May 16, 2012
20 Tokyo Photos That Will Make You Want To Go There Now
Truly one of the world’s great cities, Tokyo is a feast for the senses. Until you’ve visited yourself, it might seem intimidating and difficult. In fact, Tokyo is very easy to visit, and not nearly as expensive as most people fear. Enjoy these 20 photos that will make you want to start planning your own trip right now. Hint hint… Read more »
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February 22, 2012
Photo of the Week: Matsumoto Castle
Our Photo of the Week hails from a destination very near to Tokyo. Built in 1504, the Matsumoto Castle is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. Located in the Nagano Prefecture, it is only a short trip from Tokyo. Sometimes referred to as “Crow Castle” for its dark coloring and because its roofs look similar to spreading wings, the Matsumoto Castle was built as a fort during the Sengoku period. Read more »
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February 15, 2012
Sushi: A Guide for Beginner Chefs
Heading to Japan for a vacation soon? If you’re not, you probably wish you were. If you can’t get to Japan right away, get inspired and partake in Japanese culture with a sushi party! As intricate as sushi looks, it is not hard to create. This quick Sushi 101 guide will give you the essential steps to making a tasty California Roll and provide helpful etiquette tips for when you dine out! 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 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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September 14, 2011
Destination Detective: Journey to the East
Destination Detective is back! Today’s destination can be easily reached with a short plane ride from Tokyo. Read the clues below and see if you can guess which destination is highlighted below. We dare you! Take a guess. Read more »
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August 23, 2011
Destination Detective: Heading to the Tropics
It’s that time again to put your sleuthing skills to the test! We are featuring a new gateway destination out of Tokyo with some fresh clues. If you find this destination’s hints enticing, getting there is a piece of cake: hop on a direct flight from PDX to Tokyo, and Narita will have one non-stop flight to this destination waiting for you. Read more »