X-treme flight fans will know that since 2003, the Red Bull Air Race series has staged daring stunts around the world in the lightest, most agile and responsive aircraft that exist. The penultimate competition of the 2007 race series will be in San Diego next month when 13 pilots compete in low-flying slalom races around "inflatable gates" at speeds approaching 250 mph. The two fastest pilots then compete head to head in the final race.

Eleven pilots took part in eight races in the 2006 World Series with America's Kirby Chambliss crowned World Champ at the final in Perth, Australia. This year, two pilots have joined the lineup for stunts over Hungary, England and the U.S. Turn eyes to the skies at 9 a.m. Sept. 21-22 at Embarcadero Marina Park. www.redbullairrace.com.

— Chris Oliver

KIKU KUYO

CHRYSANTHEMUMS, DRAGON DANCE TO HIGHLIGHT FESTIVAL IN TOKYO

In Tokyo, the Kiku Kuyo (Chrysanthemum Rite) festival features offerings of the flowers to Kannon (the bodhisattva of compassion); displays of chrysanthemums on the grounds of Sensoji Temple, now the oldest temple in Tokyo; and the famous Golden Dragon Dance (Kinryu-no-mai).

The temple's small, gold Kannon statue was discovered in 628 by two brothers fishing in the nearby Sumida River. Legend has it that the discovery caused golden dragons to be seen flying to heaven, and the image was quickly enshrined in Sensoji. The Golden Dragon Dance, featuring a 45-foot dragon, is performed to commemorate these events and also to attract good fortune and prosperity. (Dragon dances originated in ancient China, where they were believed to bring rain in times of drought, and to spread blessings.)

The festival runs through October. Flower offerings are made at 11 a.m, and 2 and 3 p.m. on various days throughout the month. Sensoji temple is open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The temple grounds are open 24 hours.

— Advertiser staff

TOP 10

WORLD'S BEST

The best hotels in the world, from Travel + Leisure's 2007 readers' poll:

1. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

2. Singita Sabi Sand/Kruger National Park, South Africa

3. The Oriental, Bangkok

4. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

5. The Milestone, London

6. Relais Il Falconiere, Cortona, Italy

7. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, South Africa

8. Mandarin Oriental, Munich

9. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawai'i

10. Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India

— Chicago Tribune