Treasures of Japan by Sea – Ponant – 12 Apr 2025 – Cruise Traveller

Treasures of Japan by Sea – Ponant

Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Le Soleal
Package Departs
12 Apr 2025
Package Duration
8 Nights
Embark Ship
Kobe, Japan
Disembark Ship
Kobe, Japan
Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Deck 4 Prestige Deck 5
AU $11,764
per person
 AU $12,694
per person
 AU $14,044
per person
 AU $14,714
per person

Highlights:
– A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
– Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
– A discovery of the beautiful cultural and rich historical traditions and landscapes of Japan.
– UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, Sites of Japan`s Meiji Industrial Revolution, Gyeongju Historic Areas, Bulguksa Temple, and Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (optional pre-cruise program).
– An opportunity to make – and eat – traditional Japanese udon noodles, and a chance to sample sake in a traditional sake-making village.
– Three remarkable, traditional Japanese gardens – Korakuen, Ritsurin, and Yushien.
– Hiroshima`s Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
– Stunning Buddhist temples in Busan, including the largest Buddha statue in Asia.
– Outstanding modern Japanese paintings at the Adachi Museum in Matsue.
_______________

Treasures of Japan by Sea cruise package includes:
– Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Osaka to the ship in Kobe on the day of embarkation
– 8 night Japan cruise aboard Le Soleal from Kobe return
– 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)
– Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
– Port taxes
– Transfer from the ship to the airport in Osaka at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation

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
12 Apr 2025
Kobe, Japan
 9:30 PM
13 Apr 2025
Takamatsu, Japan
 6:00 AM 6:00 PM
13 Apr 2025
Kurushima Strait
 11:50 PM 11:50 PM
14 Apr 2025
Hiroshima, Japan
 8:00 AM 1:30 PM
14 Apr 2025
Miyajima Japan
 3:00 PM 8:00 PM
15 Apr 2025
Kanmon Straight Japan
 7:00 AM 7:30 AM
15 Apr 2025
Hagi, Japan
 12:30 PM 6:00 PM
16 Apr 2025
Sakaiminato, Japan
 7:00 AM 1:30 PM
17 Apr 2025
Busan, (Pusan) South Korea
 8:30 AM 6:30 PM
18 Apr 2025
Kitakyushu, Japan
 8:00 AM 3:00 PM
19 Apr 2025
Uno Ko (for Okayama), Japan
 7:30 AM 6:00 PM
20 Apr 2025
Kobe, Japan
 6:00 AM

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
   
Deluxe Suite
   
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
   
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
   
Owner's 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.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Soléal for a 9-day cruise to discover the many traditions and emblematic sites of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Your voyage begins in endearing Kobe, one of the first Japanese ports to open to international trade in the 19th century and home to its famous eponymous marbled beef.

Arrive in the port of Takamatsu, the largest city on the island of Shikoku. You will find the splendid Ritsurin Garden here, a masterpiece constructed during the early Edo period as an escape from the bustle of daily life. Takamatsu is also renowned for its most famous dish – udon noodles – and you can try your hand at preparing them here.

Continue to Hiroshima, whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hiroshima Peace Memorial bears witness to the horrific aftermath of the world’s first atomic bomb explosion on August 6, 1945. You may also choose to visit the Saijo sake brewing district for a tasting. Then call at Miyajima, the gateway to the majestic Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose magnificent vermillion torii gate appears to float on water.

Le Soléal sails on to Hagi, whose contributions to Japan’s industrialization and modernization have been honored by UNESCO. At Hagi Castle Town, walk in the steps of the samurai as you stroll its beautifully preserved streets.

The richness from which to choose is immediately apparent in, Sakaiminato, where options include Matsue Castle, built entirely of pine in 1611; the Adachi Museum of Art, displaying the great masters of modern Japanese painting and sculpture; a demonstration of the ancient craft of making paper (washi) from tree bark; and Yushien Garden, a landscape garden in traditional style, famous for its peonies.

The South Korean port of Busan offers a similar range of experiences: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, built in 1376 overlooking the sea; the Busan Museum of Art, featuring an outdoor sculpture garden as well as exhibits of contemporary Korean artists; Gyeongju Historic Areas, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site representing the flowering of Silla culture between the 7th and 10th centuries; and a Korean Tea Ceremony at the Hongbeopsa Temple, famous for having the largest Buddha statue in Asia.

Back in Japan, call in Moji, which enjoyed its heyday in the early 20th century as the center for Japanese trade with China. Nearby is Kozan-ji Temple, founded in the Kamakura period and the oldest Zen style temple in Japan.

From the port of Uno, end your voyage in the small Japanese city of Tamano, a former feudal domain with a unique cultural heritage. From here you will be able to admire the famous Korakuen Garden, one of the country’s must-see landscaped gardens.

Your voyage ends upon your return to Kobe.

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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