Editor's note: The U.S. territory of Guam is comprised of 19 villages, many with their own distinct character, history and points of interest. and Guampedia have joined forces to present this weekly feature on each of them in the hopes that it will help our readers get out – and get to know – our gracious hosts. To learn more about Guam's people, history, culture and places, visit: guampedia.com Always known as a place for fishing, the village's original name, Malesso', derives from the Chamorro word lesso', a juvenile stage in the growth of rabbit fish.

https://guam.stripes.com/travel/get-know-guam-water-pride-abound-merizo-village

#stripes

Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan is hosting the 2023 Fuji Friendship Festival, on Sunday, October 15, 2023, 1 - 8 P.M. It is an open base event welcoming the public to visit our installation. Come and talk with our U.S. Marines and sailors. We will have static displays of military equipment, food booths, games, live performances, fireworks and more. There will be featured performances from the III Marine Expeditionary Forces band, Japanese Garrison Self Defense Force band, Takigahara Unaki Taiko drummers, Oyama High School band, Bauhaus Classic Rock band and Child Anthem band.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/fun-japan-camp-fuji-host-friendship-fest-oct-15

#stripes

Situated at the north end of Honshu and a 2-hour drive from Misawa Air Base, Kuroishi City is home to impressive streets filled in traditional wooden arcades and local craft art museums. The area also offers lush forests and a wonderful view of Mt. Hakkoda. Originally developed as a castle town, Nakamachi Komise District in the city center is known for its impressive wood-covered shopping arcades constructed to shelter visitors from snow in the winter and strong sunshine in the summer. Drop by Tsugaru Komise Station, a shop featuring local sweets and wooden products, as the shop offers complimentary live Tsugaru-shamisen performances.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/video-exploring-japan-getting-crafty-kuroishi-city

#stripes

Yes. It was very relaxing to lie back and rest my head on the edge of the tub. It felt the hot water and rising stream lifted away the day's anxiety at work. Now that we are in the coldest season of the year, why not visit a sento near your home and enjoy a blissful bath away from any troubles and concerns? Industry shrinking Although sento are regaining popularity, they are facing a crisis. Thirty of a total of 634 sento in Tokyo close every year, according to the Tokyo Sento Association.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/bathing-japan-difference-between-sento-and-onsen

#stripes

In Japan, expressways connect cities throughout the nation efficiently, like veins circulating in our bodies. Using the country's well-arranged system lets you travel virtually anywhere without worry. With the expressway network, you can visit any U.S. military installation in mainland Japan while enjoying some of the beautiful sights along the way. Recently, three travel mates and I hit the road on a TDY from Hardy Barracks in Tokyo to MCAS Iwakuni. (Left) Hardy Barracks, (Right) MCAS Iwakuni, Photo courtesy of James Bolinger, Stars and Stripes We hit the Shutoko Expressway a little after 7 a.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/road-trippin-japan-drive-tokyo-iwakuni

#stripes

In the summer of 1996, my mother took me to Guam, a tiny island sitting on the southern left edge of the Pacific Ocean. The island is known for its military bases among Americans, but for us Japanese, it was known for shining beaches. Mom booked a late-night flight from Narita, and we arrived on the island in early morning. When we landed at the airport, the island was still asleep, wrapped in dim blue, steamy air. Trees with deep green leaves that stood around the runway were the first ones to greet us.

https://guam.stripes.com/travel/my-paradise-my-first-taste-united-states-was-guam

#stripes

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. And, although they may have spoken different languages, they all had the same thing in mind: crystal-clear blue waters around the Kerama Islands. Often referred to as 'Kerama Blue,' the exceptional color of the ocean has been drawing many tourists to this group of around 20 islands, 24.

https://okinawa.stripes.com/travel/island-hopping-okinawa-3-days-3-islands-300

#stripes

Photos courtesy of Songpa-gu Office Lotte World Tower & Mall (Left) file photo, (Right) Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization Although the Tower and Mall are in different buildings, it's easy to visit both thanks to their connecting passageway. Lotte World Tower is a significant landmark and, at 123 stories tall, is the fifth tallest building in the world. In addition to office space, the tower has a luxury hotel and, more importantly, Seoul Sky, an attraction offering a 360-degree view of Seoul from high above.

https://korea.stripes.com/travel/seoul-searching-fun-and-food-jamsil-korea

#stripes

In the Land of the Rising Sun, September marks the waxing of autumn and the traditional harvest season in which local customs such as 'tsukimi' (moon viewing), 'inekari' (rice harvesting) and 'Higan' memorial services take place throughout Japan. These can be ideal opportunities to learn something about the local culture and maybe even experience a side of Japan that some modern Japanese miss out on these days. With that in mind, here are some basics to get you started: Inekari (rice harvesting) Photos courtesy of Kujukuri Shinko LLC It's no surprise that in Japan – where 7.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/japans-autumn-traditions-gleaning-reasons-ringing-season

#stripes

*For more info, check out MCCS Okinawa's website . Futenma Flight Line Fair returns to Okinawa on Oct. 1-2 Marine Corps publishes Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 8, Information Sublime with Rome, Magic coming to the Kadena Music Festival on Oct. 19 The sacred shrine of Sefa Utaki on Okinawa

https://okinawa.stripes.com/travel/sean-paul-perform-futenma-flight-line-fair-okinawa-sept-30

#stripes

'Entering this room will entail entry into a hostile area and possibility of injury or death as a direct result of enemy action.' This statement was just one of the many things I'll never forget about my recent trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Read on as I recount my most surreal experience in South Korea to date. So, you're stationed/living in South Korea, and you've heard day in and day out that North Korea is off limits. Well, while feasibly correct (if you know what's good for you), it's not entirely true.

https://korea.stripes.com/travel/visiting-koreas-dmz-through-eyes-us-air-force-officer

#stripes

The Japanese influence on local food culture goes a lot deeper than hotel chains and restaurant trends on Guam. It can be encountered in virtually every home kitchen, if not tasted on every table. Foodstuffs common to the Land of the Rising Sun such as 'takuan,'pickled daikon radish, and 'rakkyo,' a pickled Asian variety of scallion, are also common where America's day begins. S&B brand curry powder and Kikkoman soy sauce are ubiquitous staples in kitchens on this island as well as that archipelago to the north.

https://guam.stripes.com/food-drink/tasty-chamorro-japanese-fusion-recipes-popular-guam

#stripes

What once required a two-hour boat ride from Okinawa's Katsuren Peninsula, a visit to 'Ichihanari,' or the 'farthest island,' now takes less than 30 minutes on the Kaichu Doro Causeway. The causeway connects Henza and Miyagi Islands before it reaches the farthest island, now known as Ikei, a must-see when visiting the area. Ikei Beach on the southwestern coast of the island is host to year-round swimming and water activities. This is a great spot for taking a ride on a banana boat, wakeboarding, flyboarding and more.

https://okinawa.stripes.com/travel/interesting-ikei-quick-trip-okinawas-farthest-island

#stripes

In Japan, expressways connect cities throughout the nation efficiently, like veins circulating in our bodies. Using the country's well-arranged system lets you travel virtually anywhere without worry. With the expressway network, you can visit any U.S. military installation in mainland Japan while enjoying some of the beautiful sights along the way. Recently, three travel mates and I hit the road on a TDY from Hardy Barracks in Tokyo to MCAS Iwakuni. (Left) Hardy Barracks, (Right) MCAS Iwakuni, Photo courtesy of James Bolinger, Stars and Stripes We hit the Shutoko Expressway a little after 7 a.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/exploring-japan-road-trip-tokyo-iwakuni

#stripes

When traveling to a new travel destination, you create your own list of must-see attractions and must-do experiences. When you are in Seoul, how about including traditional markets on your list? In the traditional markets, you can see and feel how the locals live, quite different from what you can learn from simply reading guidebooks. Walking through the alleys full of people, you can appreciate the vibe of the place mingling with citizens and merchants. On top of that, you can take some amazing photos.

https://korea.stripes.com/travel/exploring-korea-seoul-hot-spots-good-food-drinks-and-photos

#stripes

Growing up in Okinawa, ice cream bars and popsicles were my go-to sweets during hot summer days. While a double scoop or a soft serve was a special treat, a cold sweet on a stick offered a regular comfort food I could easily turn to whenever I needed a quick and (cheap) sugar rush. All I had to do was to make a quick run to the drug store just 100 feet away from my home with a 100-yen coin in hand. Another bonus was the possibility of winning another ice cream. Some popsicle brands stamp some sticks with the word 'あたり' (bingo).

https://japan.stripes.com/food-drink/my-faves-japanese-ice-cream-treats

#stripes

Located from the northern island of Hokkaido through the southernmost island of Okinawa, family restaurants, aka ‘famiresu', offer a variety of unique menu items at a reasonable price, providing an indispensable dining facility for anybody in Japan. Being stationed in Japan or Okinawa, places like Gusto, Saizeriya, Joyfull or Denny's are probably pretty familiar to you. Some of you may regularly use these places for a cheap and quick meal. These restaurants cover many of the popular Japanese dishes, so visiting one and scanning its thick menu will give you a good overview of the local fare.

https://japan.stripes.com/food-drink/taste-japan-famiresu-restaurants-family-affair

#stripes

For many, especially those in the States, wearing masks is a long-forgotten custom. Hop on a plane to South Korea, Japan or Okinawa and you'll see that locals (and foreigners) have not yet thrown caution to the wind and are still sporting their masks inside and outside. For the average tourist, the masks may be a bit of a shock and inconvenience, but wearing a mask, particularly in the winter months, has always been a part of the local culture in Japan and during the dust season in Korea. Below are the experiences Stars and Stripes writers Hyemin Lee in South Korea, Takahiro Takiguchi in mainland Japan, and Shoji Kudaka in Okinawa have had adjusting to the recent lifting of local government policies regarding mask wearing.

https://korea.stripes.com/travel/covid-restrictions-are-gone-some-still-covering-overseas

#stripes

If you've ever looked north from Andersen Air Force Base on a clear day and caught glimpse of a mysterious isle floating 40 miles out, you have seen Rota. Known as 'The Peaceful Isle,' Rota or Luta, is the southernmost island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Having been to Saipan and Tinian several times, I recently decided to pay Rota a visit and put its legendary sightseeing and dive sites to the test. I was not disappointed. Rota is conveniently served by both Arctic Air and United Air from Guam almost every day of the week, and is only a short 25-minute hop from Wan Pat International to Rota International Airport.

https://guam.stripes.com/travel/northern-mariana-islands-exploring-depths-rotas-beauty

#stripes

Tempura used to be a dish that required great skill and experience. However, since the birth of tempura powder – mix of flour, starch, rice flour and baking powder – anyone can fry up a batch tempura from the comfort of their own kitchen. With the powder and a few simple tips, it's not so hard to make delicious tempura at home. Various specially formulated tempura powders are available at any supermarket or grocery shop. You can cook tempura using any of your favorite ingredients. When making the batter, make sure to mix the tempura powder with water with a litle ice, and don't mix it too much.

https://okinawa.stripes.com/food-drink/taste-japan-how-make-your-own-tempura

#stripes

These phrases are especially useful when you're offered food. If pronunciation is difficult for you, just say you will enjoy the food and thank the person offering the food in English. After the meal, don't forget to say that the food was delicious. Koreans will appreciate your effort to express your gratitude.  - Always wash your hands before eating. This step is important to Koreans, so most restaurants will bring wet tissues to the table at the beginning of the meal. Use the wet tissues to wipe your hands before digging in.

https://korea.stripes.com/food-drink/exploring-korea-how-mind-your-table-manners-rok

#stripes

1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay) * This column was last updated in June 2022, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details before visiting. COPYRIGHTS © KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VIDEO| How I Korea: Boseong Tea Farm A trip to Hadong and Boseong for Korean tea culture tour 17 best summer camping sites in Gyeongnam Province, South Korea Exploring Korea: Muck it up at Boryeong Mud Expo till Aug.

https://korea.stripes.com/travel/trip-boseong-jeollanam-do-summer

#stripes

Chinpin is an Okinawan sweet often described as a pancake or crepe flavored with brown sugar. According to Jitsuyou Ryukyu Ryori, a textbook on Okinawan cuisine, this sweet used to be a special treat made to celebrate Yukkanuhi, a seasonal festival marked on May 4 or May 5 of the lunar calendar. Today, you can have chinpin year-round at local cafes with a cup of tea or coffee. It's really easy to make and doesn't require special ingredients you don't already have in your kitchen. The recipe for chinpin calls for brown sugar, which gives it a delicate and restrained sweetness different from traditional pancakes and crepes made with regular granulated white sugar.

https://okinawa.stripes.com/food-drink/video-okinawa-kitchen-making-islands-famous-crepes-home

#stripes

Shaved ice a tasty Japanese summer treat (by Takahiro Takiguchi) Summer in Japan gets scorching and steamy. Mid-summer Temperatures often reach 95 F or higher depending on the region. Along with beer, watermelon and soomen (cold udon noodle), kakigoori (shaved ice) is a popular cold food that cools us down during summer. For many Japanese, the memories of a banner with the red kanji letter of koori (ice) in white and a blue background are fond ones. These banners are seen outside shops offering kakigoori and often meant a sweet, snow-like treat to help us cool down as kids.

https://okinawa.stripes.com/food-drink/kakigoori-time-cool-down-japanese-shaved-ice

#stripes

Throughout the summer, Japan's night skies light up with the brilliance of 'hanabi,' or fireworks. With more than 80 fireworks festivals nationwide, you're sure to have an opportunity to catch one during your stay. Japan's fireworks are known worldwide for their artistic qualities – perfect shape, exquisite colors and enormous size, as well as the poetic sense of ephemerality they produce. In many cases, a single firework changes colors two to three times after it is launched. Most events often offer other forms of fun, including food and game booths.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/my-faves-fireworks-sites-japan

#stripes

Here are some great spots on the island to sit and chill out with your friends or maybe even by yourself if you want some reflection time. In Agana, the Plaza de España is a great spot for a picnic. Sit in the gazebo, on the benches, or under the trees. If you go on a Thursday, you can catch the Food Truck Frenzy just a little further down the road on the other side of the museum. You can also explore the different areas in the Plaza and learn a little bit about the history behind it. The San Antonio Bridge is a less visited area so it's a good place for sitting and chatting.

https://guam.stripes.com/travel/4-great-spots-guam-chill-out-and-reflect

#stripes

Iwate is filled with a variety of delicious eats and is especially renowned for its top quality dairy products, beef, and seafood. In addition to its fresh cuisine sourced from farms and the sea, the prefecture is also famous for its noodle dishes—affectionately nicknamed, the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka." Read on to learn more about Iwate's local cuisine. If you are not hungry right now, you surely will be by the end of the article. The Three Great Noodles of Morioka Let's start with one of Iwate's most celebrated dishes—noodles! The aforementioned "Three Great Noodles of Morioka" originated in Morioka City and refer to three dishes: Wanko Soba, Morioka Jajamen, and Morioka Reimen.

https://japan.stripes.com/food-drink/iwate-food-guide-delectable-cuisine-nourished-land-and-sea

#stripes

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. Home to untamed nature and beautiful landscapes, Yonaguni Island is known as the westernmost island of Japan. With a circumference of 27.49 kilometers and a dimension of 28.88k㎡, 'the Island on a national boundary' is the eighth largest among Okinawa's 160 islands. Getting there is a bit of a challenge, requiring two flights – Naha to Ishigaki and then to Yonaguni — or a flight and a ferry— fly from Naha to Ishigaki then ferry to Yonaguni.

https://okinawa.stripes.com/travel/japans-westernmost-point-yonaguni-island-okinawa

#stripes

The eastern side of Tokyo's Shinjuku is home to the largest entertainment district in Asia and a vast national garden. Getting to the Higashi-Shinjuku (east Shinjuku) is about an hour or so via train from Kanto Plain bases, or a 15-minute bus ride from Hardy Barracks. Shinjuku Station nearby, is known as one of the busiest in the world, with Guiness World Records documenting 3.5 million passengers per day. Also in the area, Kabukicho is a district named after a Japanese traditional performing art, thought there is no Kabuki theater here.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/video-step-tokyo%E2%80%99s-higashi-shinjuku-district-asia%E2%80%99s-largest-entertainment-center

#stripes

Fresh Salmon Kelaguen Kelaguen in Chamorro describes a dish that's prepared by mixing the main ingredient (usually chicken, beef, deer, or seafood) with lemon or lime juice, onions, salt, and hot pepper. Chicken kelaguen is usually prepared with cooked (grilled, broiled or boiled) chicken. The other types of kelaguen–beef, deer, shrimp, and various types of fish–are most often prepared raw, with the meat or seafood getting cooked with the addition of an acid, usually lemon or lime juice. Kelaguen is a staple dish at Chamorro parties.

https://guam.stripes.com/food-drink/guam-kitchen-3-yummy-chamorro-salmon-recipes

#stripes