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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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*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

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'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

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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

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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

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Stroll through the culturally rich village roads of the south or take a dip in the island's most well-known natural pool – all from the comfort of your screen! Staffed mainly by elder Chamorros who demonstrate traditional Chamorro arts, crafts, and cooking to visitors, Gef Pa'go Chamorro Cultural Village is modeled after a community from the 40s and 50s, when the Chamorro lifeways were more prevalently practiced. Gef Pa'go is maintained by the historic Inalahan Foundation in an effort to preserve local culture and pass down traditions to younger generations.

https://guam.stripes.com/travel/video-guam-virtual-tour-gef-p%C3%A5go

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Since their invention in ancient China more than 3,000 years ago, chopsticks have been widely used in Asian countries. In South Korea, 'jeotgarak' means chopsticks. Being an important tool for dining, Koreans learn to use 'jeotgarak' as infants. Koreans consider the handling of chopsticks a necessity for good table manners, and for children and adults alike, table manners are very important. This even extends to the manner in which the chopsticks are presented in the table setting: in Korea they are placed vertically on the table.

https://korea.stripes.com/food-drink/korean-kitchen-why-koreans-use-metal-chopsticks

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Japan is globally known as 'earthquake country.' The Japanese archipelago actually sits on a spot called the 'Ring of Fire' where four earthquake-causing plates overlap and smush into each other, causing the country to be so prone to quakes. So what if an earthquake hits while you are in Japan? In a country as prone to earthquakes as here, you can never assume that the ground won't shake during your stay. Let's go over the three most important points so that you're prepared for an actual quake: what to do during an earthquake, what to do right after an earthquake, and what to do during an evacuation.

https://japan.stripes.com/community-news/better-safe-sorry-what-do-when-earthquake-hits-while-you%E2%80%99re-japan

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White Beach Naval Facility is not just for ships making port calls to replenish their food supply and load up troops. The U.S. base is also a great place for servicemembers and families to enjoy some recreation and rejuvenation on Okinawa. Located around the tip of Katsuren Peninsula, White Beach features fully-furnished log cabins located on a bluff in the middle of the facility. The view is beautiful and the cabins are only a short walk to the beach. Camping trailers and tent sites located next to the beach are also available for rent.

https://okinawa.stripes.com/travel/exploring-okinawa-white-beach-great-place-camp-rewind

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In the relentless modern pursuit for wellness, there are countless lifestyle choices to subscribe to—paleo diets, alkaline water, coconut oil pulling, activated almonds. Japan is a country renowned for the good health and longevity of its citizens, who follow many time-honored techniques for internal and external health. Here's a selection. Drink yawaragi-mizu Sake's smooth, umami-drenched drinkability means it's pretty easy to knock back one ochoko after the other. But to fully enjoy the benefits of Japan's national drink and prevent a hangover, it is recommended to partake in the drinking of yawaragi-mizu .

https://okinawa.stripes.com/food-drink/healthy-inside-out-age-old-diet-and-wellness-hacks-japan

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Historically, Japan has never been a large-scale dairy producing country. However, in the Northern Island of Hokkaido, some of the finest milk, cream and cheese are attracting global interest. At the forefront of Hokkaido's dairy produce is its famous milk, 60% of which is used for whole milk and the remainder for other dairy products. The cool climate, fresh air and plentiful grazing land make for ideal conditions which help Hokkaido contribute to more than half of all of Japan's milk production.

https://japan.stripes.com/food-drink/hokkaido-dairy-%E2%80%93-cream-crop

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This fruit pizza is one of my favorite desserts. I have another fruit pizza version here, which adds a creamy, pudding-based filling. So delicious! You can make this into a fruit tart, just cut the recipe in half and use a tart pan. It's a fun recipe to make with kids too! Give my recipe a try. I think you'll like it. Ingredients Crust: 1 cup confectioners' sugar 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened Filling: 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Topping: Fresh strawberries, kiwi slices, blueberries, mandarin orange slices Glaze: 1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice ¼ cup granulated sugar Instructions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

https://guam.stripes.com/food-drink/annie%E2%80%99s-chamorro-kitchen-delicious-fruit-pizza-cookie-crust

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If the majority of posts on my page didn't already give it away, I'm a Colorado boy. I've been to the top of  the state's highest points , I've rafted down the mighty Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge, I've been to some of the  best breweries in the state , and yes, half of my closet is either Marmot or Patagonia flavored (don't @ me). What I enjoyed most about Colorado though, were the beautiful,  picturesque landscapes  that God himself spent a little extra time crafting–some on the sides of the road, some in the  National Parks .

https://korea.stripes.com/travel/video-exploring-korea-hiking-gyeryongsan-national-park

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Things to know - Address: Line 1 Jongro 5ga station exit 8, Naver Map - Food Market (1F): 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Every day) - Hanbok Market (1F-2F): 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Mon-Sat) - Vintage Shops (2F): 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Mon-Sun) Speakin' Korea Mukja Golmok(먹자골목) is a Korean phrase that literally means 'Let's Eat Alley'. • Mukja (먹자): Let's eat • Golmok (골목): alley Shopping in Korea: Tips for buying at wholesale markets Guide to Korea's s

https://korea.stripes.com/food-drink/street-food-gwangjang-market-treat-korea

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•     Fuji Five Lakes - The Fuji Five Lakes are located in different areas surround the foot of Mt. Fuji. Each boasts a distinct color and look. The largest of the five are Yamanakako and Kawaguchiko which are also the busiest thanks to the many hotels, sports and resort facilities they are host to. Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko, the three other lakes remain untamed and surrounded by the tangled and wild Aokigahara Jukai forest. Interestingly, these three lakes are still connected via underground waterways and consequently maintain the same surface level of 2,952 feet above sea.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/video-japan-destinations-fuji-five-lakes

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2. Get your supplies At check-in, you'll get a locker key, two towels, and, if you're using the jjimjilbang, you'll also get pajama-style clothes that you must wear. Men can usually use an unlimited amount of towels. 3. Remove your shoes Put your shoes into the locker and take the key as it will be used for your clothing locker in the changing room. Your shoe and clothing lockers will have the same corresponding number. Course 1, Mogyoktang (Bathhouse) Hitting the bath house is a common weekly or monthly routine for many Koreans.

https://korea.stripes.com/travel/guide-navigating-bathhouses-south-korea

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If you have sampled the traditional sweets of Japan, you might have been surprised how different the tastes – and ingredients that include sweet potatoes, sweet beans and rice - are from Western sweets. These sweets are not only savory, but generally extremely fancy and beautiful. They usually are served with tea and are used for temple ceremonies, offerings and gifts. They also have a deeper meaning to the Japanese. The traditional sweets supply nourishment to the heart, according to Mitsuo Yabu, managing director of Traditional Japanese Sweets Association.

https://okinawa.stripes.com/food-drink/okinawan-mainland-japan-traditional-sweets-real-treat

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With the full-fledged autumn season in September, local governments in Gyeongnam are busy preparing for the festivals. While there are many festivals to check out in the province this month, here are four you won't want to miss with recommended one and two-day tours. Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival The Hamyang Wild Ginseng Festival, which marks its 17th anniversary this year, will be held for 10 days from September 2 to 11, in the area of ​​Sangrim Park in Hamyang. Hamyang-gun is the area where Jirisan Mountain and Deogyusan Mountain, the spiritual mountains of the nation, are located.

https://korea.stripes.com/travel/korea-destinations-four-festivals-look-forward-gyeongnam-province-september

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It has been said that food is the soul of a country. This couldn't be truer for Okinawa. A mix of favorable natural conditions and diverse foreign influences produced unique eating habits and a cooking style that is now known as 'Okinawan cuisine'. The southernmost of Japan's 47 prefectures, Okinawa is a chain of over 150 islands stretching out from the southern tip of Kyushu Island to close to Taiwan over a distance of 1,000 km in the South China Sea. A sub-tropical climate in most parts, ensuring temperatures of over 20 degrees throughout the year and high levels of rainfall, Okinawa boosts a rich ecosystem with a diverse flora and fauna.

https://okinawa.stripes.com/food-drink/okinawa-longevity-cuisine-trendy-food-long-life

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It is festival season here in Germany and across Europe. They can be tons of fun but also tons of work when trying to bring the whole family. Here are a few tips and tricks we've learned along the way to help you make the most of any European fest with kids in tow. 1. Tag team with your spouse or a friend. Take turns spending time with the kids. This will give each adult a chance to explore the festival on his or her own to do a little shopping, soak up the sights, sounds and aromas, wait in line to order food or use the water closet, and take a break.

https://europe.stripes.com/travel/make-most-any-european-fest-kids

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There's nothing like lifting the lid off a hot pot of steaming yumminess and breathing in the savory smell of spices, vegetables, meat or even coconut. For me, that mouth-watering steam is not the only heat; I am also warmed by fond memories of my grandmother's homemade soup. Whether nostalgic or not, there is something universally heart, as well as belly, warming about a piping hot bowl of soup or stew simmered to perfection. It's no different even on Guam where temperatures rarely dip below the 70s.

https://guam.stripes.com/food-drink/guam-kitchen-much-ado-about-islands-yummy-kadu

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Hakone Sekisho checkpoint After enjoying refreshing morning air and the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji, we made our way toward Moto Hakone. After parking the car at the large public parking lot near Lake Ashinoko's ferry port, we walked up to Hakone Sekisho checkpoint, on the lake's bank. The Hakone Sekisho is an elaborate collection of restored wooden gates and buildings built by the Edo Shogunate Government over 400 years ago. Near the buildings, there are samurai warrior wax figures to demonstrate the inspections travelers were subjected to during the time.

https://japan.stripes.com/travel/exploring-kanto-plains-popular-hakone-area

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