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A cheap way to hop around Okinawan islands

I departed on a Sunday morning in May from Okinawa’s Tomari Port (see sidebar below), which was crowded with tourists of different nationalities. I could hear them speaking English, Chinese, French, Korean, and Japanese. Some held snorkeling gear, while others had underwater cameras in hand.
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See what's happening on your base!

Check out all the great things happening on your base. Events are as accurate as possible at press time. Since times or event schedules can change, please verify events before attending. (This was updated August 16)
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Lots fun events happening on Okinawa

There's some great events coming up, so get off base and check them out!
The Maeda Escarpment today, facing what was the Japanese position, as seen on April 4, 2019. MATTHEW M. BURKE/STARS AND STRIPES
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Okinawa’s Hacksaw Ridge, once the site of bloody battle, now a peaceful place to recall acts of valor

The thing that stands out about Okinawa’s idyllic Maeda Escarpment today is its peacefulness.
A U.S.-bound plane is parked at a gate at Narita International Airport in Japan, March 9, 2019. AARON KIDD/STARS AND STRIPES
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DOD processed almost a billion dollars in improper travel payments in three years

The Defense Department’s travel system processed more than $965 million in improper payments in fiscal years 2016 through 2018, according to a government report released Thursday.
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A visit to Hacksaw Ridge takes you back in time

With the 2016 release of Mel Gibson’s Academy Award nominated “Hacksaw Ridge,” there has been increased interest in the Okinawa site where the movie takes place.
 
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2 caves on Okinawa offer distinct looks into island’s history

A short drive from Murasaki Mura are two caves with historical significance: Chibichiri Gama and Shimuku Gama. These caves were used during World War II and now provide a glimpse into what happened in the early days of the Battle of Okinawa.
Image: Star Alliance
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Asiana flights from Busan to Okinawa will stop Aug. 23

Asiana Airlines has announced that it will suspend flights on the Busan-Okinawa route later this month due to falling demand stemming from a trade row between South Korea and Japan.
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Dive! Take the plunge off Okinawa’s shores

The Okinawa archipelago is known as one of the world’s best diving destinations, having a number of coral species and marine lives as large as those in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. You can find over 400 types of corals, five types of sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and many kinds of tropical fish.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Katsuren Castle: Ruins hold special place in Okinawa's history

There are many castles to visit and explore on Okinawa. And only a short 30-minute drive away from Camp Foster’s Legion Gate, you’ll find Katsuren Castle, on the peninsula by the same name.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Check out new Okinawa mega mall

SAN-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY made its debut in June in Irijima, Urasoe City bringing with it over 250 stores. It is thought to be one of the biggest shopping malls on the island with 14.83 acres of floor space.
Photo by Miyuki Takiguchi
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Capturing Kawasaki: City on Kanto Plain offers diverse activities for day trip

Snapping artsy shots of factories at night is a trendy activity among Japanese these days.
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Exploring Okinawa's Caves and Kingdom Village

Whether you have kids or not, the coolest place on the island can be found at Okinawa World.  Located about 20 minutes southeast of Naha, in Nanju, Okinawa World has three major attractions-the Gyhokusendo Caves, Kingdom Village and Habu Museum Park.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Exploring life on a coral farm in Yomitan Village

At the bottom of a cliff overlooking Yomitan Village’s coastline and where Miigsuku, a reconstructed fortress draws a curve like a dragon’s tail, there is a place claiming nationwide attention with its unique efforts to save the environment.
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10K Eisa dancers to return to Kokusai Street Aug. 4

Take part in one of the cultural events of the season at Kokusai Street in Naha.
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Speakin' Japanese: Let’s drive to ‘Island of Love’

Kouri-jima is a great destination of a quick getaway. It is known for having beautiful beaches for water activities and natural attractions, various eateries, and a tower, which commands a super view.