Von Seward (Anchorage, Alaska) nach Tokio

Monumental scenery surrounds you in this remote corner of the world, where glaciers calve and whales cruise through inky waters, before an immense mountain backdrop. Almost totally submerged by the colossal landscapes around it, Seward – and the wonders of Kenai Fjords National Park – offer some of astonishing Alaska’s most thrilling scenery. Located in a deep gash in the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is a place to immerse yourself in nature’s majesty. View less Fjords carve into the landscape, while the Harding Icefield – which caps Kenai Fjords National Park – reaches out its icy fingers, with glaciers spilling down between mountain peaks. Head to Holgate Glacier, to come face to face with a breathtaking stack of intense blue and white ice. Get up close in a kayak or boat ride, to slalom through the discarded confetti of ice chunks, and perhaps even witness the powerful spectacle of an ice ledge creaking and groaning, before plunging to the waters below. The city of Anchorage is easily within reach from here, offering an incongruous contrast to the wild wonders of Alaska. A place where deep-sea fishermen bump shoulders with businesspeople on the 9-5, it’s a fascinating, remote city. Home to almost half of the Alaskan population, Anchorage and its humble skyline is dwarfed by the snowy peaks of the wilderness beyond. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture, traditions and heritage of the First Nation people of these lands too.

Die Alutiiq, die ersten Siedler Kodiaks, wurden ohne Zweifel von der Vielfalt der Region angezogen, von ihren unzähligen Fischen, Meeressäugern und Schalentieren; Reichtümern, die es auch heutzutage immer noch zu entdecken gibt. Angelockt von wertvollen Seeotterpelzen, gründeten russische Händler im Jahre 1784 eine Siedlung auf Kodiak Island und machten somit Kodiak zur ersten Hauptstadt des russischen Teils Amerikas und zu einem äußerst wichtigen Handelstützpunkt für Felle. Moderne Zeiten brachten der Stadt im Jahre 1912 einen zerstörerischen Vulkanausbruch, der die Stadt in einen halben Meter Asche hüllte, und eine Serie Tsunamis, entstanden aus dem berüchtigten Erdbeben von 1964, zerstörte den Küstenabschnitt fast vollkommen. Kodiak beheimatet heutzutage mehr als 700 Fischereischiffe und auch die größte Küstenwachestation der Welt. Keine anderen Tiere erwecken so viele Gedanken an die nordamerikanische Wildnis, wie die Grizzlies und der Braunbären Alaskas. Es wird geschätzt, dass es ungefähr 30000 Braunbären und Grizzlies in Alaska gibt. Kodiak Island hat schätzungsweise mehrere tausend Braunbären und in den vergangenen Jahren gab es hier tatsächlich mehr Braunbären als Einwohner zu verzeichnen.

Surrounded by spectacular national parks – and sheltered from the majority of winter’s ice, Kushiro is one of northern Japan’s most important cities. A deep-sea fishing port that specialises in Pacific saury, Kushiro hugs the coastline of the most northerly of Japan’s major islands. See the riches plundered from the ocean at the busy Washo Fish Market, dive into the native Ainu culture, or head out to explore the immersive beauty of Japan’s largest wetlands. View less Kushiro City Museum is an imposing, castle-like structure, but there’s a warm welcome waiting inside, where exhibitions showcase the area’s history, and the extraordinary animals that you can meet on your adventures here. Explore Japan’s wilder side at the vast wildlife oasis that is Kushiro Marshland. A world away from the country’s urban metropolises, look out for the tanchō-zuru red-crowned cranes, which are some of the world’s rarest, and a revered symbol of luck and longevity. Spot pairs of the elegant birds, as they dance together on the plains of the wetlands. Head out to Lake Akan – in Akan National park – to see another side to the area’s landscapes and encounter the bizarre marimo moss. Growing here only, it forms large, perfectly manicured bowling balls. Hot mud pools also burble, while the cone of the volcanic Mount Oakan watches over the area, echoing Mount Fuji’s symmetrical splendour. Ainu Kotan is close by, and you can visit to experience the authentic culture of northern Japan’s native people.

Hakodate, das im südlichen Bereich der Insel Hokkaido liegt, wurde während der Feudalzeit gegründet und ist einer der ersten japanischen Häfen, die für den internationalen Handel geöffnet wurden. Im Jahre 1854 kam Commodore Matthew Perry von der U.S. Navy hier an und es wurde ein Vertrag unterschrieben, der den Handel von Hakodate, Yokohama und Nagasaki mit dem Westen erlaubte. Bald darauf wurde ein Zollamt eröffnet, Länder, die auch Handelspartner waren, machten ein Konsulat in der Stadt auf und ausländische Kulturen und Technologien fanden Einzug in diese Stadt. Der nachfolgende Ansturm von ausländischen Siedlern hinterließ einen bleibenden Eindruck, was sich hervorragend an der euro-amerikanischen Architektur, die es hier immer noch zu finden gibt, erkennen lässt.

From fiery festivals to spectacular mountain scenery, soaring temples to castles surrounded by cherry blossom blooms, Aomori is one of Japan’s most enchanting destinations. Framed by dark peaks clad with dense forestry, the city enjoys a picturesque location on Japan’s main island Honshu. While there are gorgeous pink tinted parks, tiered castles and towering Buddha statues to explore, the Aomori Prefecture’s capital is perhaps best known for the summer festival of fire that lights it up each year. Lavish illuminated floats fill the streets during Nebuta Matsuri festival, as dancing locals wave flickering lanterns through the night sky – and drummers pound out pulsating rhythms. Nebuta Matsuri has a euphoric and energetic atmosphere which makes it stand out as an unmissable experience compared with some of Japan’s more restrained festivals. At other times of the year, places like the stunning Hirosaki Castle bloom with rose-pink cherry blossom, as spring’s sunshine clears away winter’s plentiful snowfall. The castle’s moat, glowing with the pale hue of fallen blossom, is a truly mesmerising sight to behold. Don’t worry if you’re too late though, you might be able to catch the pink-flush of the apple blossom – which comes slightly later. Extraordinary prehistoric Jomon period history is waiting to be unearthed at the living archaeological site, Sannai-Maruyama Ruins. Or, the untouched wilderness of UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi is within reach. This sprawling mass of beech trees covers a third of the Shirakami mountain range, and the dense forestry once blanketed the majority of northern Japan’s land. Visit to scratch the surface of this untamed landscape’s beauty and see sprawling waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, in a beautiful off-bounds landscape, where black bears roam freely.

Say the word Akita and you would be forgiven for thinking immediately of the lovable dog of the same name. But in fact, visitors to Akita will be treated not to a friendly furry face, rather to a beautiful city located on the northern tip of the island, around 500 km north of Tokyo. Lucky visitors will arrive in time for the superb sakura (cherry blossom), and surely there can be no sight more lovely than the elegant dip of the cherry trees alongside ancient Samurai residences. Akita is also home to a 2km tunnel of blossoming trees that run along the banks of the Hinokinai River, which is said to “bring a grown man to his knees and weep at its beauty”. If to you, Japan is synonymous with peace and serenity, then a trip to one of the onsens is a superb bucket list experience. Buses and taxis are easily available in the centre of town that will take you to Mizusawa, Oyu and Oyasukyo hot springs, some of the loveliest onsens in the country. Some of the superb sights in Akita are: Senshu Park, on the former site of Kubota Castle, the elegant red-brick folk Museum (housing works by block printer Katsuhira Tokushi (1907-1971) and metalwork by Sekiya Shiro (1907-1994) and the Old Kaneko Family Home. The Akita Museum of Art opened in 2012 and is home to the largest canvas painting in the world, Events of Atika, by Foujita (1886-1968). The painting measures a staggering 3.65 x 20.5 m (12 x 67 ft). The Museum also has many works by European masters such as Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt and Picasso.

A sophisticated sake capital, Niigata is an intoxicating, creative place of Japanese traditions and flavours. Learn of the many crafts and creativities that are practised here, from kite-making to alcohol fermentation and ceramic work, and immerse yourself in the beautiful coastline and waterfall-laced mountains of Niigata prefecture. The city evolves with each season, taking on a new appearance – whether it’s the thick layers of snow during winter, or the cherry blossoms of spring. View less Look out for the gorgeous curved black roof tiers of Shibata Castle, rising from a picturesque bed of pale-pink flowers. Sitting overlooking the Sea of Japan, out towards the intrigues of Sado Island, where the rare Toki bird – with its scythe-like beak – lives protected. This busy port city is famous for the high-quality and pure taste of its rice. As a result, sake produced here is among Japan’s finest, and distilleries will teach you the artistry behind its creation, and to appreciate the subtle flavours. Pia Bandai market is a bustling place to take a stroll and sip a morning coffee. Japan’s first public park, Hakusan Park was built in 1873 and is perfect for whiling away an afternoon, among drifting lotus flowers and swaying trees. Appreciate a magical tea ceremony in the Edo-era Shimizu-en Gardens, or savour the tranquillity of the peaceful Hakusan Shrine – dedicated to the god of marriage.

The capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa once rivalled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) as a town rich in cultural achievements. Kanazawa escaped destruction during World War II and accordingly has been able to preserve many of the old districts in good shape. The city is famous because of Kenrokuen. Located next to Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen is classified as “One of the Three Gardens of Japan”. The garden has an artificial pond, and hills and houses are dotted within the 11.4 hectares. View less It has Japan’s oldest fountain using natural water pressure and a tea-house dating back to 1774. Close by is the Higashi Chaya Gai Geisha District, designated a National Cultural Asset and the biggest of the Geisha districts of Kanazawa. Some of the houses not only retain the original structure, but still are used as Geisha houses. Some of the streets have traditional shops creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Kanazawa is also known for its lacquer ware, Kutani-style pottery, gold-leaf workmanship and delicately painted silk kimonos.

Hiroshima wurde im Jahre 1593 gegründet, als an der Mündung des Flusses Ota ein Schloss erbaut wurde. Auf die Meiji Restauration im Jahre 1868 folgend wurde der Hafen vergrößert und die Bahnlinie von Kobe nach Shimonoseki wurde so verlegt, dass sie durch Hiroshima verlief. Die Stadt nahm mehr an Bedeutung während des ersten sino-japanischen Krieges in den Jahren 1894/5 zu als der imperiale Hauptsitz. Das kontinentale Wachstum von Hiroshima war so enorm, dass es bis zum Jahre 1941, als Japan in den Ersten Weltkrieg einstieg, die siebtgrößte Stadt der Nation war. Hiroshima konnte den alliierten Bombenangriffen bis zum 6. August 1945 entkommen, als Hiroshima die erste nukleare Katastrophe der Menschheit ertragen musste. Es wurde fast vollständig zerstört, aber der Wiederaufbau begann schon im Jahre 1949. Bis zum Jahre 1974 konnte Hiroshima seine Vorkriegsbevölkerung verdoppeln und wurde seitdem zur internationalen Stadt des Friedens erklärt.

The lantern-lit hot springs of Beppu, known for its eight scorching “Hells”, is a town that’s prettier than a picture. The town is found in a particularly volcanically active part of Japan (hence the abundance of hot springs, or in Japanese, onsens). The viewing pools have evocative names; think Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell and Tornado Hell. While the names might seem a little off putting, the reality is stunning; sulphur laced air and vast spectrums of blues and reds, depending on the mineralisation of the earth. As if the gorgeous palette of colours at the onsen was not enough, Beppu is also world famous for its Sakura, or cherry blossom season. More than 2,000 cherry trees near the base of the ropeway to Mount Tsurumi make for one of Beppu’s most impressive hanami (flower viewing) spots. If not lucky enough to be in the area during Sakura, from May to June rhododendrons colour the mountain. The view from this 1,375m mountain is beyond impressive, allowing you to see all the way to the Kuju Mountains, Chugoku and Shikoku. If brave enough to climb all the way to the top, the stone Buddhas that were carved into the mountainside during the Heian Period (794-1185) are a worthy reward! As with much of Japan, duality is ever present. Modernity sits very comfortably by ancient buildings. While Beppu’s biggest pull is by far the hot springs and the thermal baths, nearby (10 km) Yufuin has a wealth of art museums, cafes and boutiques, catering to trend setters and urbanites alike.

Tokyo, eine Stadt mit einer unfassbaren Größe, ist auch eine der dynamischsten und spannendsten Städte der Welt. Die Stadt, die einst unter dem Namen Edo bekannt war, was so viel heißt wie „das Tor zum Fluss” (wegen seiner Lage an der Mündung des Flusses Sumidagawa), konnte zu aller erst im Jahre 1603 an Wichtigkeit gewinnen, als Tokugawa Ieyasu seine Militärregierung, oder auch „Shogunat” genannt, hier etablieren konnte. Von einer kaum bekannten Provinzstadt konnte sich Edo zu einer Stadt entwickeln, von der aus der Tokugawa Klan ganz Japan regierte. Bis zum Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts konnte sie zu der Stadt mit den meisten Einwohnern auf der ganzen Welt aufsteigen. Als der Tokugawa Klan seine Macht verlor und die Autorität des Kaisers im Jahre 1868 wieder restauriert wurde, verlegte der die Hauptstadt von Kyoto nach Edo. Zu dieser Zeit wurde diese Stadt in Tokyo umbenannt, was so viel bedeutet wie „die östliche Hauptstadt”.