The fast-paced growth of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube has birthed the realization that anyone can create and publish content with very little up-front costs.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, more commonly known as Miraikan, showcases Japan’s leading studies in science and technology. The museum offers an interactive, hands-on learning experience enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

Imagine kayaking serenely through a mangrove forest as tropical birds sing all around you. If you’re lucky, you might spot a crested serpent eagle perched on a branch. If you are into trekking, kayaking and outdoor adventures, Iriomote is your paradise.

If anyone asks me to pick my favorite from the 15 inhabited islands that I’ve visited in Okinawa prefecture, there is no hesitation: Iriomote.

Tabayama is a quaint village in the mountains west of Tokyo where the picturesque views and natural silences can be abruptly broken with the screams of thrilled riders on Japan’s largest roller slide.

The floating O-torii and Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima south of Hiroshima are two of Japan’s most popular attractions, but ongoing restoration work there shouldn’t stop Americans stationed in Japan from planning a visit.

If there is a recipe for happiness, it surely contains malt and hops — and there is plenty of that to go around at Orion Happy Park in Nago city.

As soon as you step onto Taketomi Island, southwest of Okinawa, it’s impossible not to notice that time flows much slower here than anywhere else.

The thing that stands out about Okinawa’s idyllic Maeda Escarpment today is its peacefulness. Rolling green fields, trees, unique rock formations and stunning vistas greet dog walkers, lovers, foreign tourists and local schoolchildren alike. As if these stunning natural features were not enough, the escarpment is a wonder for a totally unrelated reason. It is known by another name that commands reverence: Hacksaw Ridge.

Tell the kids you’re taking them to spend a day at a museum and, if they are anything like mine, they will probably wish they had get-out-of-jail-free cards in their back pockets. However, the Gwacheon National Science Museum in Seoul turned out to be so much more than just a leisurely stroll through countless halls past endless placards and countless relics.

Australian Ron Rees was just 6, on his way home from a fishing trip with his older brother, when he met Gen. Douglas MacArthur on the street in 1942.

Nestled away in the bustling capital of Japan, a temple memorializes an avenging story of loyalty by the fabled Loyal Retainers of Lord Ako, better known as the 47 Ronin.

Hawaii is probably the most iconic and popular vacation destination for people around the world. And yet, I was not surprised to hear that Okinawa welcomed more tourists than Hawaii for the first time in 2017, according to Japan’s Nikkei news service.

You don’t have to be leader of the free world to visit Panmunjom — the truce village in the Demilitarized Zone where President Donald Trump shook hands June 30 with Kim Jong Un of North Korea.

Folks in the Tokyo area who want to swim with wild dolphins don’t have to travel far or spend a fortune to realize their dreams.

An excursion by rail to Kawagoe in Saitama prefecture opens a window to a bygone era in Japan. Sometimes called “Little Edo,” a reference to Tokyo’s former identity, the city encompasses a busy commercial district and a Buddhist temple of historic and cultural significance. If, like me, you’re relatively new to Japan, Kawagoe is a nice weekend-day-trip alternative to the bustle of center city Tokyo.

After Golden Week, Okinawa usually marches into tsuyu, or rainy season, which lasts until late June. For some, the gloomy sky and constant rain makes them feel blue. Others may appreciate the little break from the blazing sun, because after the rainy season is over, Okinawa is officially in summer. As for me, as soon as the Japan Meteorological Agency announces that Okinawa is in rainy season, it’s time to hit the road to the Yohena Hydrangea Garden to see some pretty flowers.

Every local on Okinawa has a “go-to” tempura place when a craving for Okinawa-style tempura strikes. Where is my go-to shop? On Ojima island!

Located just 6 miles from Osan Air Base is Mangisa Temple, home to the Iron Seated Buddha, one of South Korea’s national treasures.

The grounds of Hiroshima Castle's expansive grounds have turned into a technicolor wonderland, thanks to the efforts of the wildly popular teamLab art collective.

Tucked away in the heart of Sapporo is a bustling market dating back to the 19th century where tourists and locals alike can find a veritable feast of fresh and exotic seafood.

A great place to relax after a hard day of skiing or marveling at snow sculptures is only an hour’s drive or bus ride from downtown Sapporo. Jozankei is one of Hokkaido’s most popular hot springs drawing 1.6 million visitors each year, including 180,000 foreigners — twice as many as came a decade ago.

On Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Shiroi Koibito is, quite possibly, the region’s most popular omiyage, and has attained an almost mythical status among Hokkaido’s visitors.

The Kerama Islands are only about 25 miles from Naha — just an hour-long ferry ride away. During the winter season, the waters surrounding the small group of islands transforms into one of the best whale-watching spots in the world.

If you fare well in cold weather, or own enough warm clothing, you can experience some spectacular views of Hokkaido’s largest city from the summit of Mount Moiwa.

One of the most famous features of the Churaumi Aquarium is the massive Kuroshio Sea tank, which holds nearly 2 million gallons of water and measures more than 115 feet in length.

On Okinawa, hanami is more subdued compared to the hanami celebrations on the mainland. Here, hanami is less about bentos and beer and more about enjoying nature.

Treading the five-acre Kukaniloko Birthstones State Monument is to stroll upon the bellybutton of Oahu island. It was here, long before the first Europeans stepped foot on this island chain, where the pregnant wives of Hawaii’s chiefs came to give birth.

It might seem like a challenge to get into the holiday spirit on Okinawa, but illumination events across the island are helping spread wintertime cheer to locals.

Tokushima might be one of Japan's least-populated prefectures, but it's filled with beautiful landscapes, historic attractions and a wide variety of unique cultural experiences.