Travel

Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

A country-style garage shop near Atsugi opens only weekends

In Aikawa Town, there is a popular interior and accessory shop called Débutant, which offers a hidden retreat for those who are touring outside the Atsugi area.
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

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 January 17)
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

VIDEO| Traveling in Japan with PASMO and SUICA cards

If you want to speed up your travel, purchase a PASMO or SUICA card.
Image: Pakutaso/Sushiku
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

2020 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan

The Japan Meteorological Cooperation has released its first cherry blossom forecast for 2020.
The Garden of Solitary Sitting in the Zhuiho-in sub-temple at Daitoku-ji, Kyoto, Japan. JOSEPH DITZLER/STARS AND STRIPES
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

Visit Daitoku-ji temple in Kyoto to find tranquility, history

Drop “Zen” into conversation, and thoughts of one hand clapping or a properly maintained motorcycle may come to mind.
File photo
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

VIDEO| How to take a train in Japan

Folks, taking the train in Tokyo can be intimidating, but embrace it! Get off base and hop on a train.
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

Tokyo a well-run capital city of Japan

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.
Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

VIDEO| Shinagawa Aquarium – oasis in the gate town of Tokyo

Shinagawa Aquarium offers full-scale displays of more than 450 species throughout its 25 areas. Its giant tanks with see-through undersea tunnels is a must-see attraction.
Photos by David Krigbaum
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

Steam locomotive battle royale

In Japan, as you drive through the countryside it is not uncommon to see trains running parallel, shooting by. Often these trains are the local commuter with school children and salarymen, the long-haul expresses or even the sleek, fast-moving Shinkansen.
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

Winter in Japan: Enjoy the snow, ice near you

Besides the ski resorts, there are many places in Japan where you, your family and friends can skate, sled or just play in the snow.
Photos courtesy of Nagasaki City
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

Nagasaki celebrates Chinese New Year with countless lanterns Jan. 24–Feb. 9

While New Year is celebrated on Jan. 1 according to the solar calendar, in many regions of Japan, China and other asian countries, the new year is marked by the lunar calendar instead. This year, the Lunar New Year falls on Jan. 25.
Kiyosumi Garden, Photo by Sarah B. Hodge
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

Kiyosumi Gardens: A lush oasis in the heart of Tokyo

One of Tokyo’s best-kept (and most affordable) secrets, these lovely strolling gardens in the heart of Tokyo are easily accessible via metro station Kiyosumi-Shirakawa on the Oedo Line.
Lodimup / Shutterstock.com
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

Gachapon: Souvenirs of the absurd

Every once in a while, I add to my “gachapon” collection. First, it was a cat puking. Then it was a parakeet cleverly disguised as a peeling banana.
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

A sweet side trip to ‘Little Edo’ Kawagoe in Saitama

Known as “Little Edo,” Kawagoe is located in neighboring Saitama Prefecture and is only 30 minutes by limited express train from central Tokyo.
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

Chase the winter blues away

Don’t let the winter blues get you down. The short days and cold weather can make you want to hibernate until spring, but being a couch potato won’t help your mood.
House of Korekiyo Takahashi (Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum)
Read on Stripes.com
Travel
Cuisine:

Tokyo weekend escapes: Get spirited away at Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum

Tokyo is famous for its avant-garde fashion, themed restaurants and cafes, shopping and nightlife, but beyond the neon lights and urban sprawl, the Greater Tokyo area offers some fantastic inexpensive escapes that will allow you to recharge and relax.