holidays.
Dessert at Hotel Koe in Tokyo's Shibuya district on a recent Saturday was a small hill of pudding, ice cream and whipped cream in a berry sauce. JOSEPH DITZLER/STARS AND STRIPES
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Cuisine: International

Front-row seat, first-class lunch at Tokyo’s Hotel Koe

A hotel restaurant is a traveler’s gamble — the worst a penitentiary cafeteria, the best a gourmet’s destination.
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Cuisine: Japanese

Shigetsuso: A tasty and peaceful sobanoodle lunch

There are handful prominent soba noodle shops in Shuzenji, such as Bokunenjin, Yamabiko and Zenpuutei Nanaban. They are, however, always crowded with tourists on weekends and throughout the autumn leaves season.
Photos courtesy of Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort
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Cuisine: Japanese

Get your hands on oysters at fest near Sasebo

As the temperature drops around the country, it’s time again for one of the delicacies of the season – oysters! King amongst winter foods, the tasty white, plump and meaty shell can’t be beat.