2024-04-05 BUSAN 부산, SOUTH KOREA

Detailed description of Busan 

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city with 3.5 million inhabitants, is nestled on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula. It has the largest port in the country (5th largest in the world), biggest department store in the world, beautiful beaches and mountains, spas, and tasty seafood dishes.

The vibrant seafood market in Jagalchi is the most famous seafood market in Korea.

And walking through the old part of the city such as the Gamcheon offers the cozy atmosphere. It is also home to many events and festivals, such as the Busan International Film Festival, one of the most famous film festivals in Asia.

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Detailed description of Busan 

2024-03-20 Ishigaki

Detailed description of Ishigaki.

Ishigaki is a sleepy Japanese island where you will find quaint lighthouses and beautiful beaches. It is a small island with an area of 85 sq miles/ 220 sq km with a population hovering at 50,000 residents. Ishigaki Port is the 5th most popular of Japan's cruise ports as of 2017, and 4th for port calls by non-Japanese ships.

Yoneko Yaki Kobo Shisa Farm

Kabira Bay

The transparent waters are full of coral reefs, making scuba diving the number one activity on Ishigaki.

Others port to be visited in Japan.

Detailed description of Ishigaki.

2024-03-24 Kagoshima, Japan

Detailed description of Kagoshima.

Kagoshima (600 000 hab,) is often compared with its Italian sister city Naples due to a similarly mild climate, palm tree-lined streets, relatively hot-tempered inhabitants and rumbling Mount Sakurajima, Kagoshima's Vesuvius.

The city has a rich history as the former seat of one of Japan's most powerful feudal clans, the Shimazu, who played a central role in the Meiji Restoration.

Sengan-en is a traditional Japanese garden and stately home located in Kagoshima, Japan. It was built by the Shimadzu clan, one of the most powerful feudal clans during the Edo period (1603-1868). 

Others port to be visited in Japan.

Detailed description of Kagoshima.

2024-03-27,28 Kobe and Kyoto

Detailed description of Kobe and Kyoto

Kobe, 1.5 million inhabitants, is located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is also considered one of Japan's most attractive cities. It has been an important port city for many centuries. Its port was among the first to be opened to foreign trade in the 19th century.

In 1995, Kobe was hit by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which killed over 5000 people and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. Today the city is completely rebuilt, and few signs of the terrible event remain.

The Nunobiki Herb Garden is a stunning 40-acre botanical. It boasts over 75,000 herbs and flowers of 200 varieties.  

The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum was opened in 1984 with the objective of collecting and conserving ancient tools as an example of Japanese cultural heritage.

Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is one of the country's ten largest cities with 1.5 million inhabitants and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Sanjusangendo is a temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure had been destroyed in a fire.

Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall. The temple is a UNESCO world heritage sites.

Others port to be visited in Japan

Detailed description of Kobe and Kyoto

2024-04-01 Himeji, Japan

Detailed sescription of Himeji.

Himeji (500 000 h.), a vibrant city is synonymous with its iconic castle, Himeji-jo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But beyond the castle walls, Himeji offers a wealth of experiences, from historical and cultural treasures to natural landscapes and modern conveniences.

Towering over the city, Himeji Castle stands as a testament to Japan's architectural prowess. With its elegant white exterior, intricate design, and complex defense systems.

The serene Koko-en Garden garden is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. Stroll through its manicured landscapes, admire its ponds and teahouses.

Detailed sescription of Himeji.

Other ports to be visited in Japan.

2024-03-26, 04-02 Kochi, Japan

Detailled description of Kochi

Kochi (300 000) was once a center of Japanese samurai culture, and there are many historical sites to explore, such as Kochi Castle and the Katsurahama Beach Park. Kochi Castle, built in 1603, is one of Japan's finest surviving castles. Katsurahama Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Kochi is also home to the Kochi Castle is one of only 12 castles in Japan to have survived the fires, wars, and other catastrophes of the post-feudal era, and it is a designated National Treasure.

The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden  was established in 1958 in honor of Tomitaro Makino, a famous Japanese botanist. It houses over 3,000 species of plants.

Detailled description of Kochi

Other ports to be visited in Japan.

2024-04-03 Hiroshima, Japan

Detailed description of Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city in Japan with a rich and complex history. It is best known for being the first city in the world to be struck by an atomic bomb on August 6, 1945, during World War II.

Despite this tragic event, Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a thriving city and is now a symbol of peace and resilience.

Shukkei-en Garden beautiful is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. It is one of the most famous gardens in Japan.

Hiroshima Castle was built in the 16th century and is one of the most famous castles in Japan.

Detailed description of Hiroshima

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2024-03-19 Naha, Okinawa, Japan

Detailed description of Naha

Okinawa is the only subtropical area in Japan, and with its geographical location and background of once being an independent State called the Ryukyu Kingdom between the 14th and the 19th centuries, it has developed a unique culture (influenced mostly by China, Japan and Korea), rich history and natural diversity for all to enjoy.

Naha (300 000h.), the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. There are many interesting things to see and do in Naha, from exploring its historical sites to enjoying its beautiful beaches.

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum (Okinawa Kenritsu Hakubutsukan Bijutsukan) is the largest museum in the prefecture and houses a collection of artifacts and artworks that tell the story of Okinawa from its ancient past to the present day.



Shuri Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Okinawa. The castle complex includes a number of buildings and structures, including the main hall (seiden), the north and south halls (hokudin and nandin), the royal residence (naha), and the Shurijo Gate.



Shikinaen garden was completely destroyed during World War II, but it was painstakingly restored in the postwar years. In 2000, the garden was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

Sefa-Utaki is a sacred site located in the town of Nanjō on the Okinawa main island. It is considered to be the most sacred place in the Ryukyu Islands, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Detailed description of Naha.

Other ports in the Japan trip.

 

2024-05-15 Juneau, Alaska

Detailed description of Juneau

Juneau

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a beautiful city located in the southeastern part of the state. It is known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities. 

Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau is home to the Mendenhall Glacier, which is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. 

Juneau is a great place to go whale watching. Humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales are all commonly seen in the waters around Juneau.

Juneau has a number of cultural attractions, including the Alaska State Museum, 

and the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church.

Detailed description of Juneau

Other ports in the Japan trip

2024-05-14 Sitka

 Detailed description of Sitka

Sitka

Plan to be on deck when your ship sails into Sitka Sound, particularly if it's a sunny day: The views of the town from the ship are beautiful.

Sitka is an Alaskan city (8,500 h.) and borough near Juneau, the state capital. It was part of Russia until 1867 and St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral is topped with an onion dome. The 1842 Russian Bishop’s House is nearby. Sitka National Historical Park is the site of Russia’s defeat of the indigenous Tlingit people and has a trail dotted with totem poles.

St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, is Gothic Revival structure, built of stone and wood, with a modest bell tower topped by a pyramidal roof.

The Alaska Raptor Center is a raptor rehabilitation center in Sitka. The mission of the Alaska Raptor Center is to promote and enhance wild populations of raptors and other avian species through rehabilitation, education and research.

Detailed description of Sitka

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2024-05-18 Vancouver, British-Columbia, Vancouver

Detailed description of Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver

Stanley Park is a 1,000-acre urban park that is one of Vancouver's most popular tourist destinations.  Stanley Park is known for its beautiful scenery, including its towering cedars, fir, and hemlock trees, its pristine beaches, and its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water. 

 

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a replica of a Ming Dynasty garden. It is located in the heart of Vancouver's Chinatown. The garden is designed to follow the principles of Taoism, with water, plants, and rocks arranged in a harmonious way to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

South Vancouver

The Museum of Vancouver is a civic history museum is the largest civic museum in Canada. The museum is focused on city issues and history, with a strong collection of First Nations art and artifacts. The museum's collection includes over 180,000 objects, including First Nations art and artifacts, photographs, maps, and documents.

The VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre (22 hectare) oasis in the heart of Vancouver. It features over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world.

It's home to a unique Sino-Himalayan Garden featuring a wide variety of plants from the Sino-Himalayan region, including rhododendrons, magnolias, and bamboo. It has a stunning Elizabethan hedge maze made up of over 3,000 cedars and is one of the largest hedge mazes in North America.

Explore the quarry garden created in one of the former basalt quarries and features a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a waterfall.

North Vancouver

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is a 50 meters (160 feet) high and spans the Lynn Creek canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and river below. The Twin Falls are two beautiful waterfalls located just a short walk from the suspension bridge. You can hike down to the bottom of the falls for a closer look, or even go for a swim in the pool at the base.

The Sea to Sky Highway is one of the most scenic highways in the world, winding its way along the coast of British Columbia from Vancouver to Whistler. It is known for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls.

Detailed description of Vancouver

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2024-05-11 Whittier cruise port and Anchorage, Alaska

Detailed description of Whittier and Anchorage 

Whittier

Whittier (273 h.) is a city at the head of the Passage Canal in the U.S. state of Alaska, about 58 miles southeast of Anchorage. Whittier was built during World War II as a military base, and many of the original buildings remain today. The town is also home to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America.

Boat tours

A Glacier Cruise takes you from the quaint seaside town of Whittier to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay.

Anchorage

Anchorage is the largest city in the U.S. state of Alaska (300 000 h.), located on the Cook Inlet in Southcentral 60 miles (90 min) from Whittier. It is a major transportation hub and economic center for the state, and is known for its proximity to wilderness areas and its abundant wildlife.

It's known for its cultural sites, including the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which displays traditional crafts, stages dances, and presents replicas of dwellings from the area’s indigenous groups. The city is also a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains including the Chugach, Kenai and Talkeetna.

Detailed description of Whittier and Anchorage 

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2024-05-11,12 Cruising in Alaska Glacier

Detailed description of Alaska’s glacier

Alaska is home to more than 100,000 glaciers, which cover about 5% of the state's land area. This makes it one of the most heavily glaciated regions in the world outside of the polar ice caps.

Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America and one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Alaska. It is located in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve in eastern Alaska and Kluane National Park and Reserve in Yukon, Canada. 

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, is a 3.3-million-acre wilderness of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords. It is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million-acre World Heritage Site—one of the world's largest international protected areas.

Detailed description of Alaska’s glacier

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2024-05-02 Muroran

Detailed description of Muroran.

Description of a car ride in Muroran.

According to many tourist guide and by the admission of some people of Muroran, the city does not present any interests for the tourists.

There is a site that describes a car ride around the peninsula. I have reformatted the document to make it easier to read. 

Outside Muroran

The Lake Toya, 55 km from Muroran, is in an area that offers hot springs and spa, a cruise on this beautiful lake and a little entertainment. 

Lake Toya (洞爺湖) is a volcanic caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Abuta District, Hokkaido, Japan. It is part of the Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark. The stratovolcano of Mount Usu lies on the southern rim of the caldera. The lake is nearly circular, being 10 kilometers in diameter from the east-west and 9 kilometers from the north-south.

Lake Toya is one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning scenery, hot springs, and active volcano. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on and around the lake, including boating, swimming, hiking, and camping.

The Tōya Lake Forest Museum on Nakajima Island to learn about the flora and fauna of the lake.

There are fireworks show at the Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival, which takes place every night from April 28 to October 31.

Other ports in Japan.

Detailed description of Muroran.