31-Day Alaska & North Pacific Crossing

Hachijo Jima Island, a volcanic island in the Philippine Sea, offers visitors a peaceful escape just a short flight from Tokyo. Known for its subtropical climate and dramatic landscapes, the island is home to rugged coastlines, dense forests, and the towering Mount Hachijo-Fuji, an inactive volcano that invites travelers to hike its slopes for panoramic views. The island’s natural hot springs, or "onsen," provide a soothing retreat, with open-air baths overlooking the ocean and the surrounding greenery.

Rich in history, Hachijo Jima has a fascinating past as both a place of exile during the Edo period and a strategic location during World War II. Today, remnants of its history can be seen in old stone walls, underground war tunnels, and the Hachijo Island History and Folklore Museum.

Hachijo Jima’s waters offer excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, with coral reefs, lava formations, and diverse marine life, including sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. The island’s coastline is dotted with scenic spots such as Nanbara Senjojiki, a vast lava plateau shaped by ancient eruptions, where visitors can walk along rugged black rock formations.

Culinary experiences on Hachijo Jima highlight fresh seafood and local delicacies, including ashitaba, a nutritious green herb used in tempura and noodle dishes, and the island’s signature passionfruit.

Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate combines historical charm with natural splendor. One of the city's most famous attractions is the view from Mount Hakodate, which offers a panorama of the city and the surrounding sea, especially stunning at night. Hakodate's rich history is evident in the Motomachi district, where you can find Western-style buildings and churches that reflect its past as one of Japan's first international ports.

Hakodate is also a destination for food lovers. The Hakodate Morning Market is a bustling spot where you can sample fresh seafood, including the city's famous "dancing squid" dish. The unique delicacy features a freshly prepared squid that appears to move when soy sauce is applied!

Glacier Bay’s untouched beauty will astound you. A National Park and Preserve, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Glacier Bay fjord lies north of Alaska’s capital, Juneau, and is covered with stunning tidewater glaciers and a variety of native flora and fauna. Accessible only by boat or air, this remote nature preserve is a favorite destination for cruises, which sail right past the bay’s massive glaciers and mountains for the ultimate view. Be on the lookout for the variety of eye-catching wildlife, including eagles, moose, and humpback whales, who have made Glacier Bay home.

Strong coffee, fresh seafood, and refreshing rain await you in Seattle, Washington, the largest city and cultural hub in the Pacific Northwest. Flanked by the stunning beauty of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, the Emerald City has the perfect blend of urban life and natural splendor, making Seattle the ideal tourist destination. With so many recognizable landmarks and entertaining diversions, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable adventure in Seattle!

A trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without visiting iconic Pike Place Market, a sprawling indoor and outdoor marketplace filled with vendors selling fresh produce, colorful flowers, and a whole host of unique souvenirs. Stroll Seattle’s Waterfront Park, located two blocks from Pike Place, for spectacular views of sparkling Puget Sound and a string of restaurants serving tasty clam chowder, oysters, and fish and chips. Travel north of the Waterfront to Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood and stop at Seattle Center, an essential destination for some of the city’s most well-known monuments. Here you’ll find the famous Space Needle, whose glass elevators provide a panoramic vantage point for gazing at the expansive city below. Just steps away from the Space Needle, immerse yourself in magnificent exhibits at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, with enormous and vivid glass sculptures, and the Museum of Pop Culture, with an extensive collection of film and music memorabilia.

From beautifully lush nature parks, to thrilling live music, to hundreds of trendy cafés, Seattle is sure to delight at every turn!