Package Summary: 13 nights Cruise & Stay Only
Package Starts: 20th September 2024 – from Otaru, Japan
Cruise Starts: 20th September 2024 – from Otaru, Japan
Cruise Ends: 1st October 2024 – into Osaka, Japan
Package Ends: 3rd October 2024 – in Osaka, Japan
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**SPECIAL**
Make a new booking on this cruise and save $$$$ on select categories. Offer valid on select cruises only and is subject to withdrawal at any time without prior notice. Conditions apply*
Twin Classic Balcony Stateroom – Category 1 – was $36,145 – now $33,070*pp
Twin Deluxe Balcony Stateroom – Category 2 – was $39,990 – now $36,915*pp
Twin Premier Balcony Stateroom – Category 3 – was $41,530 – now $38,455*pp
Twin Superior Balcony Stateroom – Category 4 – was $50,760 – now $47,685*pp
Twin Prestige Balcony Suite – Category 5 – was $59,990 – now 56,915*pp
Twin Premier Two-Room Balcony Suite – Category 6 – was $74,610 – now $71,535*pp
Twin Prestige Two-room Balcony Suite – Category 7 – was $79,255 – now $76,150*pp
Owners Suite – Category 8 – was $89,990 – now $86,915*pp
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Experience the wonders of Japan alongside A&K`s award-winning Expedition Team as you capture all the magic with help from a professional photographer. Spanning five islands, this all-encompassing cruise explores Japan`s culturally rich coastline with a pre-cruise stay in Osaka and shore excursions throughout, including a visit to Hiroshima`s Peace Memorial Park, the Adachi Museum of Art and its gardens, and Kanazawa`s historic district.
Journey Highlights:
– Witness private performances by the world-renowned Kodo taiko drummers, Kabuki warriors and geishas
– Immerse yourself in mesmerizing Japanese gardens, perhaps visiting the gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art
– Visit Gyeongju, South Korea, ancient dynastic capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Reflect on Japan`s turbulent history and witness its miraculous resurgence in Hiroshima
– Enjoy fascinating onboard lectures and presentations led by our enrichment specialists on Japanese history, culture and gardens
– On our March departure, experience the magical atmosphere of cherry blossom season
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Wonders of Japan Cruise Package includes:
– Arrival meet and greet transfer from airport to port*
– 11 night luxury expedition cruise aboard Abercrombie & Kent`s Le Soleal from Otaru to Osaka
– Private balcony with every onboard accommodation and Butler Service with every Suite in categories 5-8 (an exclusive on A&K charters only, including welcome Champagne, nightly canapes, packing/unpacking on request and more)
– An exclusively chartered, all-inclusive voyage Led by A&K`s expedition team and local guides
– Open bar on board with beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, soft drinks, coffee, tea and mineral water (excludes premium wines and spirits)
– Culinary Program featuring French-Inspired cuisine, including house Drinks, afternoon tea and pastries
– 24-Hour room service on board
– Choice of curated, all-inclusive shore excursions
– Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
– Traveller`s valet laundry service on board
– All gratuities, port charges and taxes
– Complimentary Wi-Fi on board (due to remote destinations, access and speed vary)
– Onboard service from an English-speaking staff, including an accredited physician
– 24/7 A&K on-call support
– Transfer from port to hotel
– 2 nights accommodation at a luxury Osaka Hotel* including breakfast, lunch & dinner on day 2
– Departure transfer from hotel to airport*
Pre & Post Extensions may be available for this journey – Please ask for a quote at time of enquiry.
Journey Details: Categories 5–8 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship. This journey contains some active elements, including walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.
Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K`s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Pre-cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Sep 2024 | Transfer from airport to port - Embark cruise |
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Sep 2024 | Otaru Ko, Japan |
Embark | |
| 21 Sep 2024 | Otaru Ko, Japan |
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| 22 Sep 2024 | At sea | ||
| 23 Sep 2024 | Sado Island, Japan |
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| 24 Sep 2024 | Kanazawa, Japan |
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| 25 Sep 2024 | Matsue, Japan |
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| 26 Sep 2024 | Ulsan, Korea |
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| 27 Sep 2024 | Karatsu, Japan |
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| 28 Sep 2024 | Uwajima, Japan |
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| 29 Sep 2024 | Miyajima Japan |
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| 29 Sep 2024 | Hiroshima, Japan |
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| 30 Sep 2024 | Takamatsu, Japan |
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| 01 Oct 2024 | Osaka, Japan |
Disembark | Hotel |
| 02 Oct 2024 | Osaka, Japan |
Hotel | |
| 03 Oct 2024 | Osaka, Japan |
Post-cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Oct 2024 | Transfer from hotel to airport |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
11 Night Cruise sailing from Otaru to Osaka aboard Le Soleal. Hotel stay post-cruise in Osaka.
NOTE: Cruise operates in approximate reverse order to the itinerary outlined below.
Day 1: Arrive Osaka, Japan
Upon arrival, transfer to The Ritz-Carlton Osaka.
Day 2: Osaka | Cultural Wonders
Begin your adventure in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. The day’s excursions may include a visit to the Golden Pavilion and an exploration of Zen Buddhism, a journey to Nara revealing Japan’s oldest temple, or a scenic drive amid Uju’s iconic cherry trees. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner, complete with a Kabuki performance.
Day 3: Osaka | The Adventure Begins
Enjoy the morning at leisure in your hotel, or perhaps join a panoramic tour of Osaka’s Dotonbori district and Osaka Castle. Later, you might choose to stroll the wandering paths of Taiko-en Garden, admiring its ponds and stone bridges. This afternoon, transfer to your luxurious expedition cruiser.
Day 4: Takamatsu | Explore Your Way
Wake up in the charming port of Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku Island. Your day might feature a boat ride to Shodoshima, the heart of Japan’s olive-growing industry; a visit to the gardens of Shikoku Island’s Ritsurin Park and an exploration of traditional bonsai horticulture in Takamatsu’s Kinashi area; or a ferry ride to Naoshima Island to tour the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House.
Day 5: Hiroshima & Miyajima | Memorials & Shrines
Today, explore Hiroshima, renowned for its Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park. You might arise to split your day between Hiroshima and Miyajima, site of the iconic Torii Gate. Alternatively, you might spend an immersive day in Hiroshima and meet a survivor of the World War II atom bomb attack, or head to Miyajima to hike scenic Mount Misen.
Day 6: Uwajima | Seaside Splendour
Spend the day in Uwajima, home to Japan’s pearl industry. The day’s excursions may include a visit to a local pearl farm and the samurai-era gardens of Tensha-en, an exploration of Nanraku-en Garden and a scenic hike in Yakushidani Canyon, or a stroll down a cherry tree-lined lane to Yoshida’s old town.
Day 7: Karatsu | Ancient Trading Post
This afternoon, arrive in the port of Karatsu, once an early trading post between Japan and mainland Asia. Once ashore, visit Karatsu Castle, or perhaps head to the city of Imari to tour its celebrated porcelain works and the Mifuneyama Rakuen garden.
Day 8: Gyeongju, South Korea | Korean Capital
Disembark in Ulsan and transfer to Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Today, you might explore Gyeongju’s excavated temples, tombs and pagodas; tour the National Museum; and enjoy a lunch of Korean delicacies accompanied by a traditional dance performance. A visit to the Hyundai factory might also be arranged.
Day 9: Matsue, Japan | Verdant Gardens
Explore Matsue, a city renowned for its idyllic countryside. The day’s excursions may include visits to Yuushien Garden and Matsue Castle, or a tour of the Adachi Museum of Art. Later, you might also savour a traditional lunch at a ryokan (inn) and visit Yakumo-mura village to learn about the art of Japanese papermaking.
Day 10: Kanazawa | Immersion into the Arts
Visit the thriving art centre of Kanazawa, known for its pottery and gold-leaf workmanship. Here, you might stroll Kenrokuen Garden, wander Omicho Market and tour the Higashi Chaya-gai district’s well-preserved historic geisha houses. Alternatively, you might hike Kakusenkei Gorge and soak in a soothing onsen (hot spring), visit Kanazawa’s Oumi market and cook with a local chef, or explore of the Shogawa River valley. This evening, enjoy an exclusive geisha performance.
Day 11: Sado-ga-Shima | Kodo Taiko Drummers
Arrive amid Sado Island’s rice paddies, bamboo groves and surf-pounded seacoasts. Today may include an exclusive private performance by the Kodo taiko drummers or tours of Hakusanmaru Exhibition Hall and Ogi Folk Museum.
Day 12: Sea of Japan | Hokkaido Island Cruising
Enjoy a relaxing day while cruising toward Hokkaido, Japan’s largest and northernmost island.
Day 13: Otaru | Historic Canals
Arrive in Otaru, a port city known for its canals, sake distilleries, architecture and views of Mount Tengu. Here, you might tour the city, visit a sake distillery, and learn about Japanese whisky at Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. Alternately, you might spend the day discovering nearby Sapporo’s parks, landmarks, market and Hokkaido Museum.
Day 14: Disembark
Disembark your vessel in Otaru.
Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites)make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.
Interior Design:
With her fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white, Le Soléal presents references to a nautical theme.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 199
Abercrombie & Kent was born on the plains of Africa in 1962 when Geoffrey Kent and his parents pioneered a new style of luxury adventure travel with little more than a reconditioned Bedford truck, a sterling silver ice bucket and a bold vision.
A deep desire to deliver unique and life-changing travel experiences inspired ground-breaking enhancements, from the first luxury tented camps in Africa and mobile refrigeration to operations in Egypt, India, Australia and beyond. From those modest beginnings, A&K has grown into a globe-spanning network of local offices, opening destinations previously inaccessible to visitors and establishing a new benchmark for experiential travel.
Today, we are the world’s premier luxury travel company, with an unrivalled legacy of creating memorable, inspiring adventures in more than 100 countries and on all seven continents. Our approach combines singular service, authentic local expertise and beyond-the-guidebook insider access, all of which come together to create a journey of a lifetime, every time you travel with us.
A&K is the world leader in luxury travel and we offer everything from inspiring tailor-made adventures to Small Group Journeys, Luxury Expedition Cruises and epic Private Jet Journeys. We operate our own safari camps and lodges throughout Africa, cruise ships on the Nile, Yangzi and Irrawaddy Rivers, and maintain a fleet of customised safari vehicles.
We have a deep commitment to the communities our guests visit, funding grassroots projects through A&K Philanthropy. Our reputation and expertise allow A&K travellers private, often exclusive, encounters with local identities, privileged access to museums, archaeological sites and cultural attractions and authentic immersion in a destination which really reveals the spirit of a place and its people. This is the A&K difference and why we are consistently recognised as the ultimate for luxury travel by professionals and guests alike.
We’ve Got the World Covered A&K has over 55 offices in more than 30 countries, a global family consisting of more than 2,500 dedicated and passionate travel professionals. Expertise and passion for authentic discovery is fundamental to our goal of delivering truly inspirational travel experiences. And our extensive network of Journey Designers, local guides, Resident Tour Directors, drivers and staff around the world who make this happen have it in their DNA.
HERE DOWN UNDER Our Australasian presence includes offices in Melbourne and Auckland. Established in Melbourne in 1986, A&K Australia has almost 100 local staff both sides of the Tasman all working together to deliver the finest travel experiences both here and abroad through handcrafted small group journeys, expedition cruises and tailor-made adventures.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
Premier Two-Room Balcony Suite
Classic Balcony Stateroom
Deluxe Balcony Stateroom
Premier Balcony Stateroom
Superior Balcony Stateroom
Prestige Balcony Suite
Prestige Two-Room Balcony Suite
Owners Suite
Surface : 18 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin. Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod™ players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi.
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