Explorer, 17 Nights Northern Pacific Journey ex Tokyo to Vancouver

Seven Seas Explorer® took luxury cruising to the next level, from the palatial Regent Suite to the hand-picked art accentuating her halls.

Hitachinaka, Japan
Delight in glorious swaths of blooming color in this Ibaraki Prefecture port city that’s roughly 80 miles northeast of Tokyo. Originally developed as a company town for Hitachi in 1994, Hitachinaka is today renowned for its peaceful beaches, a bustling fish market and magnificent gardens. The most celebrated is Hitachi Seaside Park, a nearly 500-acre oasis with dozens of flowers species that include 170 varieties of tulips and millions of blue nemophila. Rub elbows with local chefs seeking the day’s catch at Nakaminato Fish Market before dining on an expertly prepared dish. Enjoy more floral brilliance at Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest.

Miyako, Japan
An important fishing port known for its salmon, trout, and mackerel, Miyako’s position on the estuary of the Hei River facing Miyako Bay and the Pacific meant it took a ferocious hit during the 2011 tsunami. The Taro Kanko Hotel, which had its lower two floors washed away but remained standing, is today preserved as a symbol of Miyako’s resilience and strength. Sample the region’s rich culinary delicacies that include creamy sea urchin and a unique cookie called ika senbei made with squid extract. A jagged promontory of white rocks along Jodogahama Beach is a picturesque must-see.

Hakodate, Japan
Hakodate abounds with natural beauty, historical buildings and delicious food. It is also famed for its abundance of hot springs, particularly the Yunokawa Onsen for a full body experience and the Ashiyu footbaths that are miniaturized hot spring baths designed for soaking one's feet. Also of interest is the Goryokaku fort. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the huge star-shaped fortress and surrounding moat from the adjoining Goryokaku Tower Observatory. Shop along the Bay Area facing Hakodate Port, its row of old red-brick buildings have been converted into a unique mall. After browsing, have a tea break while taking in the harbor views.

Kushiro, Japan
A major fishing port on the eastern side of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Kushiro boasts vast marshlands that are home to an iconic – and endangered – national icon. Tall, slim and long-legged, the elegant tancho (Red-crowned Crane) is a fabled symbol of long life that was considered extinct until 1920, when a few dozen were discovered in the Kushiro Marsh. A national park since 1987, the marsh teems with a variety of plant and animal life and today provides sanctuary for over 1,700 cranes. Admire local artwork at Hokkaido Kushiro Art Museum before tasting freshly caught local cuisine at Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf.

Kodiak, Alaska
About 30 miles off the southeast coast of the Alaskan peninsula is Kodiak, encompassing around 5,000 square miles of dense forests, jagged peaks and bays teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Nicknamed "Alaska's Emerald Isle" by its residents, is described as a place to leave civilization behind as you brave the sometimes unrelenting elements to truly rediscover nature in its purest state. Endless outdoor activities range from hiking through the forests to watching the Kodiak bears foraging for food. Fishing enthusiasts find Kodiak Island offers great salmon, halibut and trout fishing.

Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska
Keep your binoculars handy to spot seals, otters and whales. Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound, where you can experience incredible glacier cruises and kayak in serene waters. Its unique "one-way-in" tunnel adds to the adventure. The town also provides access to nearby hiking trails and a fascinating WWII history, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Viewing the magnificent grandeur of immense glaciers is surely one of the highlights of a journey to Alaska. Sail along a cliff face over six miles wide, 300 to 400 feet from peak to sea level and 300 feet from sea level to the bottom. As Hubbard Glacier advances, listen to the symphony of creaks and groans as it moves and calves. This makes for some exciting moments when the huge chunks of ice crash into the bay creating a wonderful sound called 'white thunder' by the Tlingit people. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Sitka, Alaska
Founded by Russian fur traders as New Archangel in 1799, Sitka was the historic center of Russia’s Alaskan empire. The Russian flag was replaced by the Stars and Stripes when the United States purchased the Alaska territory in 1867. Today, picturesque Sitka, is known for its fishing industry, an annual summer classical music festival and, of course, its many historic visitor attractions. On a clear day Sitka, the only city in southeast Alaska that actually fronts the Pacific Ocean, rivals Juneau for the sheer beauty of its surroundings.

Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan, on the southwest side of Revillagigedo Island, grew up around salmon canneries and sawmills. Ketchikan's name supposedly comes from the native term "Katch Kanna", which roughly translates: "spread wings of a thundering eagle." At one time Ketchikan was proclaimed the “Salmon Capital of the World.” An outstanding collection of totem poles make a visit to Ketchikan essential for anyone interested in Native art. Travelers flock to Ketchikan for their first look at the North Country, and are rarely disappointed.

Vancouver, British Columbia
This gleaming city in the midst of natural splendor has its origins in a saloon built for miners on their way to the Yukon. Walk the cobblestone streets of Gastown for a sense of Vancouver’s frontier history in what’s become one of the city’s most vibrant and unique areas. Explore the second largest Chinatown in North America on your way to Stanley Park, home to soaring old-growth trees and a spectacular collection of First Nation totem poles. Breathtaking views abound: Travel to ‘Vancouver’s Peak’ on the Grouse Mountain skyride and walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a treetop adventure.