JAPAN

Travel

Japan cherry blossom 2026 forecast: Here’s when & where to see sakura in Japan

Planning your dream trip to Japan in spring for cherry blossom season? Here is where and when is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Japan!

Food

Grab a delicious, cheap lunch at Japanese chain restaurant Nakau

There’s a massive variety of fast food to eat in Japan, some expensive and some cheaper than others. One place I have been visiting for quite some time is Nakau, a very affordable and delicious chain restaurant.

Travel

Travel between East and West at Former Furukawa Residence in Tokyo

In the northern district of central Tokyo, on a quiet, tree-lined hilltop, a historic residence with Scottish-inspired architecture, rose gardens and traditional Japanese features stands high inviting visitors to step back in time.

Travel

Tokyo hanami cherry-blossom viewing spots

The long-awaited sakura season is quickly upon us!


Latest Stories

Photo Of Show some love for your 2026 DODEA graduate in Stripes Grad Tab; Japan deadline May 15

Education

Show some love for your 2026 DODEA graduate in Stripes Grad Tab; Japan deadline May 15

High school graduation is a special time, and Stars and Stripes is pleased to once again be putting together our annual Grad Tab, highlighting information on all of the Pacific DoDEA high schools and their graduating classes.

Photo Of Job Opening at Stars and Stripes: Multimedia, Digital, and Programmatic Sales Contractor

News

Job Opening at Stars and Stripes: Multimedia, Digital, and Programmatic Sales Contractor

Are you an experienced sales professional with a passion for multimedia and digital sales? Stars and Stripes is looking for independent contractors to join our team, working in Guam, mainland Japan, Okinawa, and Seoul, Korea.


Videos


More Stories from Japan

Photo Of Limited-time sweets bring sakura flavors to 7-Eleven

Food

Limited-time sweets bring sakura flavors to 7-Eleven

Get your hands on a variety of goodies while you can!

Photo Of Anime pop-up events in Tokyo 2026: The best ephemeral anime events around Tokyo this season

Travel

Anime pop-up events in Tokyo 2026: The best ephemeral anime events around Tokyo this season

From large-scale showcases to character cafés, here’s your updated guide to the must-visit anime events in Tokyo.

Photo Of Japan’s gachapon and the capsule toy craze

Travel

Japan’s gachapon and the capsule toy craze

Scroll social media long enough, and one thing becomes clear: Tokyo’s gachapon scene doesn’t move in straight lines. There are no official charts, no weekly rankings and no universally agreed-upon “best” capsule toy.

Photo Of A guide to Japan’s family restaurant chains: Easy breezy family dining across the country

Food

A guide to Japan’s family restaurant chains: Easy breezy family dining across the country

If you’re traveling to Japan with your entire family - particularly with little ones in tow - you may be wondering about quick, relatively inexpensive places to eat that cater to the whole crew.

Photo Of Yakiniku, delightful fusion with Korean BBQ and sad history behind it

Food

Yakiniku, delightful fusion with Korean BBQ and sad history behind it

Yakiniku, known as Japanese BBQ, is a delightful fusion of Korean and Japanese flavors, originating from Korean BBQ.

Photo Of VIDEO: Taste of Japan: Making two types of Okonomiyaki

Food

VIDEO: Taste of Japan: Making two types of Okonomiyaki

Often called Japanese pizza or pancake, Okonomiyaki is one of the most popular casual pan-fried dishes in Japan.

Photo Of Get reenergized with tasty amazake on your Tokyo walk – Amazake Café KomeDreaming

Food

Get reenergized with tasty amazake on your Tokyo walk – Amazake Café KomeDreaming

Ever since “washoku,” or traditional Japanese food, was designated an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013, popular dishes and liquors like sushi, tempura, sukiyaki, sake, shochu and awamori — have been garnering a lot of international attention.

Photo Of Fun in Japan: Quick stroll in Motomachi, Yokohama

Travel

Fun in Japan: Quick stroll in Motomachi, Yokohama

From Yokohama’s Chinatown, a walk to Motomachi, a high-end shopping district, is about a five-minute walk away.

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