January 24, 2012
Photo of the Week: Setsubun Bean Festival
The Japanese don’t traditionally celebrate the Lunar New Year like many other Asian nations. Instead, the Setsubun Festival, or Bean Throwing Festival, falls in sync with the New Year celebrations across the world. Read more »
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January 19, 2012
Craft Beer is Booming in Japan
Between Portlanders and the Japanese, ‘craft beer’ is common language. Our neighbor across the Pacific, Tokyo has even been called the “Portland of the Far East” for its impressive craft brewing repertoire. Read more »
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January 16, 2012
The Tastes of Holland and Japan: Portland Food Carts
Here in Portland, we all thought we got away with a mild winter. Lo and behold, the cold temperatures have finally arrived, and even brought with them a few snowflakes. In celebration of our nonstop flights from PDX to Amsterdam and Tokyo, we’re celebrating the cuisine of both destinations that will help warm your bellies this winter. If you’re not traveling to Holland or Japan this winter, you can still celebrate with us in Portland. Here are two of the best food carts in the downtown area to warm up from the cold and experience a little international flavor. Read more »
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January 11, 2012
Photo of the Week: Japan’s Floating Shrine
Our photo of the week hails from the Miyajima island of Japan. The famous Itsukushima Shrine is also called a ‘torii’ shrine, meaning ‘floating’ shrine. Read more »
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December 21, 2011
Cherry Blossoms: Japan’s Springtime Specialty
The winter season is upon us! For those of you who forgot that winter was coming, neglected to plan your vacation, and will be ready to take a break in the spring after a busy holiday season, Japan has got just the thing to refresh and rejuvenate your spirits. Leave the holiday poinsettias behind and look forward to a Japanese flower that will ring in the spring. Read more »
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December 9, 2011
Fun Friday Facts: Christmas in Japan
Although Japan is primarily a Buddhist nation, the Japanese still participate in a few fun Christmastime traditions. For most Japanese, Christmas holds no religious meaning, but you’ll still find Christmas trees glittering and sparkling in nearly every household. Give us your best shot and answer these trivia questions about Japanese Christmas traditions. Read more »
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November 29, 2011
Shogatsu: Japanese New Year
For many of us, New Year’s Eve conjures up images of fireworks, late-night celebrations, champagne flutes and glittering confetti. Across the pond in Tokyo, the Japanese celebrate the new year in a much different way. New Years has been called the most important Japanese holiday of all, and festivities are always over the top on this night. Here are three things that will make New Year’s Eve in Japan one to remember. Read more »
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August 10, 2011
5 Reasons to Travel in the Off-Season
It’s summertime! School is out, the sun is shining, and most of us are more than ready for a vacation. We save up all of our vacation time, rally up the kids, and plan a summer getaway for the family.We’ll be honest, it’s nice to be able to pack light and explore a new place in shorts and a t-shirt. But sometimes, the massive crowds of fellow tourists and expensive high-season plane tickets take some of the fun out of it. Read more »
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August 2, 2011
Japan e Yokoso… Onegai shimasu! (Welcome to Japan…Please!)
In March of this year, Japan was struck with one of the most devastating natural disasters of its history. Only three short months later, the first group of US citizens set off to lend a helping hand. 68 Oregonians and Washingtonians, all apart of the Flight of Friendship, set out from the Portland International Airport on a nonstop flight to Tokyo on May 29th of this year. They returned in June with a humbling story to tell. Sean Egusa, a leader of the Flight of Friendship, has returned from the journey and has offered to share his experience:
Earthquake, tsunami
Sight and smell I can’t forget
I am not the same Read more » -
July 15, 2011
Three Great Asian Destinations Out of Tokyo
For those who have caught the travel bug, they understand how hard it can be to settle for just one travel destination. Every region has so much to offer, boasting original art, culture, cuisine, architecture and excitement. Those who love to travel seek the feeling of both nostalgia and diving into the unknown. When exploring a region as large as Asia, you’re sure to encounter both while gaining appreciation for regional customs and finding exhilaration in the uniqueness of each country. Nonstop flights to Tokyo out of PDX allow travelers to make their long journey to Asia as simple, quick and convenient as possible with only one connection. The city of Tokyo is a gateway to both the familiar and unaccustomed areas of Asia. Read more »