Odyssey in the heart of Japan’s subtropical islands

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

 

Day 1 - Ishigaki/Tokyo

 

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

 

During your transfer to Ishigaki Airport, you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the authentic Ishigaki, the main island of the Yaeyama Islands.

 

Then, you will be driven to Ishigaki Airport for your domestic flight of approximately 3 hours selected by PONANT to Tokyo.

 

A bento lunch will be offered.

 

Upon your arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted at the airport by our local representative.

 

You will depart from Tokyo Airport to be directly driven to the city center and proceed to check-in at the AC by Marriott Ginza Tokyo 5* hotel selected by PONANT.

  

Optional activity (additional supplement): Stroll through Tokyo

 

This optional activity is subject to adjustments based on the arrival time of your Ishigaki-Tokyo domestic flight selected by PONANT.

 

You will start with Zojoji Temple, a spiritual gem located in the heart of Tokyo, inviting you on a timeless journey where serenity and history meet. Founded in 1393, this Buddhist temple, linked to the prestigious Tokugawa family, is a peaceful place where the statue of Amida Buddha watches over visitors. Nestled at the foot of the Tokyo Tower, it offers an enchanting contrast between ancient tradition and modernity. You will wander through its soothing gardens, imbued with the spirit of the Edo period. You will be captivated by the magic of this sanctuary, a true oasis of calm in the heart of the city.

 

You will arrive at the perfect moment to witness a Buddhist ceremony in the temple's main hall. The prayers dedicated to the ancestors will immerse you in the spiritual heart of Japan.

 

Further on, the Tokyo Tower, an iconic silhouette of the capital, rises majestically in the Tokyo sky, illuminated by a warm glow that transforms the tower into a magical sight every night. From the top of its observatories, you will discover a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, the shimmering bay, and, on clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance.

 

You will be driven to your hotel for a time at leisure to freshen up and rest before dinner.

 

Your dinner will be served at the restaurant of your hotel.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2 – Tokyo

 

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

 

You will then be transferred to the Haneda 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 AC by Marriott Ginza Tokyo hotel is located in the heart of the prestigious Ginza district, just steps away from luxury boutiques, art galleries, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Sophisticated and modern, it offers you premium comfort and a truly exceptional stay.

 

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

 

Your programme includes:

 

·        1-night accommodation in Standard room at the AC by Marriott Ginza Tokyo 5* hotel (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        A domestic flight: Ishigaki airport – Tokyo airport in economy class on a regular airline. 

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (mineral water + a glass of a local alcohol + a Japanese tea or a 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 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 12:00 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).

·        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.

·        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).

 

Contact of your hotel:

 

Hotel AC by Marriott Ginza Tokyo

6 Chome-14-7 Ginza, Chuo City

Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Telephone : (+81) 3 5550 0102

 

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 – Ishigaki/Tokyo

 

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

 

You will be transferred by coach to Ishigaki airport for your domestic flight selected by PONANT to Tokyo.

 

A bento lunch will be offered.

 

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted by our local representative.

 

You will depart the Tokyo airport by coach to the Okura Tokyo 5* hotel selected by PONANT, for checking in.

 

Dinner will be served in the restaurant of your hotel.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2 – Tokyo

 

Breakfast.

 

You will first visit the National Museum of Tokyo which houses the world's largest collection of Japanese art, as well as ancient pottery, religious sculptures, Samurai swords, kimonos and many other objects.

 

Then, you will go to the very popular district of Asakusa for lunch, where the traditional atmosphere of Tokyo lives on.

 

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

 

After lunch, you will visit the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple constructed in the 7th century. The main hall was first built in 645 to house a small golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, that fishermen had hauled out in their nets several times. After the large Kaminarimon gate, you will walk down the long arcade called Nakamise-dori, before discovering a five-story pagoda, the highest one after the To-jin Temple south of Kyoto.

 

On the way back to your hotel, you will stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza. This historic treasure is built on the site of the former Edo castle, which, at its peak, was the largest in the world. Only the moats and the ramparts remain today. The main building is well-hidden in a small forest and is not visible.

 

You will have dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 3 – Tokyo

 

Your first visit will be devoted to Meiji Jingu Shrine. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken, in 1914. The shrine spreads over 700,000 square meters covered by a forest of 120,000 trees of 365 species donated by people from all over Japan. For many Japanese the shrine is both a spiritual home and an oasis in Tokyo.

 

Then, you will have some time to stroll around Omotesando Street. This avenue, "the front approach", originally served Meiji Shrine. It is one of the most fashionable areas of Tokyo with numerous high-endly qualified brand shops and sophisticated restaurants.

 

On your way to a local restaurant for your lunch, you will cross the globally famous Shibuya Crossing. Known as the largest crossing in the world, it embodies the bubbling, modern and prosperous metropolis. For the Japanese, the Shibuya Crossing is also the story of Hachiko. This dog would wait here for its master every afternoon at the same time, even after his death. The junction thus represents the two essential qualities of the Japanese: loyalty and perseverance.

 

You will have lunch in a local restaurant.

 

Optional activity (additional supplement): Afternoon visit in Tokyo - Limited to 12 participants.

 

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

 

Take a private car with your guide.

 

First, meet with a craftsman who will teach you about Kintsugi (“golden joinery”), the art of handling gold leaf with grace. Kintsugi is the art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful pieces of art.

 

You will have the opportunity to learn all about the history of this elegant craft and even practice it and bring your creation home.

 

At the end of the afternoon, your dinner will be at leisure.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 4 – Tokyo

 

Breakfast.

 

Optional activity (additional supplement): Sumo stable - Limited to 10 participants.

 

This optional activity is subject to various changes due to training situations.

 

Arriving at the sumo stable, watch the wrestlers train in the art of this ancient Japanese sport. Sumo wrestling began as a religious ritual before becoming an elite sport. It is believed that sumo first originated as part of a Shinto religious ceremony to welcome in the new year. Professional sumo developed during the Muromachi period (1336-1573).

 

Enjoy the sight of these traditional outfits and setting, while you take in the precise movements of the sumo wrestlers in action.

 

Then, you will enjoy an intimate experience in the heart of the Bonsai Museum. Through the art of Kunio Kobayashi, the museum's founder, you will be initiated in this traditional horticultural practice. Apprentices from around the world will tell you about the history of the art of cutting bonsai, a symbol of harmony and serenity.

 

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

 

After lunch, the next visit will be devoted to the Hamarikyu Gardens. Overlooked by the skyscrapers of the Shidome business district, this traditional Japanese garden was created in the 17th century and has been designated both a Special National Historic Site and a Special National Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese Ministry of Culture. It features the only seawater pond dating back to the Edo era in Tokyo. In this calm and soothing oasis, you will enjoy the experience of a tea ceremony in the Nakashima-no-ochaya tea house.

 

You will then be transferred to the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center. Shochu is an authentic spirit that originated in Japan. Produced mainly in southern Japan for over 500 years, it resulted from a combination of the basic sake brewing technique and the distillation method. The development of this unique method itself underlines the history of shochu. The oldest record of its use in alcohol production dates back to 800-750 BC in both India and Ethiopia. By the 13 and 14th centuries, it had reached China and several Southeast Asian countries. The technique entered the modern-day Japanese archipelago around the 15th century through trades between the southern islands and surrounding countries.

You will be driven to your hotel for a time at leisure to freshen up and rest before dinner.

 

You will have dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 5 – Tokyo

 

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

 

You will then be transferred to the Tokyko Haneda 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 Okura Tokyo reveals Tokyo's traditional Japanese beauty, between simplicity and elegance, to offer a new vision of luxury by combining traditional and contemporary.

 

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

 

Your programme includes:

 

·        4-night accommodation in Prestige room at the Okura Tokyo 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standard (or similar), breakfast included.

·        A domestic flight: Ishigaki airport – Tokyo Haneda airport in economy class on a regular airline.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

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

·        Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

 

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Dinner on day 3.

·        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 12:00 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).

·        The optional activity sumo stable is subject to various changes due to training situations.

·        Talking during the training is not allowed as it may distract a wrestler and cause injuries. In order to respect the sumo wrestlers and their traditions, please communicate with the guide using the written notes. The visiting duration may be shortened depending on the health conditions of the wrestlers or by the stables decision. The sumo visit might also be cancelled on a short notice due to wrestlers health conditions or by the stable`s decision.

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

·        No inner visit of the Imperial Plaza is possible. The palace is not visible but you will have the opportunity to witness the great historical Nijubashi Bridge.

·        There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. This programme is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

·        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.

·        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).

 

Contact of your hotel:

 

Okura Tokyo

2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku

Tokyo 105-0001, Japan

Telephone : (+81) 3 3582 0111

 

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.

Take advantage of one unforgettable day to discover the historical and cultural heritage of Osaka, Japan’s first capital. This programme will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 – Osaka

Meet at Kansai International airport – 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).

Transfer from the airport located in Osaka to the hotel Centara Osaka 5*.

Day and meals at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Osaka

After breakfast and check-out, you will board the coach for a full day sightseeing tour of Osaka, the second largest city in Japan and the biggest merchant city in Western Japan.

You will start your exploration with a visit of the outside of Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle was a monumental fortification constructed, upon the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to be the strongest and enclosed by tremendous stone walls 12 kilometres in length. The castle took three and a half years to complete and required 30 000 to 40 000 men. It played a major role in the unification of Japan. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The entire Osaka Castle Park covers about two square kilometers.

Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

You will then proceed to Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. The entire Sumiyoshi Taisha, dating from the third century and rebuilt from the nineteenth century, classified “National Treasure” is dedicated to the four kami gods, of the sea and sea voyage, agriculture, diplomacy and waka poetry. The Empress Jingu (169-269), known for her conquest of Korea, is also worshiped. In the past, sea merchants would stop in Osaka to pray to Sumiyoshi Taisha, before returning to their ships.

You will then be transferred to the port of Osaka to embark on your ship.

Your hotel:

With its modern architecture, the hotel Centara Osaka is a stunning 33-story visual masterpiece located in the heart of Namba, the city's vibrant entertainment and shopping district.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

 

·        1-night accommodation in Standard room at Centara Osaka Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar) including breakfast.

·        Meal as mentioned in the programme.

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

·        Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

 

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Lunch and dinner on day 1.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

·        Early check-in upon your arrival at the hotel.

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 12:00 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).

·        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.

·        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.

·        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.

 

Contact of your hotel:

 

Hotel Centara Osaka

2 Chome-11-50 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward

Osaka, 556-0011, Japan

Telephone : (+81) 6 6616 9945

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.