nature

Cuisine:

Exploring Okinawa: Mesmerizing mangroves in northern part of island

On a Monday morning in late September, I hit the road and headed north. With the end of Japan’s State of Emergency being in sight, it was finally starting to feel okay to enjoy some outdoor...

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Travel

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VIDEO| Speakin’ Japanese lesson: How to say 'splendid view'

On the hunt for nice views of the autumn colors, I headed to Nozoriko Lake in Gunma Prefecture.

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Travel

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VIDEO| Take in the beauty surrounding Okinawa's 'turtle rock'

Let’s visit Kaamiijii on Urasoe City’s west coast. This huge rock is named after the Okinawan dialect for “turtle rock.” Enjoy views of the surrounding waters from the top of Kaamiijii. In the spring these shallow waters are home to aasa, a green algae that goes through vibrant color gradations.

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Travel

Cuisine:

Go to Japan's westernmost island Yonaguni, Okinawa

Of all Okinawa’s remote islands you can hop to, Yonaguni might not be the first on your list, but I’m here to tell you that it is definitely one you won’t want to miss.

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Travel

Cuisine:

Exploring Okinawa’s great outdoors with your children

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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Travel

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Japan's Aomori welcomes you with abundant nature, traditional culture

What are some of the best things to do in Aomori Prefecture? Located at the northern tip of Japan's main island of Honshu, Aomori is surrounded by beautiful seas on three sides and covered in large swathes of forests.

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Travel

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5 things that make Okinawa a special destination

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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Travel

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VIDEO| Virtual Vacation: Yonaguni Island, Okinawa, Japan

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 Yonaguni Island.

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Travel

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VIDEO| A virtual vacation to Okinawa's Iriomote Island

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 Iriomote Island.

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Travel

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VIDEO| A virtual island-hopping adventure in Okinawa

Stars and Stripes Okinawa writer Shoji Kudaka take us on an Island-hopping adventure. Let’s explore the beauty together!

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Food & Drink

Cuisine: Japanese

Eating 101 For Foreigners: Things to know when at a restaurant in Japan

Since Japan is home to some of the richest, tastiest, most unique dishes in the world, eating out over here can be an amazing experience.

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Food & Drink

Cuisine: Japanese

Did you know?: October 17 is Okinawa Soba Day

Oct. 17 is “Okinawa Soba Day.” It is a day when the local food earned its title. In 1976, the fair-trade commission argued that Okinawa Soba doesn’t deserve to be called Soba, which means buckwheat in Japanese.

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Food & Drink

Cuisine: American, Pub

Wing King serving up tasty chicken on Okinawa

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.

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Food & Drink

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Nutritious, savory pumpkin almond smoothie recipe

Packed with seasonal goodies and nutrition-rich foods such as almonds and olive oil, this is the smoothie for autumn! Because the pumpkin was organic, this recipe leaves the skin unpeeled—but you can opt to take it off.

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Food & Drink

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Recipe: Pumpkin bread with cream cheese layer

This amazing pumpkin bread recipe comes courtesy of Brittany Crider, and is a beloved family favorite that she and her sister used to make with her grandmother.