Japan And Alaska

The wide ocean, the harbour with its special atmosphere, the hill which stands in a row of steep slopes, a Chinatown which is full of exotic moods – there are so many “postcard scenes” in Yokohama. Not surprisingly, many movies have been made here. Visit Kamakura with its temples and 35-foot-high Great Buddha. Take a bullet train to see Mount Fiji, or pack an overnight bag and set out for the ancient cities of Japan: Kyoto and Hakone.

On the southern tip of Kyushu lies Kagoshima, a place of spectacular scenery. Why not enjoy the rugged mountain vistas, the rivers and bubbling hot springs, and the unexpected palm tree lined streets.

Seogwipo is a better place to stay if you have at least 3 days on Jeju, and want to see more of the island’s nature-oriented attractions.

Keelung is the port city of Taiwan, just 20 minutes ride from capital Taipei. Its long, deep harbour provides ample berth for the impressive number of cruise and container ships that keep it thriving.
You’ll find most of Keelung’s highlights in the central areas of the city, or within three miles of the downtown area. A walking tour really helps you develop affection for this beguiling port.

Japan’s first real contact with the West was through Portuguese explorers and Jesuit missionaries, and then Dutch merchants. Apprehensive Shoguns thus closed Japan to foreign trade except at Nagasaki.
Stop by Peace Park for a moment of serenity, or visit the Confucian Shrine to see the influence that the Chinese community has on Nagasaki.

The wide ocean, the harbour with its special atmosphere, the hill which stands in a row of steep slopes, a Chinatown which is full of exotic moods – there are so many “postcard scenes” in Yokohama. Not surprisingly, many movies have been made here. Visit Kamakura with its temples and 35-foot-high Great Buddha. Take a bullet train to see Mount Fiji, or pack an overnight bag and set out for the ancient cities of Japan: Kyoto and Hakone.

Hakodate is one of the most popular city destinations in Japan. Here you can experience diverse dynastic architecture, the last Shogun battlefield and enjoy shimmering night views from Mount Hakodate.
The Motomachi buildings from the Edo period and Meiji era of the late 19th century blend with western-influence to create an exciting cultural concoction. In Goryokaku Park, where the last battle of the Japanese civil war was fought, you can now enjoy peaceful contemplation amongst the fragrant blossom of 1600 cherry trees.

Savour the natural landscapes in Japan’s Aomori Prefecture of Honshu, the largest and most populous island of Japan. Aomori sits between the southern end of Mutsu Bay and the fine Hakkōda Mountains.
At the heart of the Tōhoku region, Aomori charms you with its unique blend of ultramodern architecture and sleepy fairytale castles, amid scented cherry blossoms.

Located in the Kodiak archipelago, Kodiak is the largest of Alaska’s islands, separated from the mainland by the Shelikof Strait. Even today, almost two thirds of the island is inaccessible by road, while of the 13,500 people who reside in Kodiak, almost half live in Kodiak City.
It’s here that Kodiak connects with the world beyond its icy shores, and the disembarking point for all Cunard voyages calling at the Island. If you’ve ever wondered why this part of Alaska is known as the Emerald Isle, prepare to have your curiosity sated. Kodiak’s mountains more or less glint with the same luminous green as the stone they resemble. While the water that laps the island’s shores is positively sapphire in its blueness.

Nestled on an inlet in the Kenai Peninsula, against a landscape of forested mountains and sapphire sea, the Southern Alaskan city of Seward is an outdoor adventurers’ playground.
Your guide to Seward.

Follow one of many scenic hiking trails, try your hand at zip-lining or venture to the glacial wonderland of Kenai Fjords National Park on a visit to this stunning city. If less active pursuits appeal, downtown Seward offers ample galleries and museums to advance your appreciation of the Alaskan way of life. Admire the artful murals decorating the streets of this historic city or observe seals gracefully swimming below the water’s surface at the ever-popular Alaska Sealife Centre.

Get up close and personal with the gigantic Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier. It’s 1350 square miles of blue ice and one of the most active in Alaska.Witness the grace and brilliance of glacial formations and towering icebergs in action as you sail by a highlight of Alaska’s many coastal wonders. Learn the history its created and take in the view.
Hubbard Glacier has dictated local geography and human endeavour over millennia. This is your chance to get close to one of Earth’s majestic giants of slow-moving ice.

Icy Strait Point is a grand idea brought to life in a brilliant hub of Alaskan action and adventure. Look out for whales in the picturesque wilderness or enjoy warm hospitality and hearty food ashore.
Built around a restored 1912 salmon cannery, its shops are wholly Alaskan-owned, and it features restaurants, nature trails, a museum and even a beach. Bears outnumber humans on Chichagof Island.

The capital of British Columbia, Victoria, possesses a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary charisma. It offers a wide variety of exquisite sights that draw visitors from around the world.
Notable landmarks include Craigdarroch Castle and the elegant Empress Hotel, which contrast with the shops and restaurants. There’s ample opportunity for whale watching and wildlife viewing, too.

Vancouver provides some stunning scenery, such as Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge, just two highlights. British Columbia’s marine parks feature remote fjords and vast, beautiful lakes.
Vancouver is ideal for whale watching and hiking, or swimming and kayaking in the summer months. The Gulf Islands are teeming with wildlife, including dolphins, eagles and sea lions.