Alaska to Japan Cruise: Ring of Fire to Ainu Culture

A naturalist’s paradise, the Pribilof Islands welcome three million seabirds and a million marine mammals each summer during the breeding season. Cruise beneath the cliffs of St. George, rocky outcrops that harbor one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Hemisphere. Watch for 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.

The westernmost tip of the Alaska mainland gives way to a 1,100-mile-long string of islands that separate the Bering Sea from the northern Pacific: the Aleutian Islands. Explore this wildlife-rich archipelago in the Baby Islands, east of Unalaska. Here, dynamic tides offer the chance to look for sea otters and fur seals, as well as rare seabirds. Stand on deck as the ship navigates Baby Pass and be on the lookout for the islands’ wildlife. Arrive at Dutch Harbor, site of a fierce World War II battle and now one of the world’s most important fishing ports.

With 69 islands, countless islets and tens of millions of seabirds, the Aleutians offer much to discover. Spend 4 days exploring these rugged and remote volcanic islands—some of which still harbor active volcanoes. Learn about the culture of the Aleuts, 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. Witness how the weather—wind, rain, fog and glorious sunshine—impacts all aspects of life in this spectacularly scenic region.

As the ship sets a course for Japan, enjoy discussions with your naturalists as they set the stage for your time exploring the northern shores of Hokkaido. Join them on deck to identify the seabirds that follow us and the volcanic cones in the distance that make up the “Ring of Fire.” Be on the lookout for unexpected visits from whales and other marine mammals. There is also an array of shipboard activities to enjoy: attend a photo workshop with your National Geographic photographer, treat yourself to a massage or a wellness class or cozy up in the library with a good book. As you make your way to Asia, you will lose a day crossing the International Date Line.

International Date Line note: This itinerary crosses the International Date Line, resulting in the loss of one calendar day as you sail from the Aleutian Islands to Japan.

Arrive on the northeastern shore of Hokkaido. With a deep connection to the sea, Kushiro is known for a variety of seafood, fresh from the sea. Experience the bustle of the local market, where the daily catch is on display. Explore the Kushiro City Museum and delve into the rich history of the city and the traditions of the Ainu people. Following your morning of exploration, enjoy a meal loved by locals: robata-yaki, or “fireside grilling.” You will select your favorite seafood and grill it over the hot coals at your seat—a very special treat.

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 Mount Yōtei 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.

Your first call on the northern coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu is Aomori City. With the Hakkoda mountains in the distance, this bountiful countryside is famous for apple orchards, world-famous seafood, local treasures of Tsugaru lacquerware and painted kites. Explore the tranquil Seiryuji Temple with its impressive bronze statue of Dainichi Nyorai. Learn about Nebuta Matsuri, the summer festival with colorful papier-mâché floats, and see the amazing artistry up close.

Nestled between mountains and sea, Sendai’s lush greenery earned it the nickname of Forest City. As you tour this beautiful city, wind your 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 World War II and the powerful earthquake of 2011. Continue on to Zuihoden, the mausoleum of the Date clan, whose 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.

Today, long stretches of white-sand beaches welcome you to the seaside city of Oarai. Heading inland, 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 which chronicle the life of the powerful Tokugawa family, as well as those who lived under their rule.

Be on deck as the ship sails into Shimizu to get your closest view of Mt Fuji yet (weather permitting). Get your morning steps in as you climb the zigzag pathway of 1,200 steps to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, enjoying beautiful views of the coastline as you go. For those feeling a little less inclined to embark on the stairs, you can take the ropeway to the top. This complex houses many bright-red buildings, accented in gold and adorned with colorful carvings—a dazzling vision. You may also choose to visit the Ukiyoe Museum, which houses a lovely collection of Edo-period works.

Disembark in Osaka, the largest commercial center on the island of Honshu. Depart for the airport to connect to your flight home.