Island Wonders & the Soul of Ancestral Japan

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

 

Day 1 - Kobe

 

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

 

Your first visit will be to a sake brewery. Made from polished rice, water and yeast, Japanese sake, also known as nihonshu in Japan, is the traditional Japanese drink that occupies an important place in Japanese culture and traditions.

 

Then, you will go to a local restaurant for lunch, during which you will taste the famous Kobe beef.

 

After lunch, you will explore the picturesque district of Kitano-cho, famous for its historic houses, known as ‘Ijinkan’, which were built during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when Kobe was opened to international trade. Strolling through Kitano-cho, you will discover an elegant atmosphere and well-preserved European architecture, with houses with pitched roofs, sash windows and carefully tended gardens.

 

You will stroll through the vibrant heart of Kobe's Chinatown, a pillar of the Chinese community in Japan. Nestled in the centre of Kobe, this bustling area was founded by visionary Chinese merchants who arrived in 1868, following the opening of Kobe's port to international trade. You will discover its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere, offering you an authentic immersion in Chinese culture in Japan.

 

You will be driven to the Oriental Hotel Kobe 5* selected by PONANT.

 

Dinner in the hotel restaurant.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2 – Kobe/Osaka

 

Breakfast in Kobe.

 

After checking out of your room, you will enjoy some free time depending on your return flight schedule.

You will be transferred to Kansai International Airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:

 

Overlooking Kobe's beautiful harbour, the 5* Oriental Hotel Kobe offers luxurious accommodation in the heart of the historic Kyu-Kyoryuchi district.

 

Superior rooms are also available subject to availability and a supplement. Contact your travel agent for more details.

 

Your programme includes:

 

·        1 night in Standard room at the Oriental Hotel Kobe 5* selected by PONANT (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Drinks during meals as mentioned in the programme (mineral water + a glass of a local alcohol + a Japanese tea or a coffee).

·        Transfers, guided tours and admission to the monuments mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

 

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa fees, if required.

·        Tips for the guide and driver.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

 

Please note:

 

·        A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        The official check-in time is 3.00 pm.

·        The official check-out time is 12:00 am.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

·        Please be aware that a double room with a king size bed is not common in Japan. Most of the hotels do offer double rooms with twin beds. The double room king size bed is not guaranteed at the hotel.

 

Contact your hotel:

 

Hotel Oriental Hotel Kobe 5*

25 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo

650-0034, Kobe, Japan

Telephone: (81) 78-326-1500

 

The duration and order of visits are given for information only and are subject to change. To find out the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel consultant. You can also refer to the electronic ticket enclosed with your travel pack.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of four unforgettable days between Kyoto and Nara to discover the ancient imperial capitals. Immerse yourself in traditional Japan, between temples, meditation, Geisha dances and tea ceremony. This programme, rich in experience, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Kobe/Nara/Kyoto

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

The tour will take you first to meet the monumental bronze Buddha, who takes centre stage in the heart of the Todai-ji Temple. The building rises majestically in Nara Park. Commissioned in 743 by Emperor Shômu when Nara was the imperial capital of Japan, it took eight years to build and was restored during the Edo era. Standing 47 metres (150 feet) high and with enormous wooden pillars , the ancestral Great Buddha Hall remains the world's largest wooden building, earning its inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Then you will stroll through the Isuien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden created at the end of the 17th century as the private garden of a rich merchant and opened in the middle of the 19th century. Meticulously planned and maintained, it reveals the art of Japanese garden design, seeking balance and harmony while paying homage to the beauty of nature. It consists of two spaces: Minami Shin-en, in the heart of which you will discover a pond, a waterfall and a tea house; and Kita Shin-e, consisting of a bamboo grove, a small stream and a variety of flowering cherry trees and Japanese maples.

Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will visit Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha. Established in 768 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its vermilion-red lacquered buildings form a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation. Nearly two thousand bronze and stone lanterns line the sanctuary, and a thousand metal lanterns hang along the corridors.

Before your transfer to your 4* hotel Good Nature Kyoto selected by PONANT, you will stop in Gion, one of Kyoto's historic districts, with beautiful traditional houses. It is the city's Geiko district (geisha are known as Geiko in Kyoto).

Check in and set up in your room.

Enjoy dinner in your hotel's restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Kyoto

Breakfast.

The tour will take you first to take part in Zazen, seated Zen meditation. Zazen is a way of training for monks to obtain enlightenment. It is considered the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. You will sit in the silent room separated from the ordinary life. Also, you will have a chance to experience Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of the most representative forms of Japanese beauty, and participating in a ceremony is one of the best ways to come into contact with the Japanese sense of spirituality.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Then, you will proceed to Kiyomizu Temple; kiyoi mizu means "pure water" or "spring water". Kiyomizu Temple is noted for its cliff top Main Hall with a broad wooden veranda offering a panoramic view of Kyoto and environs. The veranda is supported on a towering scaffold of wood. The Main Hall has been designated a National Treasure.

Enjoy some time at leisure to purchase souvenirs in the nearby shopping streets.

After your visit, you will return to your hotel to freshen up.

You will be transferred in a local restaurant to enjoy a Japanese kaiseki dinner (consisting up of several small courses.

Enjoy a Kaiseki dinner which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, with a Maiko (an apprentice geisha in Kyoto) and a Geiko (a full-fledged artist known as Geisha outside of Japan) who will perform.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 - Kyoto

The tour will take you first to Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third of the Ashikaga Shoguns, built a retirement estate there in 1398. After his death in 1419, the grounds were turned into a Buddhist temple for the Rinzai sect. The only building to remain standing of Yoshimitsu's estate was the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories are covered in gold leaf and the roof is topped by a bronze phoenix. It was listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994.

You will then arrive at Ryoan-ji Temple, literally "The Temple of the Dragon at Peace". It belongs to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The name of the temple evokes its famous 15th-century rock garden, considered one of the masterpieces of Japanese Zen culture. It is the country's most-visited rock garden.

Enjoy a Japanese style lunch served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will proceed to Arashiyama region, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, and the Tenryuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Godaigo, the temple is held in high esteem. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto ». The garden created by Muso Soseki, features a circular promenade around Sogen Pond.

Transfer back to your hotel for a short break to freshen up.

Enjoy a Japanese Shabu-shabu dinner served in a local restaurant. For your meal, a pot of boiling water to cook food will be placed on your table. You will dip thin slices of beef and fresh vegetables into a pot of broth several times for few seconds. "Shabu-shabu" is the sound of the meat swished in the broth.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 - Kyoto

You will start your day with an immersion in Japanese tradition. Through the transcendent thumping rhythms, you will discover the art of the taiko, the large drum sculpted from elm or keyaki (zelkova or Japanese elm) wood. The word "taiko" also designates the way of playing the drum, meaning that the instrument and the way of playing its music are thus inextricably linked. Legend has it that the divinity of mirth, Uzume, helped the gods bring light to earth by drawing the goddess of sun, Amaterasu, out of her cave. To do this, she danced on a barrel, thus creating the taiko.

Then, dressed in kimono, a symbol of Japanese culture, you'll enjoy Japanese calligraphy, considered the art of achieving longevity and mastery of body and mind. Buddhist monks use calligraphy as a form of meditation. Dressed in kimono, symbol of Japanese culture.

A lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).

Optional activity (with extra fees): Fushimi-inari Shrine and dinner.

Dinner will be at leisure if you have not chosen the optional activity.

Extend your day of discovery by letting yourself be tempted by an all-new experience that will plunge you into traditional Japan.

You will leave the hotel with your guide by private car.

First, you will arrive at Fushimi-Inari Shrine. This is the site where you can see hundreds of vermillion torii gates lining up, making a tunnel, one of the most iconic views in the country. Fushimi-Inari is the head shrine of some 40,000 Inari shrines located throughout the land. It was founded in 711 and is dedicated to five Shinto deities.

Then, you will be transferred to a restaurant for your dinner.

You will be drive back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 - Kyoto

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:
 
The Good Nature Kyoto, located in the heart of Kyoto, is a true oasis of well-being. Each room is carefully designed to offer a space of tranquility, with a breathtaking view of the city or surrounding gardens.

Your programme includes:

·        4-night accommodation in standard room at a Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverages package during meals (water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 glass of wine + 1 Japanese tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on day 4.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.  

·        Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

·        You will have to take off your shoes before entering any of the temples. During visits, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).

·        There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

·        Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum of weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage of a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).

Contact of your hotel:

Hotel Good Nature Kyoto

318-6 Inari-cho, kawaramachidori shijosagaru,

Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Telephone : (+81) 75 352 6730

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 - Naha

Meet at  the airport in the Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign.

You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will depart the airport by coach for your hotel selected by PONANT.

Check-in.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Naha

After breakfast and check-out, start your discovery with the visit of the Memorial Peace Museum.

The Okinawa Memorial Peace Museum. It is said that, of all the prefectures in Japan, Okinawa is the one that least contributed to the war effort, but most suffered. The Battle of Okinawa was the last great confrontation of the Second World War during which Japanese and American forces fought in June 1945. It resulted in almost 150,000 Okinawan deaths , virtually half the population of the islands at the time. In memory of the bloody battle, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, black granite stelae stand on Mabuni Hill to symbolise the efforts to be made for universal peace. 

You will then enjoy free time on Kokusaidori Street. Kokusaidori translates literally as “international road”. It is Naha’s main street and is around two kilometres (1.2 miles) long. On Kokusaidori, you will find many cafes, bars, souvenir shops and stores. So take a stroll, do some shopping or sit in a cafe and soak up the atmosphere that is typical of Naha.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will continue to the Shuri Castle that shows the strong influence of Chinese architecture because the Ryukyu Kingdom was a vassal state of China. Ryukyu was a small kingdom, including Okinawa, in vassalage to both Japan and China. The castle was a unique mixture of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. Nineteen structures stood within its walls. It was the residence of the king and the seat of local government until 1879, when Okinawa was made a prefecture of Japan. Unfortunately, the main castle building rebuilt in 1992 has been burned down in 2019 due to fire. The underground castle ruin which is designated as a part of world heritage, and the castle gate survived the fire.  

You will then be transferred to the port of Naha, to embark on board your ship.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Standard room at the hotel selected by PONANT, local standard (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverages package during meals (mineral water + a glass of local alcohol + a Japanese tea or coffee).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa costs, if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. 

·        Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

·         Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).

·         Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.