A Journey from Nome to Tokyo: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture

Arrive in Anchorage and fly to Nome, Alaska. Embark National Geographic Resolution in the afternoon. (D)

A naturalist’s paradise, the Pribilof Islands welcome three million seabirds and a million marine mammals each summer during the breeding season. Glide in Zodiacs beneath the cliffs of St. George, rocky outcrops that harbor one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Hemisphere. Spot horned and tufted puffins, red-legged kittiwakes, crested auklets, and rare Asian vagrant species seldom seen in North America.  Go ashore on St. Paul, home to the majority of the Pribilofs’ more than half a million northern fur seals. (B,L,D)

The westernmost tip of the Alaskan mainland gives way to a 1,100-mile-long string of islands that separate the Bering Sea from the northern Pacific: the Aleutian Islands. Begin our exploration of wildlife-rich archipelago at the Baby Islands, east of Unalaska. Here, dynamic tides offer the chance to spot sea otters and fur seals, as well as rare seabirds. Watch from on deck as the ship navigates Baby Pass, and board Zodiacs for a closer look at the islands’ wildlife. Arrive at Dutch Harbor, site of a fierce WWII battle and now one of the world’s most important fishing ports. (B,L,D)

With 69 islands, countless islets, and tens of millions of seabirds, the Aleutians offer much to discover. Spend four days exploring these rugged and remote volcanic islands—some of which still harbor active volcanoes. Learn about the culture of the Aleuts, a fishing and hunting people who have inhabited these islands for millennia. Observe marine mammals such as northern fur seals, Steller sea lions, and a variety of whales, as well as prolific birdlife. When conditions permit, venture out by Zodiac or kayak to explore the wild shores of these islands. Among the islands we’ll visit are Attu and Kiska, both of which were occupied by the Japanese for nearly a year during World War II. (B,L,D)

As we set a course for Japan, enjoy discussions with our naturalists as they set the stage for our time exploring the northern shores of Hokkaido. Join our naturalists on deck to identify the seabirds that follow us and the volcanic cones in the distance that make up the “Ring of Fire.” There are also an array of shipboard activities to enjoy: attend a photo workshop with our National Geographic photographer, treat yourself to a massage or a wellness class, or snuggle up in the library and enjoy a good book. As we make our way to Asia, we will lose a day crossing the International Date Line. (B,L,D)

Arrive in Abashiri on the island of Hokkaido. After our ship’s clearance into Japan, visit the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples, dedicated to the cultures of the indigenous tribes of the Earth’s subarctic regions. Later, we’ll venture to Shiretoko—the “end of the Earth” in the native Ainu dialect. One of Japan’s most spectacular national parks, Shiretoko provides a habitat for numerous species of land and marine mammals, such as brown bears, Steller sea lions, and sperm whales. We’ll also be on the lookout for white-tailed eagles, Blakiston’s fish owls, and Steller’s sea eagles, which spend the winters here. (B,L,D)

Cruise Hokkaido’s northeastern coast to Kushiro and head inland to explore Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan’s largest wetland and home to the endangered red-crowned crane, which was thought to be extinct in the early 20th century. Then drive to Akan Mashu National Park, known for its ethereal, mist-shrouded lakes, where we’ll delve into forests of Sakhalin spruce and visit a charming Ainu village. (B,L,D)

Dock at Muroran and choose to drive to Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, filled with mirror-like lakes and forest-covered hills set against the silhouette of the snowcapped Mount Yotei stratovolcano. Alternatively, drive to the lush town of Shiraoi to visit the newly opened National Ainu Museum and Park, an open-air museum where visitors can experience various elements of Ainu culture.  (B,L,D)

Nestled between mountains and sea, Sendai’s lush greenery earned it the nickname of “Forest City”. As we tour this beautiful city, we’ll wind our way to the hills above town to the site of Sendai castle. Built in 1600 by the powerful feudal lord, Date Masamune, the castle has survived anti-feudal warfare, bombings of WWII and the powerful earthquake of 2011. Continue on to Zuihoden, the mausoleum of the Date clan—spectacular grounds and intricate design pay tribute to the powerful Masamune and his descendants. Just outside of the city, explore the secluded bay on the shores of Matsushima. Known as one of Japan’s three most scenic views, this gorgeous bay is dotted with pine clad islets. (B,L,D)

Today long stretches of white sand beaches welcome us to the seaside city of Oarai. Heading inland we visit Mito, a power base during the Edo period and best known today for Kairakuen garden, considered one of Japan’s three finest landscape gardens. Originally created in 1841 for the ruling lord, the park was also intended for the enjoyment of all. Paths wind through 3,000 plum trees, cedar woods and a bamboo grove. Learn about the treasures of the Samurai that went beyond swords and armor. The Tokugawa Museum houses exhibits chronicling the life of the powerful Tokugawa family, as well as those who lived under their rule. (B,LD)

Today we disembark in the vibrant city of Tokyo. For the next two days we’ll explore both the ultra-modern and storied past of this amazing city. Visit the serene Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji, who ruled over Japan from 1867 to 1912 and helped transform the country into a modern power. At the Edo-Tokyo Museum, learn about the Tokugawa shogunate, the powerful military government that preceded the Meiji era. Delve into the bustling lanes of the Asakusa district and visit the iconic Sensoji temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart for the airport to connect to your flight home. (B)