new year

Read on Stripes.com
Community News
Cuisine:

Celebrate New Year’s in the 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...
Read on Stripes.com
Community News
Cuisine:

Did you know?: New Year, most important holiday in Japan

New Year’s, or oshogatsu, is one of Japan’s most important and longest holidays.
Read on Stripes.com
Community News
Cuisine:

Speakin' Japanese: Winter holiday talk

During the holiday season in Japan, you will see KFCs filled on Christmas Day, while on New Year’s Eve, you will hear bells from temples heralding the arrival of the new year.
Photo courtesy of Tokyo Midtown
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

VIDEO| Tokyo Midtown Illumination

Only minutes from Hardy Barracks, Tokyo Midtown offers one of the nation’s most popular illumination sites.
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

My FAVES: Illumination Fun in Japan

Today, the holiday season in Japan is synonymous with amazing illuminations throughout the country. Beginning in November, various parks, buildings and gardens are set ablaze by the brilliant illuminations that help ring in the holiday spirit with their dazzling beauty.
Read on Stripes.com
Community News
Cuisine:

Did you know?: Important Japanese holidays

The three most important holidays in Japan are o-shogatsu (Jan. 1-3), o-bon (Aug. 13-15) and Golden Week (Apr. 29 – May 5). Traditionally, during these weeks, Japanese go back to their hometowns to spend some time with their relatives.
Read on Stripes.com
Food & Drink
Cuisine:

Family, food, friends: December promotions provide holiday value, savings

December has its own special charm that brings back cherished memories of holiday celebrations and traditions, and shopping the commissary provides savings and value that make today’s celebrations just as memorable.
Read on Stripes.com
Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Japan's Nourishing Nabe: Try making your own hot pot at home!

There is something very comforting about sitting around a bubbling hot pot with friends and family. Often rich with a variety of vegetables, hot pots are also very nourishing.
Photos courtesy of Nagomi Visit
Read on Stripes.com
Food & Drink
Cuisine:

Home-cooked homestay: Nagomi Visit offers a casual cultural exchange

Homestay programs are commonplace in Japan today. Language learners spend a month or a few in a Japanese home, a real world alternative to Kanji flashcards and Genki textbooks
Read on Stripes.com
Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Did you know?: Invention of instant noodles

Instant noodles were invented by Taiwanese-Japanese inventor Momofuku Ando and put into market under the name “Chikin Ramen” in 1958.
Overlooking Tokyo Bay, Acquamare di Acqua Pazza provides a relaxing atmosphere while retaining a fancy ambiance. CHRISTIAN LOPEZ/STARS AND STRIPES
Read on Stripes.com
Food & Drink
Cuisine: Italian

Good food, even better views greet guests at Acquamare di Acqua Pazza in Yokosuka

Atop a hill, Acquamare di Acqua Pazza overlooks Tokyo Bay from behind glass walls that give its patrons the feeling of a luxurious dining experience without the extravagant check.
Read on Stripes.com
Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

It's okay to be tempted by Japan's tasty tempura

If you think tempura is just another fried food – think again. This quintessential Japanese cuisine dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) and is perhaps second only to sushi as Japan’s culinary contribution to the world.