Whittier, at the head of Prince William Sound, is a great base for Alaska's wild beauty. Boat or kayak through icy fjords for glaciated inlets and possible sea otters, seals, and whales. Hike to nearby mountains and waterfalls. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, one of North America's longest, links the rugged wilderness to Whittier's harbor. The Prince William Sound Museum tells the town's history as a military outpost, naval port, rail terminal, and its role in WWII and the Cold War.

Dutch Harbor in Alaska's Aleutian Islands offers rugged beauty shaped by Aleut and Russian heritage, seen in its arts, crafts, and architecture. Visitors can hike, watch wildlife, and take boat tours. Highlights include Fort Schwatka, with panoramic views of the islands and Bering Sea, and the Museum of the Aleutians, which showcases Aleut history and culture. Nearby Unalaska adds colorful houses and sea views. Seafood is also a draw, including crab, halibut, salmon, smoked salmon, and king crab legs.

Hakodate, on southern Hokkaido, blends Japanese and Western influences from its early role as one of Japan's first open ports. Visit the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse district, now full of shops, restaurants, and galleries, and the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort with its moat and cherry trees. Don't miss the Morning Market for fresh seafood and local products. Hakodate is known for squid dishes like ikameshi and kaisen-don. For great views, ride up Mount Hakodate, especially beautiful at night.

Located only 45 minutes from Tokyo, the scenic port of Yokohama merges a cosmopolitan history with modern attractions, creating a waterfront district that's as relaxing as it is entertaining. Walk Yamashita Park and visit the Nippon Maru and Hikawa Maru, museum ships that detail centuries of Japan's maritime heritage. Tour the country's largest Chinatown for delicious flavors and make time for world-class shopping in this city that's a contrast to Tokyo's intensity.