A new year is upon us, and it’s time once again to turn your attention to the yearly tradition unlike any other – Best of the Pacific voting season!

Kouri Island is a relaxing getaway from Okinawa’s main island with beautiful beaches to help you disconnect from the busy world and reconnect with nature.

It had been years since I’d made my way back to Higashi Village on Okinawa’s northeastern coast.

Nago Castle Park is a hot spot for cherry blossom-viewing in the winter as thousands of visitors come to enjoy the pink blush flowers. Nago-dake, a mountain just at the back of the park, does not receive the same glory.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Rigoberto Melendez speaks on his time at 4th Marine Regiment at the conclusion of his promotion ceremony on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2025.

On a hot summer day in August, I headed to Kouri-jima, an island off the coast of Okinawa’s Nakijin Village.

On December 21, 2024, Camp Schwab held its 43rd Annual USO Christmas Children’s Day, bringing together Japanese school children and their families along with U.S. military service members and their families for a festive celebration of holiday spirit and community partnership.

Last year in early May I set out for the north to hit the beach.

Hop on an ATV with Yambarunture, an outdoor recreational park adjacent to Matayoshi Coffee Farm.

One of our favorite parts of Okinawa to explore is Nago. It is mountainous, covered with jungles, and full of areas to check out!