Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines – Ponant – 22 May 2025 – Cruise Traveller

Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines – Ponant

Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Le Soleal
Package Departs
22 May 2025
Package Duration
12 Nights
Embark Ship
Osaka, Japan
Disembark Ship
Maizuru, Japan
Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Deck 4 Prestige Deck 5
AU $15,890
per person
AU $17,210
per person
AU $19,110
per person
AU $20,060
per person

Highlights:
– Gastronomic cruise in partnership with Cuisine et Vins de France, the reference magazine for gastronomy.
– A brand-new cruise to discover the Empire of the Rising Sun, its ancient traditions, its cultural heritage and its emblematic sites.
– UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the feudal city of Hagi, the Miyajima shrine, the ancient pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodo, and Himeji Castle.
– All-new ports of call at Toba and Izumo, historic towns with rich Shinto heritage.
– The possibility of visiting three of the most emblematic Japanese shrines: Ise-jingu from Toba, the Shrine of Itsukushima from Miyajima, and Izumo Taisha from Izumo.
– Ine and Miyazu, old fishing villages with yesteryear authenticity.
– Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
_______________

Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines cruise package includes:
– 12 night Japan cruise aboard Le Soleal from Osaka to Maizuru
– All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
– Captain`s welcome cocktail and gala dinner onboard
– Open Bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands) during cruise
– Excursion per person per port of call*
– Evening entertainment and events
– Room service 24h (special selection)
– Port taxes

Special Conditions

*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on best available cruise fare at time of publication (13Mar24) based on current Ponant bonus discount of 25% where applicable which can and does change without prior notice. Some cabins may have obstructed views. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Transfers mentioned are only included if guests are arriving/departing by air at specific airports on exact package dates. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Any hotels, transfers and airline carriers listed are at the discretion of Ponant. Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.

Special Validity Dates

Special is valid from 13 Mar 2024 to 30 Jun 2024 or until sold out/withdrawn.

Cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
22 May 2025
Osaka, Japan
5:00 PM
23 May 2025
Toba Japan
12:00 PM 8:00 PM
24 May 2025
Shingu, Japan
7:00 AM 6:00 PM
25 May 2025
Himeji, Japan
7:00 AM 6:00 PM
26 May 2025
Miyajima Japan
7:00 AM 6:00 PM
27 May 2025
Beppu, Japan
8:30 AM 5:00 PM
28 May 2025
Busan, (Pusan) South Korea
11:30 AM 8:00 PM
29 May 2025
Karatsu, Japan
8:00 AM 9:00 PM
30 May 2025
Hagi, Japan
7:00 AM 6:00 PM
31 May 2025
Izumo, Japan
6:30 AM 6:00 PM
01 Jun 2025
Tottori, Japan
6:30 AM 6:00 PM
02 Jun 2025
Ine, Kyoto
6:30 AM 12:00 PM
02 Jun 2025
Miyazu, Japan
2:00 PM 7:30 PM
03 Jun 2025
Maizuru, Japan

All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

Category Twin Per Person     Single Per Person
Superior Stateroom
   
Deluxe Stateroom
   
Prestige Deck 4
   
Prestige Deck 5
   
Prestige Deck 6
   
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
   
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
   

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

With this brand-new itinerary, PONANT invites you aboard Le Soléal for a unique expedition cruise between Osaka and Maizuru. A 13-day escapade discovering a traditional Japan shaped by age-old traditions, natural wonders and mythical legendary sites.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, visit Himeji’s emblematic castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the Itsukushima Shrine from the island of Miyajima, and discover the fortified town of Hagi, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

At the whim of the trade winds in the Sea of Japan, Le Soléal will sail towards the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. The gateway to the enchanting Ise Bay and its sumptuous ria coast, Toba invites you to enjoy a unique moment in this historic city, residence of the Imperial family. Among other things, you will have the opportunity to admire the most important Shinto shrine in Japan, Ise-jingu. In Shingu, walk the ancient pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodō, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connecting several religious sites nestling in tropical nature.

After a unique port of call in the historic city of Himeji,the jagged coastlines of the captivating Miyajima Island come into view. The vermillion Torii gate of the emblematic Shinto Shrine of Itsukushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds before you in a lush forest setting. Further south, Beppu, famous across the archipelago for its hot volcanic springs, invites you to discover its green and peaceful valley, home to almost 60 stone buddhas, carved into the cliffside between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Then you will sail to South Korea, a small peninsula that juts out into the Sea of Japan, and discover Busan, South Korea’s second city. A place of great contrasts, Busan offers a spectacular view over its port, as well as over the ancient district of Chalgachi.

After you explore the charming feudal city of Karatsu, Le Soléal will continue its crossing of the Seto Inland Sea to drop anchor on the island of Honshu, in Hagi. This town will win you over with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and the former residences of Japanese warriors from this feudal town, whose mythical Shizuki Castle, erected in the 17th century, emerges as a symbol. Further north, Izumo emerges before you. Here, discover Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s most emblematic shrines, dedicated to the kami Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, god of medicine, agriculture and commerce.

Then, the port of call in Tottori will seem like the unexpected interlude of your cruise. With good reason, since this ancient, fortified town is home to Japan’s largest sand dunes. Bright sunshine, ochre dunes edged by the Sea of Japan, camels with a captivating gait… Here, in this majestic landscape where wind waves rise to caress the sand giants, time seems to stand still. Along the shores of the Prefecture of Kyoto, you will be swept away by the picturesque towns that populate it. Ine with its old-world authenticity, Miyazu with its enchanting bay: they offer a unique and stunning experience.

In your journey’s final port of call, you will disembark in the charming city of Maizuru.

Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant’s signature. 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

  • Length: 142 metres
  • Maiden Voyage: 2013
  • Passenger Capacity (dbl): 264
  • Officer Nationality: French
  • Ship Registration: France

Ship Amenities

  • Individually Controlled Air Conditioning & Heating
  • Mini Bar
  • Flat screen satellite Television
  • iPod Players
  • Video on Demand
  • In Room Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • 110/220 volts outlet
  • 24 Hour Room Service
  • Internet Access Wifi

Ship Facilities

  • Gastronomic Restaurant
  • Main Lounge
  • Boutique’s
  • Medical Centre
  • Theatre
  • Fitness Centre
  • Beauty Salon
  • Massage Rooms
  • Hair Salon
  • Swimming Pool
  • Grill Restaurant
  • Internet Station
  • Library
  • Panoramic Lounge
  • Panoramic Terrace
  • Open Air Bar
  • Sun Deck

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment – a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared – and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege…

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax – we take care of everything…

Select the Cabin to view detail.

* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.

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