Odyssey in the heart of Japan’s subtropical islands

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.

 

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 - Osaka/Kyoto

 

Meet at Kansai International airport. You will be greeted by our local representative off your flight provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent.

 

Transfer from the airport to the Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT.

Lunch, afternoon, and dinner at leisure.

 

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.

 

Before your transfer to enjoy a Japanese kaiseki dinner (consisting up of several small courses), 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).

 

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

 

Breakfast.

 

 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, you will 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.

 

You will also wear the traditional kimono, with movements carefully and meticulously orchestrated, reflecting the beauty and harmony of ancient Japan.

 

Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

 

Then, 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. Stroll through the 14th Century landscape garden, featuring Ryumon Falls and a stone bridge. This garden is part of part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto » and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend has it that if one day a fish were to swim up the Ryumon Falls, it would turn into a dragon. Enjoy a stroll through the bamboo groves, a natural beauty that is one of the region's main attractions.

 

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

 

Breakfast.

 

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.

 

A lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

 

 

Optional activity - additional supplement: "Fushimi-inari Shrine and dinner" - limited to 35 participants.

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

 

For an even more exclusive and unique experience, we also offer the optional package as an additional supplement.

 

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/Nara/Osaka

 

Breakfast before check-out.

 

To start your day, you will set off 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.

  

Before lunch, you will stroll through the Isui-en 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.

 

Then, you will continue with a visit of 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.

 

You will then be transferred to the port of Osaka to embark on board your ship. It is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive.

 

Your hotel:

 

The Good Nature Kyoto, located in the heart of Kyoto, is a true oasis of well-being. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide a tranquil space, featuring breathtaking views of the city or the surrounding gardens. Experience serenity and comfort in a setting that embraces both nature and culture.

 

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 Standard room at the Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (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 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:

 

·        Lunch and dinner on day 1, dinner on day 4.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.  

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

·        Early check-in upon arrival at your 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 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.

·        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 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 - Keelung/Taipei

 

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

 

You will head to Taipei to be transferred to the hotel The Regent Taipei 5*, located at the heart of the city.

 

Official check-in time is at 15: 00.

 

You will enjoy a day at leisure to refresh according to your desires.

 

Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is infused with warmth and hospitality. It is a dynamic city where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously. Nestled between the sea and mountains, Taipei city will charm with its combination of modern skyscrapers, ancient temples, lush parks, and bustling, lively markets.

 

Evening and dinner at leisure.

 

OR

 

Optionnal activity with extra fees: “Discover the ancient villages of Jiufen & Shifen”

 

For an even more exclusive and unique experience, we also propose to explore Jiufen & Shifen including a lunch in a local restaurant.

 

Before 1950, these were both gold and coal mining towns. Today, their authentic old-world atmosphere makes them beloved destinations to enjoy a local Taiwanese experience.

 

Shifen is a small, traditional mountain village with a railway running through it. Its ancient streets are unique and famous, as this is one of the only remaining places in Taiwan where the old houses are so close to the railway tracks. You will get to observe an activity that is typical in Shifen: releasing paper lanterns into the night sky for good luck. This tradition was invented during the Three Kingdoms period (220-265). The sky lanterns carry the prayers and vows of the people; through them, the goers seek the purification of their souls.

 

You will then make your way to Jiufen where you will enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

 

It is said that a long time ago there were only nine families in Jiufen. Hence the name of the place, Jiu Fen, meaning nine parts. Located on the north-east coast of Taiwan, it used to be the centre of gold mining. The village is built on a mountain side and faces the sea. In 1890, someone struck gold near it. The poor village with only nine families soon attracted 4,000 families of prospectors.

 

During your visit, the prosperous old streets and buildings will bring the town’s history under your eyes. The place is full of traces of its golden past. Now, there are many unique teahouses in the area. These teahouses are the best stops during your visit to this mountain village. You will also enjoy beautiful views of the Keelung outer sea.

 

Then, you will be transferred to the hotel The Regent Taipei 5*.

 

Check-in.

 

Evening and dinner at leisure.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2 - Taipei

 

Breakfast and check-out.

 

You will enjoy a time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

 

You will 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).

 

OR

 

Optionnal activity with extra fees: “A glimpse of Taipei” - Late check-out included

 

Guests who booked a late flight may indulge in discovering Taipei further, including a lunch in a local restaurant.

 

You will start your day trip by discovering the renowned National Palace Museum, boasting one of the world's most important art collections, originally housed in Beijing's Forbidden City. The museum holds over 700,000 items, including jade, bronze, porcelain, and lacquer pieces, as well as tapestries and embroideries.

 

You will then visit the remarkable Martyrs’ Shrine, built in memory of those who sacrificed their lives to found Taiwan, and you will witness the renowned changing of the guards ceremony. Then, you will enjoy an lunch in a local restaurant.

 

After lunch, you will proceed to the 254-year-old Lungshan Temple and pray for good health. This centre of Buddhist and Taoist worship is ornately adorned with art treasures, including exquisite bronze, stone, and wood carvings. Settlers from the Fukien province built the temple in the 18th century.

 

You will also get the chance to visit the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a magnificent building constructed in memory of the former president, Mr Chiang.

 

Then, you will return to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure to rest and refresh (until 18:00).

 

You will 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).

 

This optional activity is subject to adjustments. Visits during the optional activity requires to be able to walk approximately 2.5 km over variable surface with some steps. There might be some queues at popular displays at the National Palace Museum.

 

Your hotel:

 

In the bustling city of Taipei, Regent Taipei offers an intimate space where soothing greenery mingles with luxury and comfort in equal measure. The elegant 538 rooms and suites feature modern decor in soothing tones, and rooms to call your own. The hotel is within a short walk of iconic places as Chifeng Street, Dadaocheng Dock and Dihua Street.

 

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 Regent Taipei hotel 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

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

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

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide on day 1 or Japanese speaking guide or French speaking guide depending on guests language.

·        The services of a local English-speaking assistance on day 2.

 

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Lunch and dinner on day 1, dinner on day 2.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Supplement for twin room.

·        Supplement for optional packages.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

 

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.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

 

Contact of your hotel:

The Regent Taipei Hotel

No.3, Lane.39, Section.2, Zhongshan N. Rd,

Zhongshan District, Taipei 104, Taiwan

Telephone number: 886-2-2523-8000

 

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.