Photo Of A poster advertising the festival. Details about it are written in both English and Japanese. Fallen leaves are used as a part of the graphic.

Fun on Okinawa: Torii Beach to host fall fest Nov. 2

Fall is a busy season for festival goers in Okinawa. Even when Halloween is in the rearview window, you still have some big parties coming up.

Photo Of Glass boat tour at Miibaru Beach

Fun on Okinawa: Join glass boat tour at Miibaru Beach

On Nanjo City’s southern coast, Miibaru Beach was a regular swimming spot for me as a kid.

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VIDEO: Exploring Okinawa: Zipline over beautiful ocean at Mega ZIP in Onna Village

You’ll find plenty of spots to try ziplining in Japan. But, if you want to zip over a beautiful, crystal blue ocean, you must zipline on Okinawa.

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Bathroom banter: 16 things in Japanese restrooms that baffle foreigners

Many foreigners who visit Japan are confused, intrigued and sometimes baffled by Japanese culture and some of the aspects of life that are unique to Japan.

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Did you know?: Mt. Fuji is an active volcano

One of Japan’s World Heritage sites, Mount Fuji is actually an active volcano. While it repeatedly has smallscale eruptions, those of the  large scale have occurred most recently in 864 and 1707.

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Speakin' Japanese: Spooky speak

In recent years, the modern Western tradition of Halloween has crept up on Japan in the form of commercial and entertainment events – especially in big cities.

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Exploring Okinawa: Tsukenjima offers island seclusion

Tsukenjima is a small island that is situated just thirty minutes by ferry from the main island. I had the opportunity to travel to Okinawa with some friends during the start of the rainy season in June.

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‘Carrot Island’ a quick ferry ride away of Okinawa’s main main island

Tsuken Island, just off the east coast of Okinawa’s main island, is also known as “Carrot Island.” This wonderous place with interesting landscapes and beautiful views has earned this moniker because Tsukenjima ninjin carrots are its signature product, known for their rich sweetness.

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Did you know?: Traditional Japanese toilets and what to do

Japanese toilets are different than those in America.

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Mutabaru Observatory offers great views of Okinawa and more

I recently visited Mutabaru Observatory in Ogimi village in the northern part of Okinawa for a second time.