A Grand Journey From City Rhythms To Untamed Splendour

Tokyo's rhythm is one of striking contrasts - centuries-old shrines and neon-lit streets, serene gardens and buzzing crossings. Sensō-ji Temple welcomes visitors to the historic heart of Asakusa, while Meiji Shrine lies quietly in a forested sanctuary between fashionable Harajuku and OmotesandÅ. Shibuya Crossing pulses with energy, Akihabara glows with pop culture, and food lovers delight in Tsukiji's vibrant market. From the towering Skytree to Ueno Park's spring cherry blossoms, Tokyo captures timeless tradition wrapped in modern wonder.

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Aomori blends deep tradition with striking natural beauty on Japan's northern tip. The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse showcases the artistry and energy of the region's famous illuminated floats year-round, while the Sannai-Maruyama Site reveals life from the 5,500‑year-old Jomon period. Just an hour away, Hirosaki Castle charms in every season, framed by gardens and views of Mount Iwaki. Fresh seafood markets and sweeping vistas over Mutsu Bay complete Aomori's mix of culture, history and quiet charm.

In eastern Hokkaido, Kushiro offers open skies, pristine wetlands and rare wildlife. Red‑crowned cranes glide over reed-filled plains and dance on snow in winter, while Lake Akan reflects the forested hills and cradles mysterious marimo algae. From the Hosooka Observatory, sweeping views of the winding Kushiro River stretch to the horizon, and nearby Lake Mashu, one of the world's clearest lakes, rests in serene volcanic embrace. Back in town, seafood markets bustle, sunsets blaze across Nusamai Bridge and Ainu culture enriches this tranquil corner of Japan.

Rugged, remote and unforgettable, Dutch Harbor draws us into tiny Unalaska Island, where Captain Cook landed twice and now TV crews film the show, ‘Deadliest Catch'. Located mid-way in the Aleutian Island chain, summer surprises here with a lush blanket of emerald green on the hills and hiking trails flush with blueberries. Head to Mount Ballyhoo to the remnants of historic US Army Fort Schwatka which saw an active campaign during WWII. Find solace under the green dome-topped spires of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, unearth ancient artifacts in the Aleutian Museum and fill-up on King Crab and Halibut in the busiest fishery in the U.S.

Big nature and bigger adventures await in Seward, where the crack of calving glaciers and shrill cry of seabirds form the soundtrack of the Alaskan wilderness. Look out for waterspouts and tailfins on sublime sailings in Kenai Fjords National Park, a coastal masterpiece of epic icefields and tufted puffins nesting among shale cliffs. Explore past glacial waterfalls, conquer the heart-pounding trail to Harding Icefield or gentle loop around Exit Glacier. Find breathtaking views of Resurrection Bay, the dramatic fjord of deep, glacial waters and towering cliffs leading up to Seward.

The encircling mountains and thundering waterfalls give this tiny town the moniker of the ‘Switzerland of Alaska'. Witness three glaciers — Valdez, Columbia, Worthington — as they spill their loads of ice directly into super-scenic Prince William Sound. Walk trails that disappear into lush forests; paddle alongside Puffins; go with the flow whilst rafting the chalky blue Lowe River, Valdez has it all. Bears, Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, even Rufous Hummingbirds flock here from as far away as Mexico.

Massive and magical, Hubbard is considered the mother-of-all tidewater glaciers in North America. Taller than a 30-storey building (above water). Larger than the state of Rhode Island. The marvel is also the most active, with ice chunks regularly sloughing off in massive dimensions. The thunderous roar of cracking ice echoes against a stellar backdrop with five of the ten tallest peaks in America. The most magical moment you'll ever enjoy on deck.

Fishing is famous; whale and wildlife sightings are epic; stories of battles between Russian fur traders and Tlingit are legendary. Lace up your hiking shoes, for Sitka won't let you down with its vast wilderness of volcanoes, mountain forests, islands and glaciers. Seek scenic walking trails amongst rocketing Tlingit and Haida totem poles. Flock to the Raptor Center, where eagles, owls, and hawks are restored to health. Kayak Sitka Sound, witness former WWII installations, spy dormant Mount Edgecumbe through percolating clouds, then ponder the peace within the blue-domed St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, where Russia officially handed over the reign of Sitka to the United States.

On the rugged southern edge of Vancouver Island, Victoria, bustling capital of British Columbia, dynamically harmonizes with the magnificent Olympic Mountains. Victoria's history dates to pre-colonial time when native peoples inhabited the area. In 1849, Vancouver Island became a British crown colony, widely evident in Victorian architecture, including the majestic Craigdarroch Castle. Indigenous Peoples' legacies live on in festivals, ceremonies, dances, and art. Along the rugged Pacific coastline, lush rainforests, gardens, lakes, waterfalls, and charming fishing villages. Majestic mammals and marine wildlife abound in its waters, including four species of whales. Vibrant and verdant, you too will blossom in its perfect climate.

Surrounded by mountains, vibrant Vancouver is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and cosmopolitan adventurers alike. Meandering oceanside pathways surround eclectic neighbourhoods – Stanley Park, the West End, Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown. A major global city, it is renowned for its cultural diversity and thriving art, theatre, music and food scenes. Its perfectly picturesque setting makes it popular filming location – with old-growth cedar forests, mountains covering 75% and two-thirds of Canada's bird species and land mammals. A big, bustling city perched on the edge of wilderness.