nature

Photos by Allie Whalen
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Connecting Kids With Nature

One of my favorite things to do with my kids has always been to just take a walk and see what we can see. I’ve never been the type to worry about a list or a plan.
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5 remarkable things about Okinawa

For a mere freckle on the map, Okinawa enjoys enormous popularity. And despite the land and people being grossly burdened by decades of conflict, like the native prehistoric Sago Palm, the Japanese region’s culture and spirit continue to thrive.
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Nearby Ie Island offers idealic escape

If you’re looking for an exciting day trip or relaxing weekend, head for the tiny island of Ie off the coast of Nago. Nicknamed the island of flowers and sunsets, Ie draws visitors to its shores with beautiful scenery and historic sites.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Café

Must-try Kokuraya's Koharu Udon and fresh juices

Sometimes you just have to get away from it all and get back to nature. Café Koharuya understand this, and has carved out a little piece of paradise on northern Okinawa where fresh juice, savory noodles and tasty desserts await.
Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi
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Akita: Beautiful castle town packed with natural and cultural attractions

Located in the northern part of mainland of Japan and facing the Sea of Japan, Akita City is a four-hour drive from Misawa Air Base. The city is surrounded by rice fields and mountains and is known as one of the nation’s most important granary regions.
Photos by Nano Betts
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Kyoto's secluded gardens you shouldn't miss

Kyoto is like a sprawling open-air museum which captivates by its peaceful demeanor, cobblestoned alleys, and intricately raked sand gardens.
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Community News
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Earth Day every day: Commissaries routinely recycle, divert waste, conserve resources

The Defense Commissary Agency identified environmental responsibility as a major priority in 2005, making environmental management a key part of operations.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese, Café

Hamabe no Chaya serves up both coffee and a view

I know we can all get stressed out every day. Swamped with emails, dealing with phone calls, juggling smart phones, tablets and facing endless responsibilities both at work and home can do that to a person.
Everybody needs some space to refresh your mind from time to time.
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Golden Waters in Taiwan

Nature is an incredible thing. It never ceases to amaze me. I witnessed these beautiful golden waters when I visited the Ruifang District of New Taipei City in Taiwan.
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Taco rice is all the craze on Okinawa

Nothing says fast food in the south of Japan like “tako-raisu!” And 2019 marks the 35th birthday of this signature Okinawan dish, according to local lore.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Mexican

Looking for a burrito on Okinawa? Here's where to go!

Burritos are not common in Japan. To top that, putting one together can prove a challenge. 
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: American

Okinawans love them some Spam

Spam, Spam, Spam – lovely Spam!
To most, it’s an old Monty Python skit. But if you’re on Okinawa, it’s a way of life.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: American, Pub

Okinawa's Wing King a tasty option for chicken

While many of your go-to restaurants for hot wings, a familiar game-day favorite, like Buffalo Wild Wings or Hoo ters, may not yet have a home in Okinawa, there is no need to feel disappointed. Wing King is here to help with those spicy cravings.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: International

Okinawa's Forest Café Junon serves up hearty comfort food

Junon offers hearty comfort foods perfect after spending time underground. Choose from hamburger steak, taco rice, a “fish dish” and more. There are also both Japanese and English menus available.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: American

On Okinawa, tasty sandwiches can be found at The Bros

Americans may be hard to please when it comes to sandwiches. Every U.S. state has its signature sandwich, and individuals often have their own favorites.