Named after the Native American chief Noah Sealth, who in 1851 gave a friendly reception to the first white settlers, Seattle was originally no more than a village of trappers and loggers. Its prosperity came first with the Klondike gold rush of 1897, and subsequently with its two natural resources, lumber and fish. The millions of ties that went into the construction of the first western railroads came mostly from around Seattle and from the state of Washington.

Ketchikan, on the southwest side of Revillagigedo Island, grew around salmon canneries and sawmills. Its name is said to come from the native term "Katch Kanna," meaning "spread wings of a thundering eagle." Once proclaimed the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan is known for its outstanding totem poles and is a must for anyone interested in Native art. Travelers often come here for their first look at the North Country and are rarely disappointed.

In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris were prospecting for gold with the help of Indian guides. Here they discovered nuggets "as large as beans" at the mouth of the aptly named Gold Creek. Out of their discoveries came three of the largest gold digs in the world where more than $150 million in gold was mined. Juneau's surrounding beauty and natural wonders have attracted cruise ship travelers for over a century, with steamship companies bringing tourists here since the early 1880's.

Keep your binoculars handy to spot seals, otters and whales. Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound, where you can experience incredible glacier cruises and kayak in serene waters. Its unique "one-way-in" tunnel adds to the adventure. The town also provides access to nearby hiking trails and a fascinating WWII history, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Kushiro, a major fishing port on eastern Hokkaido, is known for vast marshlands and the endangered tancho, or Red-crowned Crane. Tall, elegant, and a symbol of longevity, the crane was thought extinct until a few dozen were found in the Kushiro Marsh in 1920. Now a national park, the marsh supports rich wildlife and over 1,700 cranes. Visit Hokkaido Kushiro Art Museum, then enjoy fresh local cuisine at Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf.

Hakodate offers natural beauty, historic buildings, and great food. It is known for hot springs, especially Yunokawa Onsen and the footbath-style ashiyu. Visit Goryokaku Fort for a bird's-eye view of the star-shaped fortress and moat from Goryokaku Tower. Shop in the Bay Area near Hakodate Port, where old red-brick warehouses have become a unique mall, then relax with tea and harbor views.

Muroran, the "City of Steel," lies on the eastern tip of Hokkaido's Uchiura Bay and offers dramatic sea cliffs, a nearby UNESCO Global Geopark, and Chikyu Misaki (Cape Earth), where you can ring the Bell of Happiness beside a white lighthouse. Ride the ropeway up Mount Usu for active volcanism, visit the National Ainu Museum, and finish with Muroran yakitori, a local grilled-skewer specialty.

Miyako is an important fishing port known for salmon, trout, and mackerel. On the estuary of the Hei River facing Miyako Bay and the Pacific, it was hit hard by the 2011 tsunami. The Taro Kanko Hotel, whose lower two floors were washed away but still stands, is preserved as a symbol of resilience. Try sea urchin and ika senbei (squid-extract cookies). Don't miss Jodogahama Beach's jagged white-rock promontory.

Hitachinaka, an Ibaraki port city about 80 miles northeast of Tokyo, is known for its peaceful beaches, lively fish market, and stunning gardens. Once developed as a Hitachi company town in 1994, it now draws visitors to Hitachi Seaside Park, a nearly 500-acre oasis with 170 tulip varieties and millions of blue nemophila. Visit Nakaminato Fish Market for the day's catch, then enjoy Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's finest.

Once a modest fishing village, modern Tokyo is a vast metropolis of distinct neighborhoods: Shinjuku's Golden Gai bars, Nihombashi's culinary and shopping scenes, Akihabara's gadgets and manga culture, and Asakusa's pottery shops. Explore museums covering Japanese history and culture, especially the Tokyo National Museum. Visit the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji in Asakusa, enjoy Tokyo's exceptional food scene, and take a selfie at Shibuya Crossing.

Once a modest fishing village, modern Tokyo is a vast metropolis of distinct neighborhoods: Shinjuku's Golden Gai bars, Nihombashi's culinary and shopping scenes, Akihabara's gadgets and manga culture, and Asakusa's pottery shops. Explore museums covering Japanese history and culture, especially the Tokyo National Museum. Visit the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji in Asakusa, enjoy Tokyo's exceptional food scene, and take a selfie at Shibuya Crossing.