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.

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.

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

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.

The Maansan Trail offers those at Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base an easy, refreshing winter hike not too far away.

The Niigata, an information center a short walk from Ginza Station in Tokyo, opened in August and includes a restaurant and sake and craft shops and hosts events promoting tourism in the western Japanese prefecture.

With a lineup packed with legendary acts and fan favorites, PUNKSPRING promises two unforgettable days of high-energy, raucous performances in Osaka and Tokyo.

The closest and most accessible ski resort to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is Megahira Ski Resort, just over a 1½-hour drive depending on road conditions. It’s not a destination resort, but if you’re stationed in southern Japan, the convenience and cost of the lift passes make it worthwhile.

The 599 Museum at the base of Mount Takao is a natural history experience awaiting discovery — with the benefit of free admission.

With interactive displays about fossils, geology and biology, Seoul’s Seodaemun Museum of Natural History is a surefire hit for adults and children interested in the natural world.