Rising Sun & Golden Gate

Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju is a unique island that lies in the southwest corner of the Korean peninsula, and is filled with volcanic outcrops, lava tubes, waterfalls, citrus orchards, forests, and beaches. Jeju Island was formed from volcanic eruptions and is now home to majestic waterfalls and spectacular landscapes that will surely leave you in awe! Jeongbang Waterfalls is one of the three premier cascading falls in Jeju, along with Cheonjiyeon Falls and Cheonjeyeon Falls. Catch the sunrise at Seongsan Peak, watch the haenyos (Jeju female divers) dive without oxygen masks and get the sense of fulfilment once you reach the summit of the country’s highest mountain – Mount Hallasan! Whilst here, take Route 97 to Sang-umburi volcanic crater and follow on to the nearby Folk Villages, where you can enjoy local teas and purchase handmade crafts.

Nagasaki, Japan

Nagasaki, located in Kyushu island, is famous for its exotic, international atmosphere, whose origins can be traced in the history of this port city. It has developed into one of the most important port cities in Japan. The city was the second city after Hiroshima to be devastated by the world’s first nuclear attack towards the end of World War II. Swot up on the city’s history as you explore Nagasaki Peace Park and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. For those seeking a unique experience, the forgotten Hashima Island serves as an eerie sightseeing spot off the shores of mainland Nagasaki, where you’ll find old industrial sites, ruins of the worker’s quarters, and the “stairway to hell”.

Kagoshima, Japan

Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima prefecture and Kyushu’s southernmost major city, best known for the spectacular Sakurajima active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. Sakurajima is one of the most renowned active volcanoes in the world, looming in Kagoshima’s skyline. Senganen Garden is also a symbol of Kagoshima’s picture-perfect scenery. This Japanese garden was constructed by a feudal lord, Mitsuhisa Shimazu, as a guest house of the Kagoshima castle which attracts many visitors for its breathtaking views of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay. Learn about the city’s local culture and history in the Reimeikan Museum, and don’t miss out on sampling the city’s local tipple, Sho-chu, which is made from sweet potatoes.

Beppu, Japan

Beppu is a spa-resort town famous for its Onsen, Hot Springs, that are sometimes referred to as the "eight hells of Beppu". Soaking in a traditional Japanese natural hot spring is the best way to rejuvenate after an action–packed day of sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Onsens are not only for unwinding and relaxing, its waters are also famous for its healing and restorative properties. Besides the hot springs, Beppu is also known for its majestic Mount Tsurumi, where passengers can take the scenic cable car ride to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Hiroshima, Japan

A perfect place for history buffs, Hiroshima is a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, which was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known to all for its commitment to peace – the tragic event led to the end of the war and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is a constant reminder of its notorious past. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The striking Hiroshima Castle is one of its main attractions — a fine example of the original Japanese castle architecture dating back to the feudal era. If you are lucky enough to visit during the short-lived sakura season, then there's a high chance you’ll catch an extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom dousing the castle grounds and the banks of the moats!

Kochi, Japan

Kochi is a natural paradise boasting an abundance of sunshine and soothing waters in the form of clear rivers and lengthy coastlines. The capital city of Kōchi Prefecture is blessed with access to mountains, rivers and the ocean. It also has one of Japan’s best preserved feudal castles, Kochi-jo, which you must visit during your stay. A treasure trove of delicious food, taste some of the local delicacies and international cuisine in the busy Hirome Market. Another lively market in the capital is Sunday Market, an open-air market along the downstreets of Kochi with a long history dating back to the Edo period.

Kyoto (Osaka), Japan

From Minami's neon-lighted Dotombori and historic Tenno-ji to the high-rise class and underground shopping labyrinths of Kita, Osaka is a city that pulses with its own unique rhythm. Though Osaka has no shortage of tourist sites, it is the city itself that is the greatest attraction. Experience world-class entertainment with family or friends in the Universal Studios Japan set at Osaka’s waterfront; snap a photo with the famed giant billboard of the Glico Man in the vibrant Dotonbori district; and discover Osaka Castle – where blooming cherry blossoms colour the landscape and tell the story of Japan’s unification. The energetic city is also a haven for foodies, renowned for its great food scene and everything delicious served from specialist restaurants up to street food stalls. Takoyaki and Okonimiyaki are some of the most popular snacks that you must sample!

Mt. Fuji (Shimizu), Japan

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, rising above the quaint villages and tree-lined sea at over 12,000 feet. The peak of this stratovolcano is wonderfully swathed in white snow, creating a beautiful contrast with its green-coloured base covered with trees. This almost-perfectly-shaped peak is more than just a geographical wonder – it’s also a significant spiritual and cultural site, drawing a flock of pilgrims every summer and providing culture enthusiasts a glimpse into the region and its way of life. Shimizu, the postcard-perfect cruise port for snow-capped Mt. Fuji, where unparalleled views of the extraordinary mountain’s dramatic peak await. Take your time to soak up one of Japan's most iconic views, before dipping your toes into the rest of what this destination of tranquil temples has to offer. The Fuji Five Lakes region is idyllically positioned at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and the newly-built Chureito Pagoda is famous for spotting the cherry blossoms in the region!

Tokyo, Japan

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Nicknamed “The Big Mikan” after New York, Tokyo is bursting with life and colours – with a plethora of things to do and sights to see! Scramble the World’s busiest Shibuya Crossing, marvel at the sky-high Tokyo Tower and take a tour of the capital’s oldest Buddhist temple Senso-ji. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.

Aomori, Japan

Aomori is brimming with natural and cultural treasures, such as the Hakkōda Mountains and Hirosaki Castle. It’s also a great sport for cherry blossom viewing, when pink blossoms douse Hirosaki Park. Aomori's main event is its Nebuta Matsuri Festival, where people come to see illuminated floats of gigantic samurai figures paraded through the streets at night. Aomori's festival is one of Japan's largest, and is said to celebrate the euphoria of post-battle victory, and is thus encouraged to be noisier and livelier than you may have been exposed to in other Japanese festivals.

Kodiak, Alaska, United States

Today, commercial fishing is king in Kodiak. Despite its small population—about 6,475 people scattered among the several islands in the Kodiak group—the city is among the busiest fishing ports in the United States. The harbor is also an important supply point for small communities on the Aleutian Islands and the Alaska Peninsula.Visitors to the island tend to follow one of two agendas: either immediately fly out to a remote lodge for fishing, kayaking, or bear viewing; or stay in town and access whatever pursuits they can reach from the limited road system. If the former is too pricey an option, consider combining the two: drive the road system to see what can be seen inexpensively, then add a fly-out or charter-boat excursion to a remote lodge or wilderness access point.Floatplane and boat charters are available from Kodiak to many remote attractions, chief among them the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge , which covers four islands in the Gulf of Alaska: Kodiak, Afognak, Ban, and Uganik.

Skagway, Alaska, United States

Nestled along the world-famous cruise route of Inside Passage is Skagway, offering a glimpse of the glorious past of the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896.  North-country folk call this sightseeing route the Golden Horseshoe or Golden Circle tour as it passes a lot of gold-rush country in addition to spectacular lakes, verdant forests and mountain scenery. This quaint town is preserved as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Park, where you can test your luck as you pan-for-gold! Nearly all the historic sights are within a few blocks of the cruise-ship and ferry dock, allowing visitors to meander through the town's attractions at whatever pace they choose. For an unique experience, why not explore the area via dog sled, as excitable huskies take you on a whistle-stop tour?

Juneau, Alaska, United States

Only accessible by ship or by plane, Alaska’s capital city Juneau gracefully blends frontier ruggedness with cosmopolitan flair. It is the only state capital in the world without road access, so you can enjoy its remote tranquillity and well-preserved beauty. Bounded by steep mountains and waters, the city’s geographic isolation and compact size make it much more akin to an island community, such as Sitka, than to other Alaskan urban centres, such as Fairbanks or Anchorage. This picturesque city is an excellent gateway to the Mendenhall Glacier, an immense river of ice measuring 1.5 miles in width and over 6 miles in length. Peaks of ice called nunataks push through the ice – the highest peak of Juneau’s Icefield is known as Devil’s Paw, straddling the Alaska-Canada border and standing at a height of 8,584 feet.

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), United States

Overlooking the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is one of the most popular cruise destinations in Alaska and is often the first port of call on most northbound itineraries. This city has no road system and is only accessible by air or sea, so you can enjoy remote tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle. It is famed for its idyllic scenery, salmon cuisine, lush island setting and colourful totem poles. The city remains as an ancestral home to the indigenous Tlingit people, carvers of the world’s largest totem pole collection, which you can catch sight of throughout the area. Complete your trip by sampling the native trophy salmon, freshly caught from Ketchikan’s lake-filled backyard – Tongass National Forest.

Victoria, Canada

Victoria is the seaside capital of British Columbia – brimming with English gardens, castles, and double-decker buses! This coastal charmer is complete with fragrant greenery, waterfront paths, engaging museums and beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. The capital oozes a friendly, small-town atmosphere and tranquil ambience, far from the hustle and bustle. The Inner Harbour, Victoria's social and cultural centre, buzzes with visiting yachts, horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainers, and excursion boats heading out to visit pods of friendly local whales in the summer. The scenic waterfront is lined with Victorian heritage buildings, including the staggering Fairmont Empress Hotel, perfect for having a traditional afternoon tea!

San Francisco, United States

With its myriad hills and spectacular bay, San Francisco beguiles with natural beauty, vibrant neighbourhoods and contagious energy. From the hipster Mission District to the sassy Castro, from bustling Union Square to enduring Chinatown, this dynamic town thrives on variety.  It is well-known for its striking Golden Gate Bridge, antique cable cars and stunning Victorian-style houses. While here, hop on an iconic cable car, explore the infamous Alcatraz Island and enjoy fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, while watching sea lions bask in the sun at Pier 39! The city makes it wonderfully easy to tap into the good life, between San Francisco's hot arts scene, tempting boutiques, parks perfect for jogging or biking, and all those stellar locavore restaurants and cocktail bars, it's the ultimate destination for relaxed self-indulgence.