33 Nights Transpacific

Dramatic mountains and soaring skyscrapers kiss the sea in this booming British Columbian metropolis. Known as the "Hollywood of the North," Vancouver is stunningly beautiful and richly diverse - highlighted by dense forests, verdant parks, intimate coffeehouses and seaside markets.

Located in the Tongass National Forest and close to Misty Fjords National Monument, Ketchikan is the "Salmon Capital of the World" and Alaska's 1st City. The town's colourful past is evident in the Indian villages and totem poles that grace its land.

Sitka's past is a unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history. It lies at the heart of the largest temperate rain forest in the world, the Tongass National Forest. Island-studded waters and stately spruce forests make Sitka perhaps the most beautiful seaside town in Alaska.

This massive glacier sprawls over 1,300 square miles, and it is the longest river of ice in North America. Intimate inlets, mysterious ice caves and blue ice slabs are some of the incredible natural wonders of this gargantuan formation. Also known as the "Galloping Glacier", it once advanced 47 feet in a single day.

Kodiak is one of seven communities and the main city on Kodiak Island, Kodiak Island Borough, in the U.S. state of Alaska.

Dutch Harbor is a harbor on Amaknak Island in Unalaska, Alaska. It was the location of the Battle of Dutch Harbor in June 1942, and was one of the few sites in the United States territories to be subjected to aerial bombardment by a foreign power during World War II.

Kushiro is the largest city in Eastern Hokkaido. It is known as a base for deep-sea fishing and also well known as "the town of mist." Kushiro plays a leading role in the politics, economics and culture of eastern Hokkaido

Nature comes first in Sendai, where weekends mean trips to hot springs, walks on streets lined with zelkova trees, and picnics by the Hirose River. The city is also known for a long list of gourmet specialties, from bright-green zunda mochi to grilled ox tongue.

The skyline at Shimizu port is dominated by one of Japans most distinctive sites: snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Head to Miho-no-Matsubara, a pristine beach flanked by a picturesque pine grove, where you can take in some of the clearest views of Japans tallest mountain. Cruise to Mt. Fuji and take the one-hour drive from the port to Fuji itself for some hiking ? the mountain is relatively approachable climb appropriate even for beginners, and you dont have to hike all the way to the summit. Dont miss the ancient shrines that surround this volcanic landmark: Visit Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha shrine, built to appease Fujis volcanic deity. Or see Kunouzan Toshogu shrine, a masterpiece of Japanese lacquer and woodwork.

Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don't forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle

Hakodate overflows with historic architecture and steamy hot springs . Located along Hokkaidos southwestern tip, its the perfect spot to begin exploring this islands unique history and culture during your vacation. Cruise to Hakodate and start your day at the morning Hakodate-Asaichi, or Morning Market, and tuck into a hearty kaisendon, a bowl of ultra-fresh sashimi fish over steamed rice. Then, relax with a soak in the Yunokawa hot springs on Hakodates outskirts, or check out Goryokaku Fort ? the nearby tower lets you take in a birds-eye view of the star-shaped design surrounded by a moat. And dont leave without taking in the million-dollar views of the city from atop Mt. Hakodate.

Aomori, a prefecture in the northern part of Japan's main island of Honshu, is known for natural landscapes including volcanic mountain ranges. Towada-Hachimantai National Park, near the southern border, has hot springs, autumn foliage in Oirase Gorge, skiing at Mount Hakkoda and lava domes around Lake Towada. Aomori, the capital, is a laid-back port that hosts the Nebuta summer festival.

Akita is a large prefecture at the Sea of Japan coast in the northern Tohoku Region. Prefectural capital is Akita City. Among Akitas main attractions are its natural beauty of mountains and the sea, hot springs and the town of Kakunodate, which preserves one of Japans most interesting samurai districts.

Niigata is the place to go to experience Japans natural bounty. With four seasons of dramatic beauty ? with a full month of cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, golden hues in autumn and snow-capped mountains in winter ?this port city on the Sea of Japan is a nature lovers dream.

Nicknamed "Little Kyoto," Kanazawas rich history and culture ranges from geisha districts to a 16th-century castle. Locals here enjoy the good life away from big-city buzz, whether they're picking up fresh seafood at Omicho Market or strolling Kenroku-en Garden's manicured paths

The Kanmon Straits or the Straits of Shimonoseki is the stretch of water separating Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan's four main islands

Humming with happy energy, Kochi is a wholesome city blessed with green mountains and a network of blue rivers. The hub of the Kochi prefecture on the island of Shikoku, the citys streets are bustling hubs of activity ? walk by vendors selling everything from grilled Bonito fish to authentic secondhand kimonos. Dont miss Kochi Castle, one of the only original castles from Japans feudal age still standing today, with its traditional white towers perched on a hilltop above the city. Then, check out one of the citys 88 temples: The most famous is Chikurinji Temple on Mount Godaisan, complete with a five-story pagoda. Jump onboard a Kochi cruise and snack on imo-kenpi (candied sweet potatoes) in Hirome Ichiba indoor market

Born in 300 AD as Naniwa, ancient Osaka has survived an earthquake and two fires to grow into one of Japan's largest, most prosperous cities. The graceful intersection of elongated canals and several parks makes for a beautiful city and a gorgeous waterfront.