Kodiak, Alaska
Kodiak is the second largest island in the area of the U.S., state of Alaska, after the island of Hawaii. Salmon, halibut, the unique Kodiak Bear, Sitka Deer (black tail), and mountain goats invite hunting tourists as well as fishermen to the Kodiak Archipelago.
Miyako-Jima, Japan
It is considered to be one of Japan's most scenic destinations, as the visitor has the opportunity to admire stunning Marine Garden. From Ryugujo, which is an observatory, the visitor can enjoy the most beautiful view of the country.
Homer, Alaska
Homer is a small town in southern Alaska, located at the end of the Kenai Peninsula overlooking Kachemak Bay. It is known as the “halibut fishing capital of the world,” thanks to its reputation for landing some of the largest catches. The town’s most distinctive feature is the Homer Spit, a narrow strip of land stretching far into the sea, lined with marinas, shops, restaurants, and small museums. Homer also serves as a gateway for ecotourism and wilderness exploration, offering opportunities to see eagles, marine mammals, and to venture into the remote parks of the region.
Sapporo (Muroran), Japan
Sapporo is a large city located on Hokkaido island, in Japan. Many beautiful parks are jewels in the city and they host interesting festivals every year. It is a popular tourist destination with many historical landmarks that a tourist should visit. Especially, Sapporo Clock Tower offers amazing views. Serene lakes and lush green forests make the scenery unique. A visit at the nearby beautiful port city of Muroran will be an interesting experience.
Sendai, Japan
Sendai is the largest city in northeastern Japan and the capital of Miyagi Prefecture. Known as the “City of Trees,” it is distinguished by its tree-lined avenues and vibrant urban atmosphere. Sendai blends modern architecture with historical landmarks, such as the castle of feudal lord Date Masamune, and is also famous for its annual Tanabata Festival. The city offers culinary specialties like the renowned beef tongue (gyūtan) and serves as an ideal base for excursions to hot springs and the scenic Matsushima Bay.
Whittier, Alaska
Whittier is a small, remote town in Alaska, located on the shores of Prince William Sound. It is best known for the fact that almost all of its residents live in a single building, the Begich Towers, making it one of the most unique communities in the United States. The town was established during World War II as a military base due to its strategic location and its naturally sheltered harbor, which remains ice-free for most of the year. Today, Whittier serves mainly as a port for cruise ships and fishing vessels, as well as a gateway to Alaska’s interior via a 4-kilometer tunnel that connects it to the road network. Surrounded by dramatic scenery of mountains, glaciers, and sea, Whittier combines isolation with natural beauty, offering a rare glimpse into life at the edge of the Alaskan wilderness.
International Dateline
The International Date Line (IDL) is an imaginary line on the surface of the Earth, that runs from the north to the south pole and demarcates one calendar day from the next. It passes through the middle of the Pacific Ocean, roughly following the 180° longitude but it deviates to pass around some territories and island groups.
The International Date line is on the opposite side of the Earth to the Prime Meridian. The Prime Meridian helps to define Universal Time and is the meridian from which all other time zones are calculated. The International Date Line and the moving point of midnight separate the two calendar days that are current somewhere on Earth.
Tokyo (Yokohama)
Tokyo with its main cruise port in nearby Yokohama is a vast metropolis where cutting-edge technology, neon lights and skyscrapers coexist with temples, tradition and meticulously organized daily life. Yokohama, just to the south, serves as the maritime gateway and is known for its waterfront skyline, international feel and large Chinatown. Together they offer the quintessential urban blend of modern Japan.
Vancouver (British Columbia)
Enjoy one of the mildest climates in Canada, spend the day watching the fascinating vegetation of Boutsart Gardens or tasting wines from the Okanagan Valley. Vancouver is surrounded by water on three sides and is close to Coast Mountain area.
