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Kagoshima, Japan…
April 11, 2026 What is it that brings a community together and why do residents remain in a community? The answer to both questions is often the same: adversity. In 2023, Chongae and I spent time in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan two cities where on August 6, 1945, atomic bombs were dropped killing tens of
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Kochi, Japan…
April 12, 2026 Bragging rights to the largest cities by population in the world can depend on just how you define a city (city proper, urban area, metropolitan area, etc.) Regardless, Tokyo one of our upcoming ports is likely to top the list, with an estimated 37 million people in its metropolitan area, which includes Yokohama. Osaka,
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Osaka, Japan…
April 13, 2026 Osaka is Japan’s third largest city (after Tokyo and Yokohama) with almost 3 million people. Osaka is also a great starting point to visit Kyoto, Japan. The cruise terminal is next to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, which at 369 feet was the world’s tallest from 1997-1999. Now there are 23 taller observation
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Shimizu, Japan…
April 15, 2026 Today we docked in Shimizu, Japan, a beautiful port considered the gateway to Mount Fuji. I think Shimizu must be the friendliest city in Japan. As soon as we left the ship, a large group of Japanese volunteers helped us with directions. Crossing guards were ready to stop the non-existent traffic when
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Yokohama, Japan…
April 16, 2026 For years Yokohama’s Osanbashi cruise terminal has been the primary port for cruises calling on Tokyo. Ships reach it first and pay less for pilot services. And until recently Tokyo’s original cruise terminals were blocked by a bridge too low for today’s cruise ships to pass under. From the Yokohama pier, it
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Miyako, Japan…
April 18, 2026 I made a mistake. On April 15th, I told you that I thought Shimizu was the friendliest city in Japan. Now I am convinced that Miyako is the friendliest city. Perhaps it has to do with its past. You may remember watching it on TV, on March 11, 2011, a massive tsunami
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Aomori, Japan…
April 19, 2026 Aomori is one of the easiest cruise ports to navigate in Japan. The main docking area Shin Chuo Wharf is located right on Aomori Bay, directly in front of the city center. The iconic triangular building you see in the photo above is the Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center that has an observation
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Hakodate, Japan…
April 20, 2026 Hakodate is last port off call on Hokkaido, the northernmost of the four main Japanese islands. Sapporo is probably the best-known city on the island as host of the 1972 winter Olympics. Hakodate was the first Japanese port to open to foreign trade in 1854. Just across the street from the cruise
The Hope For Today Charitable Fund. Seeing God's hand at work… Around the World.
Ever dream of getting on a ship and sailing around the world? Tom & Chongae did! Join us on this epic journey. We look forward to you traveling with us.