OKINAWA

Travel

Photo Of Stars and Stripes Best of the Pacific 26-27 logo

Sponsored content

Your vote counts!: Time to vote for the Best of the Pacific 2026

It’s a new year and it’s time once again to turn your attention to the yearly tradition unlike any other – Best of the Pacific voting season!

Photo Of A woman looks up at the sky with her eyes closed in the movie “Love Letter”.

Sponsored content

7 Japanese romance movies that’ll break your heart (in a good way)

Japanese romance cinema is known for capturing love in its most fragile, fleeting forms. These films don’t just tell love stories; they explore the bittersweet intersections of timing, memory and fate.

Photo Of Hands showing their engage rings and Torii gate in the ocean in the background.

Sponsored content

Top 6 amazing places people proposed around Japan

Going on holiday is always an exciting time, and you come back with beautiful memories and an urge to come back.

Photo Of A piranha in Shoji’s hand.

Sponsored content

Fun in Okinawa: Fishing pond park in more than just fishing

In Japan, Tsuribori refers to ponds where you can enjoy fishing without even going to sea.

Photo Of stone-paved road in Kinjo-cho.

Sponsored content

Fun in Okinawa: A look at Shuri Castle’s neighboring area

Though repairs and renovations won’t be completed until 2026, most of the castle is still open to the public and the area surrounding this impressive castle is home to many fun attractions.

Photo Of Two Lovers’ Point in Guam. The sea can be seen.

Sponsored content

Valentine vistas link Japanese, Guam cultures

“Romeo and Juliet” is not the only romantic saga ending in woe. Others in Japan and on Guam are inked so indelibly on public psyches as to inspire “lovers’ points” with sweeping vistas to evoke romance and luck in love.

Photo Of two divers can be seen.

Sponsored content

Diving in Okinawa: Explore mysterious underwater ruins in Yonaguni

Are you an adventure-seeker with a passion for history and diving? Then get ready to explore one of the world’s most mysterious underwater sites—Yonaguni!

Photo Of A tattoo representing 13 fallen military members on Michael Gross’s leg.

Sponsored content

Pacific Tattoo: Tattoo reveal - Michael Gross

This ink represents the 13 fallen military members from the attack on Abbey Gate at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Photo Of One of the beaches in Yongaguni.

Sponsored content

Traditional culture lives on: Spirits thrive on Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost island

The nearest island is Taiwan, located 68 miles (111km) away. Yonaguni has become one of Japan’s most intriguing destinations for travelers from around the world.

Photo Of Shoji is riding a horse at the Mihara Horse Riding Club..

Sponsored content

VIDEO: Equestrian experience at Mihara Horse Riding Club near Camp Courtney 

Mihara Horse Riding Club, about a five-minute drive from Camp Courtney, offers horseback riding lessons for cowboys of all ages and levels.

Photo Of Shoji and Denisse posing for a photo with sanshin.

Sponsored content

Sweet sounds: Musical musings at sanshin experience in Okinawa

Do you know about sanshin? The three-stringed musical instrument of Okinawa looks and sounds like the shamisen of mainland Japan.

Photo Of

Sponsored content

Trying to find Okinawa’s remaining Sony Bouya figures

Sony Bouya stands still and watchful reminding drivers to slow down.

Photo Of ETC for Highway Toll Gate.

Sponsored content

Driving in Japan: Guide to ETC for highway toll gates

Driving in Japan offers convenience and flexibility, especially on highways. The ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system streamlines toll payments, making road travel smoother for locals and international visitors alike.

Photo Of Shoji enjoys bouldering.

Sponsored content

VIDEO: Fun on Okinawa - Challenge yourself at Look Rock Bouldering Park near Kadena AB

Look Rock Bouldering Park provides space for both beginners and experienced boulderers to practice their skills in Okinawa. The gym is only three minutes away from Gate 3 of Kadena Air Base and the main gate of Camp Shields.

The best stories from the Pacific, in your inbox

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more.

Sign Up Now