Quick Trips

The Palawan Special Battalion World War II Memorial Museum in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, features a large collection of Jeeps.

Philippine museum on Palawan honors the ‘Fighting 1,000’ of WWII

The Palawan Special Battalion World War II Memorial Museum includes a half-dozen displays in a large shed near Puerto Princesa International Airport and Antonio Bautista Air Base.

A model of a U.S. B-29 Superfortress bomber hangs over a model of a Japanese civilian bomb shelter at the Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage in Tokyo, April 22, 2025.

Little-known Tokyo museum chronicles history’s deadliest air raid

The privately owned and operated Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage was established largely by the efforts of Katsumoto Saotome, a survivor of the World War II firebombing of Tokyo by U.S. Army Air Forces. It opened its doors on March 9, 2002. It aims to raise awareness and encourage public debate.

Godzilla the Art showcases work from 29 Japanese and international artists in Tokyo. The exhibit runs through June 29, 2025.

Godzilla roars to life at exhibit marking movie monster’s 70th anniversary

More than 70 years after Godzilla’s movie-monster debut, artists are paying tribute to the legendary creature in a new exhibit through June 29 at the Mori Arts Center in Tokyo.

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Jinpo Marine Theme Park's centerpiece is the former ROKS Wi Pong, or Wibongham, a tank-landing ship built in the United States in 1944 for use during World War II.

Explore naval history and heritage at maritime theme park in South Korea

The Jinpo Maritime Theme Park, about 70 miles south of Camp Humphreys, is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, military buffs and families alike. The park offers a blend of historical exhibits, military vehicles and scenic waterfront views.

The JS Akishio, a decommissioned Japanese submarine, is the centerpiece of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force museum in Kure, Japan.

Explore inside a submarine at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force museum

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Museum opened on April 5, 2007, and is the only museum in Japan where you can board a real submarine. The JDS Akishio, commissioned in 1986, was in service until March 3, 2004.

The view from Matapang Beach Park in Tumon, Guam, is flanked by the cliffs of Harmon Village.

Wind, water and family fun in the sun at Matapang Beach on Guam

Tumon’s Matapang Beach Park, almost dead center along Tumon Bay, offers crystal-clear waters, white sand and breathtaking views — but you might miss it if you don’t look closely.

A sign displays Japanese writing and a photo of a multi-story hotel.

Tsunami-struck Japanese hotel stands as a testament to resilience after tragedy

Perched along the scenic coastline of Japan’s Iwate prefecture, the Taro Kanko Hotel once stood as a symbol of hospitality, offering guests views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby Sannoiwa Rocks. But since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, it has been transformed into a poignant memorial.

A Japanese man and boy, seen from behind, look out over a memorial park with a mountain scene in the background.

Tsunami memorial serves as a tribute to those lost and a call to never forget

For those traveling through Japan’s Iwate prefecture, a visit to Takata Matsubara Memorial Park for Tsunami Disaster and the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum serves as more than a history lesson. It is an encounter with resilience, a tribute to those lost and a call to never forget.

A Japanese monk in traditional attire stands in the foreground while a fire burns behind him.

Monks, pilgrims to test their limits during fire-walking ritual in western Tokyo

The Fire-Walking Festival, or Saito Goma-Ku, held at the base of the sacred mountain of Takao, draws thousands of spectators each year. This year’s event is scheduled for March 9.

A woman leans down to take a photo of a child while other people walk along a path next to colorful trees in a Japanese park.

Plum blossoms herald spring at Hanegi Park in Tokyo

At Hanegi Park in Setagaya Ward, the annual plum blossom festival is underway, offering vibrant hues of pink, white and yellow amid a delightful fragrance. The event, which concludes in early March, marks the 46th season of celebrating ume in the area.

Customers peruse items on tables at a South Korean market.

Sensory immersion is free at Gunsan Public Market in South Korea

From fresh produce and seafood to traditional snacks and handmade goods, Gunsan Public Market near Kunsan Air Base offers something for everyone.

A pair of skis stick out of the snow in the foreground while three people view a mountain vista in the background.

Don’t miss this snow sports paradise within driving distance of Tokyo

There are a dozen ski resorts in and around Yuzawa, one of the most accessible snow sports destinations for U.S. troops stationed in or near Japan’s capital and a regular stop for base outdoor recreation day and weekend bus trips.