Travel

When it comes to culture and personality, Americans and Japanese are often said to be "completely opposite" - but what makes people say that?

Japan is a mecca for forest lovers. In fact, the country’s best kept secret is Japan’s forests. On the International Day of the Forest on March 21 we celebrate our tree friends and all other beings of the woods, and what better way doing this than going for a slow walk in a nearby forest.

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.

A convenient 20-minute train ride from Yokosuka or approximately one hour from Tokyo Station, Kamakura is a fantastic choice for a day trip that offers visitors a variety of experiences: towering bamboo groves, mysterious caves, elegant Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and hands-on workshops that will leave a lasting impression of this ancient capital.

Capsule hotels (also called pod hotels) are very popular in Japan. You see them in most cities, and a lot of people really like them for overnight stays because they are relatively cheap (¥3000 – ¥4000).

As temperatures drop and days get shorter, many find themselves longing for summer ... wishing for warmer conditions, nine o’clock sunsets and hours by the pool (or beach).