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Did you know?: The biggest mountain in Okinawa

The biggest mountain in Okinawa prefecture is Omoto-dake (Mount Omoto) on Ishigaki Island, which is 1,726 feet in height.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Hiking Mt. Katsuu a great way to social distance on Okinawa

In search for some nature and the wonderful view I’d heard others mention, I took to Mt. Katsuu, or Katsuu-dake, for a nice day of hiking. 
Summit of Mt. Katsuu
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VIDEO| Exploring Okinawa: Enjoy fresh air, social distancing on Mt. Katsuu

Okinawa may not have tall mountains like Mt. Fuji or Kilimanjaro, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some great hiking on the island.
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VIDEO| Virtual Vacation: Fuji Five Lakes

Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.
Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Fuji Five Lakes. 
The great thing about this destination is that it is easily accessible from Tokyo and most of the military bases in the Kanto Plain area by car or train.
Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi
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Japan’s majestic Mount Fuji to open for climbing!

Every year, thousands make the grueling hike for a view unlike any other atop Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji. In 2020, this feat was one of many casualties of COVID-19, and for the first time in modern history, authorities closed access to Mt. Fuji’s four trails during the hiking season.
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VIDEO| Speakin' Japanese lesson: Let's take a rest at a cool place!

We're soon getting into the unpleasant, steamy rainy season of tsuyu. We may need to escape from the city for a while and head to cool place like sea, mountain or riverside.
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Did you know: Power spots in Japan?

Japanese often associate “Power Spots” with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, along with large mountains, islands and lakes. In fact, there are about 165,000 shrines and temples, more than three times the number of convenience stores (50,000) within the nation.
Photo by Shoji Kudaka
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Kume Island: Beauty of Ryukyus on full display

If you head west from Okinawa, you’ll soon come across an island so beautiful even its name reflects that beauty.
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48 hours in Taipei: Cocktails, dim sum and mountain hikes

Taipei’s eclectic bar scene, vibrant night markets and relaxed vibe has made it one of Asia’s trendiest destinations.
Friday – Cocktails
We touched down in Taipei with one goal for the night – to indulge in world-class cocktails at the city’s notorious speakeasies.  
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Taste of Japan: Japanese housewife shares cooking tips

The condiments section of Japanese supermarkets has always been a treasure house for any lover of Japanese-style cuisine.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Speakin’ Japanese: Conversation with chopsticks

Sushi, tempura, savory okonomiyaki – there are so many yummy Japanese foods you won’t want to miss during your stay. “Hashi” or chopsticks are an indispensable tool when you sample these local specialties.
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Did you know?: Depachika - food markets in Japanese department store

Ever visited one of the many department store food basements around Japan? The first of its kind was introduced about 80 years ago in Nagoya.
21 Seiki no Mori (Photos by Shoji Kudaka)
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Beautiful locations on Okinawa to enjoy your takeout meal

Since the arrival of COVID-19, we’ve had to change a lot of our usual pastimes and activities. Dining at restaurants in is not really a good option right now.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Taste of Japan: 13 fascinating facts about wasabi

Love it or hate it, wasabi is one of the more well-known condiments served with Japanese cooking, most commonly served with sushi.
File photo
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Taste of Japan: A look at green tea in Land of the Rising Sun

Teas from Asia, especially matcha green tea, are experiencing their moment abroad, so it wouldn’t be surprising if you’ve tried a few varieties already.