North Pacific Passage

Tokyo

The modern capital city of Japan, Tokyo could be
described as too good to be true. People dress in the latest
fashions and experiment with the latest technologies, excellent
restaurants serve up delicious food of all varieties, and the
trendiest nightclubs keep going throughout the night.

The public transport system is punctual and one of
the most efficient in the world; and shops and vending machines
provide necessities and luxuries both day and night. All this is
achieved in a city that is home to more than 13 million people,
amid the confusion of bumper-to-bumper traffic, flickering neon
signs, and a crush of humanity packing subways and sidewalks.

Amidst the hurly-burly, Tokyo remarkably remains
one of the world's safest cities with a low crime rate and local
people who are generally only too willing to spare the time and
effort to assist a stranger.

With such a dense population, Tokyo is an urban
maze of buildings that jostle for space in an unplanned jumble of
grey concrete, which makes parts of it drab. The city fills a huge
area that seems to go on forever, with no specific city centre, but
rather a succession of districts grouped together. In the back
streets, where timber houses line narrow lanes, there are reminders
that this is exotic Japan: kimono-clad women prune bonsai trees and
colourful neighbourhood festivals take place.

The city is an exuberant experience for visitors.
It is home to many museums and is the largest repository of
Japanese art in the world. Then, of course, it would take forever
to exhaust the shopping possibilities in this megalopolis.

The more one explores Tokyo, the more it becomes
obvious that one cannot judge a book by its cover. Inside the
modern buildings the cultural life of Japan is very much alive and
well. Interiors reflect the tranquil minimalist Asian style and
taste of Japan.

Sailing the Tsugaro Strait

Sapporo

The most remarkable thing about the northern
Japanese island of Hokkaido and its capital city Sapporo, is the
contrast in temperatures between winter and summer. Sapporo, site
of the 1972 Winter Olympics, is a favourite ski destination with
temperatures plummeting well below freezing in December and January
- the lowest ever recorded was in January 1945, when the mercury
dropped to -11ºF (-24ºC). Summer, however, sees daytime highs of
above 86ºF (30ºC), although evenings and mornings are cooler.

Because of the thick snows that turns the city
into a winter wonderland, Sapporo is favoured more as a winter
sports destination than a spring or summer resort. There are ski
slopes within the city limits and residents often enjoy a quick run
after work.

Sapporo is one of Japan's newest cities, having
been constructed almost from scratch as the capital of Hokkaido in
1871. Japan imported foreign technicians (including 46 Americans)
to aid in the development of the city, formerly a small settlement
of the native Ainu people, which has now grown to accommodate about
two million inhabitants. Despite a large population, Sapporo is not
as crowded or densely packed as other Japanese cities.

A national survey ranked it as one of the
country's most desirable places to live, which is not surprising
because its natural setting allows for easy access to mineral spas,
mountain hikes, campsites, and superb ski runs. Tourists enjoy the
outdoor delights of the region and experiencing the ancient culture
of the local Ainu people.

Sailing the Okhotsk Sea

Sail the North Pacific Ocean

Crossing International Dateline (East)

Sailing the Bering Sea

Kodiak, Alaska

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.

Homer, Alaska

Alaska is the largest and most sparsely populated state in the United States. Nearly three-quarters of the state is covered by forest, making it the most forested state in the country. The state is home to Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America, and to more than half of the world's glaciers.

Permafrost covers much of Alaska, and the state has more active volcanoes than any other state. The climate in Alaska is variable, with temperatures ranging from -60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Despite its large size, Alaska has a relatively small population. The 2010 census put the population of Alaska at 710,231, which is just over one percent of the population of the United States.

Alaska is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, gold, silver, and copper. The state is also home to fisheries that produce billions of dollars worth of seafood each year. Tourism is also an important industry in Alaska, with visitors coming to see the state's natural beauty and wildlife.

Seward, Alaska

Seward is a charming town in Alaska that is often overlooked by travelers. This is a mistake, as Seward offers stunning scenery, great fishing, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Situated on the edge of Resurrection Bay, Seward is surrounded by mountains and sea. The Kenai Fjords National Park is just a short drive away, and there are plenty of trails to explore in the area. Seward is also a great place to go fishing, whether you’re looking for salmon, halibut, or trout.

In town, there are a number of shops and restaurants to explore. The Alaska SeaLife Center is also worth a visit, as it’s one of the only places in the world where you can see a variety of Arctic marine life up close.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to relax in a beautiful setting, Seward is well worth a visit.

Valdez, Alaska

Alaska is the largest and most sparsely populated state in the United States. Nearly three-quarters of the state is covered by forest, making it the most forested state in the country. The state is home to Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America, and to more than half of the world's glaciers.

Permafrost covers much of Alaska, and the state has more active volcanoes than any other state. The climate in Alaska is variable, with temperatures ranging from -60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Despite its large size, Alaska has a relatively small population. The 2010 census put the population of Alaska at 710,231, which is just over one percent of the population of the United States.

Alaska is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, gold, silver, and copper. The state is also home to fisheries that produce billions of dollars worth of seafood each year. Tourism is also an important industry in Alaska, with visitors coming to see the state's natural beauty and wildlife.

Scenic Sailing: Hubbard Glacier (HUB)

Sailing the Glacier Bay

Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is a city in Alaska, located on the west coast of Baranof Island. This quaint little city offers a variety of things to do, including fishing, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Sitka is also home to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which is a great place to learn about the state's Native culture and history.

If you're looking for a unique place to visit in Alaska, Sitka is definitely worth a trip. This city has a lot to offer, from its beautiful scenery to its rich culture and history. We would definitely recommend spending a few days here if you have the chance.

Ketchikan, Alaska

The 'salmon capital of the world' started as a summer fish camp
on the shores of Ketchikan Creek used by the Tlingit natives, and
slowly became a major salmon canning centre. Native Inuit heritage
plays a large role in the touristic appeal of Ketchikan, which
boasts the largest collection of totem poles in the world in the
Ketchikan Totem Bight State Historical Park, Saxman Native Village
and the Totem Heritage Center Museum. Ketchikan has more cultural
sightseeing opportunities than most cities and towns in Alaska,
making it the perfect Alaskan getaway for those keen to experience
indigenous culture as well as the stunning natural landscapes of
Alaska.

Rustic Creek Street, with its picturesque wooden boardwalks and
stilts, was once the town's red light district, and today the
houses have been converted into restaurants, shops and galleries.
Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island, 235 miles (378km)
south of Juneau. If staying in the capital, Ketchikan is a popular
excursion from the city; in fact, the quaint old town feels much
more authentic and traditional than the larger city. The town is a
popular cruise destination and is the starting point for most
Inside Passage tours. Excursions into the surrounding wilderness
include air or boat trips to nearby Misty Fjords, an area of
pristine, spectacular scenery with soaring cliffs, waterfalls,
lakes and glaciers.

Sailing The Inside Passage

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is bustling, vibrant and diverse.
This gem on Canada's west coast boasts the perfect combination of
wild natural beauty and modern conveniences. Its spectacular views
and awesome cityscapes are a huge lure not only for visitors but
also for big productions, and it's even been nicknamed Hollywood
North for its ever-present film crews.

Less than a century ago, Vancouver was
barely more than a town. Today, it's Canada's third largest city
and more than two million people call it home. The shiny futuristic
towers of Yaletown and the downtown core contrast dramatically with
the snow-capped mountain backdrop, making for postcard-pretty
scenes.

Approximately the same size as the downtown
area, the city's green heart is Canada's largest city park, Stanley
Park, covering hundreds of acres filled with lush forest and
crystal clear lakes. Visitors can wander the sea wall along its
exterior, catch a free trolley bus tour, enjoy a horse-drawn
carriage ride or visit the Vancouver Aquarium housed within the
park.

The city's past is preserved in historic
Gastown with its cobblestone streets, famous steam-powered clock
and quaint atmosphere. Neighbouring Chinatown, with its weekly
market, Dr Sun Yat-Sen classical Chinese gardens and intriguing
restaurants add an exotic flair. For some retail therapy or
celebrity spotting, there is always the trendy Robson Street.

During the winter months, snow sports are
the order of the day on nearby Grouse Mountain. It's perfect for
skiing and snowboarding, although the city itself gets more rain
than snow. Vancouver's ethnic diversity and ideal combination of
mountains, sea and city offer visitors an endless supply of things
to see and do, no matter the budget.