Onboard onto Le Soléal for an exquisite journey
With this itinerary, PONANT invites you aboard Le Soléal for a unique expedition cruise between Osaka and Busan. 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, explore the picturesque city of Chiran and its ancestral history from Kagoshima, discover the cultural heritage of Nagasaki, or appreciate the natural jewels of Uwajima. 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 eastbound for the charming feudal city of Karatsu. Further south, Nagasaki remains in the world’s imagination as the symbol of nuclear horror. Fortunately, in the same way as Hiroshima, the city has become one the archipelago’s most peaceful towns as well as one of its most attractive. The warm and cosmopolitan city unveils its many riches throughout its narrow streets: the Oura Catholic Church and its gardens, the Suwa Shrine, the sumptuous Buddhist temples...
Following the currents, clinging to the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, Le Soléal will sail east. At the foot of a tropical forest burgeoning with life, Tamano stands proudly in the middle of this enchanting environment. Last port of call of your journey, it still bears the traces of traditional Japanese life in the 18th century, as the particular architecture of the town demonstrates. Then, you will visit Itozaki, a charming coastal town surrounded by green hills.
The jagged coastlines of the captivating Miyajima Island, also known as Itsukushima, come into view, and the vermillion Torii of the emblematic Shinto Shrine of Itsukushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds before you in a lush forest setting. Time here seems stuck in the feudal era: the frenetic energy and modernity of the large Japanese metropolises make way for striking serenity and tranquillity, and hundreds of deer wander between its spiritual and architectural treasures.
Hiroshima does not seek to elicit strong emotions. Opposite the Inland Sea, only the Hiroshima Peace Memorial bears witness to past events in the city known as a “City of Peace”. It is resolutely future looking and you will be able to appreciate its modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, the hustle and bustle of its lively streets and the tranquillity of its natural settings, such as the splendid Shukkei-en, the city’s historic gardens.
After a unique port of call in the historic city of Himeji, walk the ancient pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodō in Shingu, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connecting several religious sites nestling in tropical nature.
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.
Finally, for a grand finale, your journey will end in Osaka, your disembarkation port.
*The land-based activities and excursions can be conducted in English with a translator if required.
Your voyage
All inclusive, gourmet cuisine, room service, evening entertainment, shows, fitness center, hammam, sauna… Discover what is included in every Ponant cruise.

Destination
Asia
Busan to Osaka
Duration
13 days, 12 nights on board
Timeless
Offres
Ponant Bonus 15%
Ref: SO190526











Journey
Your journey day-by-day
- Get to know the Land of the Rising Sun, its culture, its ancient traditions, its cultural heritage, and explore the Seto Inland Sea.
- Discover an extraordinary land with historic towns and cities and a rich Shinto heritage (including Toba and the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine).
- A few of the included excursions: visit the city of Chiran, see the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, discover the cultural heritage of Nagasaki.
Customize your journey :

Date
18 May 26

Date
16 May 26

Date
31 May 26

Date
31 May 26

Date
31 May 26
Staterooms and suites
Elegance and intimacy

Superior Stateroom
Guests
3
Surface
21 m²

Deluxe Stateroom
Guests
2
Surface
18 m²

Prestige Stateroom
Guests
2
Surface
18 m²

Deluxe Suite
Guests
2
Surface
27 m²

Prestige Suite
Guests
4
Surface
37 m²

Owner's Suite
Guests
2
Surface
45 m²
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Details
More info
Services included in your cruise
Important trip details
In your luggage
Itinerary