Lively Tokyo is the departure point for this epic journey that visits two continents. But before we cross the International Dateline and make our way to North America, we've a few captivating places to explore along the coast of Japan. First Hitachinaka, a young city renowned for its blossom-filled oceanfront park, then Aomori with its apple and cherry orchards set against the Hakkoda Mountains. In Hakodate, sip tea looking over the rose garden at the Former British Consulate, and in Kushiro see red-crowned cranes, which thrive on the marshes. Now we take to the ocean wave, sailing to Alaska. Our first stop is Kodiak, where natural delights include bald eagles soaring overhead, and there's also lots of history to delve into in the main town's museums. The harbor at Homer then promises tales of pioneer life, before we arrive at our destination, Seward, on glittering Resurrection Bay.