Legends of Japan & Alaska – Tokyo to Vancouver

Dazzling cityscapes await your exploration; visit Asakusa for the bright lights, street fairs and Senso-ji Temple; the Tsukiji Market, the largest open-air fish market in the world with on-the-spot sushi; and the Imperial Palace’s East Garden for some calm. Spend the evening in the bright, active Ginza District, where the night comes alive.

Dazzling cityscapes await your exploration; visit Asakusa for the bright lights, street fairs and Senso-ji Temple; the Tsukiji Market, the largest open-air fish market in the world with on-the-spot sushi; and the Imperial Palace’s East Garden for some calm. Spend the evening in the bright, active Ginza District, where the night comes alive.

Only 10 miles north of Onahama, the city of Iwaki is where you will find most of the area’s top attractions. Visit the celebrated 12th-century temple of Shiramizu Amidado, explore the impressive Abukumado Cave or spend the day at Spa Resort Hawaiians – a unique resort with a Hawaiian theme where you can enjoy the hot springs, Hawaiian dance performances and even take a hula lesson. Immediately near Onahama, Aquamarine Fukushima is a popular stop – not only is it a massive aquarium with the world’s largest touch pool, it’s also part terrarium with re-created environments of rivers and coastlines with marine life from the Pacific Coast and Fukushima.

Sendai is a city in Japan’s Tohoku Region, northeast of Tokyo on Honshu island. The remains of 17th-century Sendai Castle, built for samurai lord Date Masamune on Aoba Hill, overlook the city and include a museum of historic artifacts. The Sendai City Museum focuses on the history and culture of Japan’s Edo period, and displays Masamune’s samurai armor.

Hakodate is one of the main cities on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Looming over the town is 334m-high Mount Hakodate. The mountain’s summit, reachable by aerial ropeway gondola, offers dramatic nighttime views. At its base is Motomachi, a neighborhood of steep streets with Western-style, early-20th-century buildings. A city landmark is the grand Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, built in 1910.

Once Hokkaido’s bustling financial center, the small harbor city of Otaru is a popular weekend getaway for the Japanese. It offers a charming canal lined with early 20th-century brick and stone buildings, along with plenty of museums and restaurants, not to mention the unique herring mansions, built by wealthy fishermen during the 19th and 20th centuries. Sapporo, only 30 minutes by train from Otaru, is the 5th largest city in Japan and likewise offers a sought-after food scene, plentiful shopping, green spaces and galleries in spades. Foodies won’t want to miss Nijo Fish Market, a 100-year-old market favored by locals that’s also full of places to try regional specialties.

The tiny village of Kodiak clings to the “Emerald Isle” of Kodiak, which is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. In summer the island is a mosaic of flora that includes wildflowers, moss-laden spruce, Pacific red elder, and blueberries, which the brown bears feast on. You may also spot puffins, red foxes and killer whales.

Founded by gold miners in 1896, Homer still attracts adventurous travelers who love the great outdoors. It’s particularly beautiful during the summer, when wildflowers are in bloom and the hills behind town are lush green. A great starting point is the Pratt Museum, featuring exhibits on native culture, history and fishing.

Sailing here is a rare treat, as most cruise ships never venture into picturesque Cook Inlet to reach Alaska’s largest city. While surrounded by natural beauty, Anchorage also offers cosmopolitan attractions such as the Anchorage Museum, which emphasizes art and technology through experiential exhibits. Ride the trolley for an excellent overview of the city.

Hoonah means “where the north wind doesn’t blow” in the language of the Tlingit Indians, who make up about 70% of the population of this village on the lee side of Chichagof Island. However, wildlife outnumbers everyone, so watch for bears, eagles and humpback whales, which migrate here in the summer.

Totem poles are one of Ketchikan’s chief attractions, and the best places to view them are Saxman Village and Totem Bight State Park. Drop by the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center to learn about the local cultures and ecosystems.

By far the largest port on Regatta’s Alaska cruises, Vancouver offers every imaginable big-city attraction. Explore the Museum of Anthropology and the Vancouver Art Museum for culture. History flourishes in the Gastown district, which borders vibrant Chinatown. Or enjoy a break from the bustle in Stanley Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks.