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Write a story for Destination Paradise! It'll make you famous!

Stars and Stripes is asking readers to write about their own piece of paradise. Yes, that means you! Our annual Destination Paradise magazine highlights must-see travel spots across the Pacific — and your bit of paradise could be included in our 2019-20 edition.
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Yokosuka to host Friendship Day fest Aug. 3

Yokosuka Naval Base will open its gates Aug. 3 for its annual Friendship Day festival, which features live music and entertainment, food booths, ship tours, static vehicle displays, and many more activities for the whole family. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors must enter through the base main gate, but CAC holders can use Mikasa...
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A look at trains in Tokyo

It wasn’t until after I’d arrived in Tokyo that I realized why I’d wanted to go there for so long. It was because I’d read too much science fiction as a teenager.
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Yakushima: Discover one of Japan's most beautiful places

I watched the many peaks of Yakushima expand in stop motion as our Jetfoil powered towards the island.
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My paradise: A holiday in Shikoku, Japan

There are many fine places in Japan to spend a long holiday weekend, but the one I think doesn’t get enough consideration is Shikoku. Maybe it’s because MWR doesn’t plan tours there, but for those willing to drive the extra miles, it’s a fantastic place with lots to do and see.
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Get off base and enjoy these events in Japan!

There's a lot of stuff happening off base, so read below and then head off for some fun! (This was updated Feb. 20)
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Look what's happening on your base!

Editor's note: Many events, trips, classes, games, and much more are happening on base, so take a look! Events are as accurate as possible at press time. Since times or event schedules can change, please verify events before attending. (This was updated July 13)
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Misawa celebrates Tanabata July 26-28

Every year in Japan, Tanabata festivals around the nation are hosted in celebration the annual meeting of two star lovers, Vega and Altair.
Photos by David Krigbaum
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Visiting the Real-Life School from K-On!!

The school was built in 1937 with donations from a local merchant and Toyosato graduate, Tetsujiro Furukawa. He sank 600,000 yen, two-thirds of his personal fortune, into funding a modern steel-reinforced concrete school for his hometown. William Merrell Vories was hired to do the job.
Photos by James-Paul Jacob
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Soothing Shizuoka: Sandy beaches, deep blue waters await

The weather is getting warmer and the water is becoming more and more enticing. But, you don’t have to travel all the way to Okinawa for white sandy beaches and exceptionally blue waters. Just a short drive from Tokyo, the beaches out of travel magazines await.
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MY FAVES: Fireworks sites in Japan

Throughout the summer, Japan’s night skies light up with the brilliance of “hanabi,” or fireworks. With more than 80 fireworks festivals nationwide, you’re sure to have an opportunity to catch one during your stay.
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Know where to park or pay the price when driving in Japan

You are stationed in Japan for the first time. You just got your government driver’s license, purchased a car at the lemon lot, filed all the proper paperwork and paid road taxes.
Photos by Nano Betts
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Hiking historic Nakasendo Trail from Magome to Tsumago in Kiso Valley

I’m in perpetual pursuit of rustic feels and shitamachi vibes of Japan. My soul is nourished by the sophisticated simplicity, local textures, shapes, and perfect imperfection of things around. For me, that’s the true face of this country – the old world meticulously camouflaged by the skyscrapers, neon billboards, vending machines, conveyor-belt...
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Omotesando & Harajuku: Full of fun things to do in Tokyo

We all have our favorite places in the city we live in and Harajuku/Omotesando areas have definitely been mine. Two centrally-located neighborhoods in Tokyo merge seamlessly together to form a bustling and modern hub with a European feel, vibrant atmosphere and seemingly endless things to do. I love to peruse the little alleyways here, and no...
Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi
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Kannonzaki near Yokosuka filled with plenty of history, stunning views

Spring through early summer is the best time for hiking. If you are located on or around Yokosuka Naval Base, you are in luck, as there is a popular hiking destination, Kannonzaki, just a 15-minute drive from you.
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Suo-Oshima, Yamaguchi: A beautiful island off Iwakuni

Suo-Oshima, aka Yashima Island, near MCAS Iwakuni, is a popular tourist attraction in the Setouchi (inland sea) region of Japan where you can enjoy both beautiful beaches and mountains.