OKINAWA

Travel

VIDEO: Kayaking on Hija River in Okinawa

Though Okinawa is home to beautiful beaches to enjoy the crystal waters surrounding the island, you can also enjoy an adventure while kayaking in some of the area’s rivers.

Travel

12 family-friendly Battle of Okinawa sites to visit

All throughout Okinawa you’ll find remnants of the Battle of Okinawa, a major World War II campaign fought over the course of three months in 1945.

Food

Taste of Okinawa: Juicy, sweet pineapples a summer treat

In Japan, pineapples grow in only two prefectures: Okinawa and Kagoshima.

Food

VIDEO: Somin Champuru an Okinawan favorite

Somen, or somin in Okinawan dialect, comes in different varieties, but an Okinawan favorite is to have the noodles stir-fried in somin champuru.


Latest Stories

Photo Of Video: Speakin’ Japanese: I want to buy this

Travel

Video: Speakin’ Japanese: I want to buy this

While you’re enjoying shopping at a shop in Japan, you may wonder what you can say in Japanese when you want to buy a souvenir.

Photo Of Taste of Okinawa: Pancake vacation at Cafe Hanon in Mihama

Food

Taste of Okinawa: Pancake vacation at Cafe Hanon in Mihama

Cafe Hanon is a pancake restaurant located in Chatan Mihama.


Videos


More Stories from Okinawa

Photo Of Get published in Stars and Stripes Destination Paradise magazine 2026-27

Travel

Get published in Stars and Stripes Destination Paradise magazine 2026-27

It’s time to book your flights and pack your bags to go on your next adventure! We know you love to travel as much as we do and being stationed in the Pacific provides great access to all the beautiful countries you never imagined you’d get to see.

Photo Of Ssssssneaky Sssssnakes! Watch out for Okinawa’s venomous habu

Travel

Ssssssneaky Sssssnakes! Watch out for Okinawa’s venomous habu

You may not believe this, but I once saw a habu beat a mongoose in a cross-species duel when I was a kid.

Photo Of VIDEO: Okuma Beach offers great lodging, activities in Okinawa

Travel

VIDEO: Okuma Beach offers great lodging, activities in Okinawa

On Okinawa there are many beaches perfect for a fun day, but Okuma Beach managed by Kadena FSS is one you won’t want to miss.

Photo Of Exploring Okinawa: Uncovering Nanjo City’s hidden spots

Travel

Exploring Okinawa: Uncovering Nanjo City’s hidden spots

Because I didn’t know what my options were until I arrived, I set aside the afternoon of my anime sightseeing day trip to Nanjo City for whatever locally spoke to me.

Photo Of VIDEO: Exploring Okinawa: Relaxing time in Nakijin and Yagaji

Travel

VIDEO: Exploring Okinawa: Relaxing time in Nakijin and Yagaji

Nakijin Village in the northern part of Motobu Peninsula and Yagaji Island on the other side of an inland sea offer great destinations for your chill-out day.

Photo Of VIDEO: Take a glimpse of heart of Japanese politics at National Diet Building in Tokyo

Travel

VIDEO: Take a glimpse of heart of Japanese politics at National Diet Building in Tokyo

Japan’s National Diet Building, known in Japanese as Kokkaigijido, is the center of the country’s politics

Photo Of Four-day escape to Japan

Travel

Four-day escape to Japan

Feeling the itch to escape Korea for a few days, I booked a ticket to Japan on Korean Airlines using miles and spent four days exploring solo.

Photo Of Operation Ball Gown accepting shoe donations through May 31 in Okinawa

News

Operation Ball Gown accepting shoe donations through May 31 in Okinawa

This year, Operation Ball Gown, a community program offering ball gowns for SOFA-status service members, is excited to launch its first formal shoe drive in hopes of eventually offering free shoe rentals beginning next ball season.

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