-
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 »
-
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 »
-
July 12, 2011
Exploring the Corners of Tokyo
In a city as large as Tokyo, you can’t limit yourself to one area. While ideally it would be nice to spend a day (or week, or month) in each area of the city, most realities of work and other commitments limit our dream vacations and force us to make choices when it comes to what we see and do. Selecting your ideal activity in each area of the city is a good way to experience different areas and get your must-do activities accomplished. Here’s a list of different activities you can do around Tokyo. Read more »
-
June 2, 2011
From Oregon With Love
Since the devastating events in Japan this past March, Oregonians have pooled together their time, donations and words of encouragement for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami. For one group of Oregonians and Washingtonians, the heartbreaking headlines inspired them to book a non-stop flight to the heart of the devastation, volunteering in both Tokyo and Sendai, Japan. Read more »
-
May 27, 2011
Photo Diary: Memorials
Memorial Day is a time to remember fallen heroes who defended their country — a tradition that is not unique to the United States. In Amsterdam, residents gather to remember those lost in World War II on May 4 for Dodenherdenking. Read more »
-
February 10, 2011
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Sumo
In the U.S., we have little exposure to sumo wrestling outside of the Hollywood depiction or images of bounce houses and inflatable suits. In reality, the Japanese live and breathe sumo wrestling. The sport is extremely exclusive, and professional sumos are subject to strict lifestyles that dictate everything from their sleeping habits to hairstyles. If you’re traveling to Tokyo, it’s time to brush up on your sumo knowledge. Read more »
-
August 13, 2010
Raquel’s Trip to Japan in 90 seconds
From floating sushi bars to the Tokyo Tower, Hiroshima and Shinjuku, I Love to Fly Nonstop haiku contest winner Raquel Benito summed up her trip to Japan with a blog post, as well as this video. Read more »
-
July 20, 2010
Become a Taiko Drummer
This is not your typical music lesson. You won’t count out beats with “ta ta ti ti ta”, but you will translate phrases like “Don Do-Ro Do-Ro Don” and “Don Don Zu-Ku Don Don Zu-Ku” into a series of beats and movements.
Taiko’s origin is in debate, but most scholars agree that the style was developed between 1,600-2,000 years ago. Traditionally, taiko was performed during wars and Buddhist ceremonies, but today’s taiko has a modern twist, often including contemporary influences like jazz, rock and hip hop into their performances. This transition began after World War II in no small part to jazz drummer, Oguchi Daihachi. Read more »
-
May 21, 2010
Flying the Good Flight: Part 4
Here are two different perspectives on Japanese bullet trains. One on the outside and one from the inside looking out. These trains connect all the major cities of Japan and travel at speeds of approximately 180 miles per hour. Read more »