Bangkok-USA flights have been making headlines lately. Actually, flying through Tokyo has always been one of the most convenient ways to get to the USA, and that hasn't changed. From Tokyo, you can fly direct to a whole bunch of US cities beyond the big two (New York and L.A.). Here are some of our favorite reasons to visit the USA, all of it:

Photo: Marvin Chandra

1. The National Parks are the best in the world

Where: Honolulu

Why: Bangkok is obsessed with New York. But honestly, if you haven't visited America's national parks, you haven't lived. Yosemite, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon are the most famous (more on that later), but some of the most stunning are actually in Hawaii.

Do this: Just east of Honolulu is the scenic Diamond Head State Park. Circular in shape and lined with lots of naturally occurring quartz crystals, this inactive volcano offers panoramic views of Oahu and Waikiki, and was used as a secret lookout spot during the Second World War. Another must-visit site is Pali Puka, a mountain containing a mysterious circular hole. The trail can get pretty steep, but keep walking and you’ll be awarded with a breathtaking view of the mountainous Windward Coast, through the hole itself.

Photo: Fiola Mare

2. Small is the way to go

Where: Portland

Why: The comedic TV series Portlandia has made Portland an icon of crafty, hipster, farm-to-table trends. The real thing isn't nearly as annoying as it sounds, and it's definitely one of the world's most livable cities.

Do this: Fly into Vancouver or Seattle and take a scenic 2-hour road trip via the I-5 freeway south to Portland. That way, you can make stops on the way to see vintage fighter planes at Flying Heritage Collections, stroll around the lively garden at Evergreen Arboretem, and savor the thick milkshakes at Country Burger, a family-run hole-in-the-wall that even the locals rave about.

DuPont Circle, Washington DC. Photo: Dewita Soeharjono

3. The capital's gotten a whole lot cooler

Where: Washington D.C.

Why: You'd be forgiven for thinking New York is the USA's capital. But Washington D.C. is finally stepping out of the shadows. Formerly known for their bland salads and overcooked steaks, the city’s dining scene has recently gone through a boom, thanks to the city transplants coming in to open hip eateries serving inventive and flavorful food.

Do this: Must-visits include Fiola, founded by Italian chef Fabio Trabocci, as well as the low-key Izakaya Seki, featuring a rotating selection of fresh sahsimi. The drink scene is heating up too, thanks to the revival of old-school watering holes such as Jack Rose Dining Saloon, which looks like something out of House of Cards, as well as new-style sports bars like Nellie’s.

Texan BBQ. Photo: F.D. Richards

4. You’ll never look at food the same way after visiting Texas 

Where: Austin, Texas

Why: What do nachos, chili corn carne and fajitas have in common? They’re all hearty, delicious and Texan in origin (yes, Texan; not Mexican). Thanks to a combination of Western, Southern and Mexican influences, the Lone Star State has nailed it when it comes to comfort food, and is arguably the only place to go if you want to taste the real deal. Besides the incredible Tex-Mex, they’ve also concocted the corn dog, pecan pie and make the best barbeque.

Do this: While you’re out there, do try the succulent chunks of Texas-style brisket that have been smoked for eight hours, topped with a crunchy, smokey layer of barbeque sauce, as well as the original chicken fried steak (tender chicken steak that’s breaded, fried and doused with gravy and lemon). Don't say we didn't warn you.

Photo: a4gpa

5. Chicago is better than NYC

Where: Chicago

Why: The windy city is a lot like New York, only better. The food scene is even more intense (those steaks!), the architecture is stunning (skyscrapers began in Chicago, not in NYC), jazz was born here and the Art Institue of Chicago was ranked best museum in the world last year (we agree).

Do this: Try to snag a table at Alinea, possibly the world's best restaurant. Take the Architecture Foundation Boat Tour for an overview of Mies van der Rohe's best work. Eat deap dish pizza at Lou Malnati's. Catch some live 1980s-style-jazz at the Green Mill Cocktail lounge.

Lagunitas. Photo: Michael Bentley

6. You’ll never taste enough beers in California

Where: San Jose

Why: Everyone knows that California is home to some of America’s best wineries, but they often forget that the Golden State does not fall short when it comes to breweries either. Because of its warmer weather, California is able to successfully grow cascade and nugget hops all year round, giving their beer that unique spicy-flowery and oaky kick. With a total of 2,760 breweries, choosing which ones to go to may be overwhelming.

Do this: Apart from the familiar names such as Stones, Sierra Nevada and Anderson Valley, we recommend that you hit up Lagunitas in Petalama, Hermitage in San Jose. The city is adorable, almost Disney-like, with its restored warehouses on the waterfront. Do rent bicycles or a sailboat.

 Brought to you by ANA

Broaden your experiences with All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's only 5-star airline. Connecting to the USA has never been easier. ANA is currently offering flights to 10 different American destinations: New York, Washington, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Jose, Vancouver and Honolulu. 

Visit ANA sky web for special  promotions. Reservations:  02-238-5121