Tokyo to Seward, Alaska

Arrive into the heart of Japan, Tokyo, by way of Yokohama. From the timeless beauty of the Meiji Shrine to the glittering Ginza District and impressive Tokyo Tower, Tokyo is a complex blend of East and West where houses of wood and paper stand beside soaring steel skyscrapers while kimono-clad women stroll along trendy teenagers. Here in this city of more than 11 million people, the timeless Imperial Palace bears testament to Japan’s enduring traditions, existing in a verdant parkland of isolation.

Aomori is the capital city of Aomori Prefecture, in the Tōhoku region of Japan. As of 1 April 2020, the city had an estimated population of 278,964 in 136,457 households, and a population density of 340 people per square kilometer spread over the city

Whether you reach the spectacular summit of Mt. Hakodate by gondola or invigorating hike, sprawling vistas of the town below offer a beautiful reward. Venture further into the rich natural wonders to Lake Onuma Park, where trails in every direction lead to adventure and tiny lake islands are just a canoe quest away. In town, the local fish market, modern Motomachi neighborhood and Russian Orthodox Church express the storied past and varied present-day culture of Hakodate.

Asmall harbor city, Otaru once played a pivotal role as a fishing and trade port, its main canal still a beautifully preserved representation of that era. Today, the canal district is illuminated with character by old-fashioned gas lamps, lined with warehouses that have been transformed into museums, shops and restaurants. Adventure seekers have an easy quest from Otaru to Mount Yotei, the active stratovolcano that offers challenging hikes and extreme crater skiing.

Often called “Alaska’s Emerald Isle,” Kodiak Island is indeed magnificently green thanks to plentiful summer rains. It is also one of North America’s largest commercial fishing ports; both fish and wildlife are abundant in the area. Hikers will find the area a paradise as well, with a choice of splendid trails inside Kodiak’s National Wildlife Refuge. Several fascinating museums exist here, including the Alutiiq Museum, which illuminates the cultural traditions of the indigenous Alutiiq people.

Snow-capped mountains reaching thousands of feet skyward and glistening glaciers combine to create a dramatic backdrop for Homer on the southern Kenai Peninsula. Take a cruise to one of Alaska’s largest marine sanctuaries where thousands of seabirds come to nest. Paddle among the sea otters at Otter Cove. There’s halibut fishing, of course, along with galleries of local artists, interpretive hiking with a naturalist … even a world-famous Alaskan cooking school. Name your flavor, it’s all here in Homer.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay, the SeaLife Center research aquarium, not to mention the charm of the town itself, all conspire to make Seward one of the most appealing destinations in Alaska. Seward began inconspicuously enough as a fishing village and point of arrival for those visiting Alaska. Now locals and visitors alike have discovered that there is enough to see and do here to merit a multi-day, if not indefinite, stay. You might paddle a kayak on the lookout for sea otters, hike one of the many beautiful hiking trails near town, embark on a fishing expedition or ride a wheeled sled pulled by a team of 12 spry and intelligent dogs. In town, visit the aforementioned SeaLife Center, where you can hold starfish and view puffins, seabirds, harbor seals and sea lions. Also investigate the Iditarod Trailhead and explore the quaint Seward Museum where you will learn the history of Seward as told by bits of memorabilia.