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View of Kushiro from the ship Kushiro is a port city in eastern Hokkaido. The city is known for Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan’s largest marshland. Dedicated as a national park, the marshland is home to rare, wild Japanese red-crown cranes (tancho) that can be seen during the winter months. Kushiro has Continue Reading

These are sewer covers – different and all over town Hakodate is Hokkaido’s third largest city, located at the island’s southern tip. Hakodate is best known for the spectacular views to be enjoyed from Mount Hakodate and its delicious, fresh seafood.  The city was founded in 1454, when Kono Kaganokami Continue Reading

Sendai is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tohoku region, located along the pacific coast of Japan. The city was founded in the 1600s by the feudal lord Date Masamune and has been a communications center since early historical times. It was also a Continue Reading

On our way to Kobe we had to cross under three bridges from Hiroshima. This was the first while we were still awake. The others were after midnight and at 4:00 am Kobe is located along the tranquil shores of the Seto Inland Sea. Its 1.5 million residents have a Continue Reading

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima is a city located in southwestern Honshu, Japan. It is the capital of Hiroshima of Hiroshima prefecture and is situated on the delta of the Ota River which divides it into several islets. The city has an estimated population of 1.2 million. Hiroshima is an Continue Reading

With a population of 1.64 million people, Fukuoka is Kyushu’s largest city and serves as a major international and domestic gateway to the island. On the northern coast of Kyushu, it lies closer to Seoul, Korea, than to Tokyo. During Japan’s feudal days, Fukuoka was divided into two distinct towns Continue Reading

Lovely welcoming committee in the pouring rain Nagasaki is perched on Kyushu Island’s serene coastline. The city offers a compelling blend of historical allure and contemporary vibrancy. Steeped in a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, this city invites exploration of its iconic landmarks and poignant sites. It is synonymous with Continue Reading

Nestled along the captivating coastline of South Korea, Busan stands as a vibrant gem of cultural richness and modern allure. Renowned for its dynamic energy, this bustling metropolis seamlessly blends traditional charm with contemporary flair. Busan was one of the final candidates for the 2030 World Expo and narrowly lost Continue Reading

We started the day with Breakfast, Bubbles and Bathrobes on the forward deck! Invitation only for the Grand Voyagers Sewer grate covers in Jeju Nicknamed the “Hawaii of Korea”, Jeju is popular thanks to its tranquil lush vegetation, crystal clear waters, and stunning white sand beaches. Jeju is a volcanic Continue Reading

A walk in the park Day two in Incheon was spent as a relaxing day discovering the area around the cruise terminal. We had a full day on the bus the day prior and decided to walk into the parts of Incheon nearest the port rather than race out to Continue Reading