Guest Speaker 
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
21 m²
3
The best of Japan
Osaka - Maizuru
Dates:
13/05/2024
to
21/05/2024
days
nights on board
Ponant invites you on a timeless journey around the fascinating and surprising Empire of the Rising Sun, where unbridled modernism and ancestral traditions form a delightful blend, where the history of the samurai rubs shoulders with the delicateness of the geisha, and where the aromas of the tea plantations intermingle with the fragrances of cherry blossom. From bustling Osaka, set sail aboard Le Soléal for 9 days to explore the heart of this country with a thousand traditions.
Following the currents, clinging to the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, Le Soléal will sail west. At the foot of a tropical forest burgeoning with life, Tamano stands proudly in the middle of this enchanting environment. A significant commercial centre during the Edo era, it still bears the traces of traditional Japanese life in the 18th century, as the particular architecture of the town demonstrates.
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.
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.
Following a port of call filled with history on the island of Uwajima, Le Soléal will set sail for one of Japan’s most singular places, Kagoshima. Facing the captivating Mount Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in Asia, and bordered by the majestic Kinko Bay, where the rays of sun bathe the surface of the ocean in colour, the former feudal city shelters the remains of this opulent era, as evidenced by the ruins of the castle of the Shimazu clan and its samurai.
Further north, 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...
Then you will sail to South Korea, a small peninsula that juts out into the Sea of Japan, and discover Busan, South Korea’s second city. A place of great contrasts, Busan offers a spectacular view over its port, as well as over the ancient district of Chalgachi.
At the whim of the trade winds in the Sea of Japan, Le Soléal will sail eastbound for the charming feudal city of Sakaiminato. Here you will get a real glimpse into medieval Japan and allow yourself to fall under the spell of the samurai residences edging the picturesque little streets of the old city.
For the last stage of this enchanted Japanese interlude, you will disembark in Maizuru, a captivating city nestled deep in a sound scattered with wild and lush islets.
Ref : SO130524
Your itinerary
Discovering the ‘Empire of the Rising Sun’, its culture, its ancestral traditions and iconic sites. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Miyajima Sanctuary and its vermillion Torii, the Hiroshima Peace...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE SOLÉAL
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE BORÉAL
21/08/2024 to the 28/08/2024
- New
LE LYRIAL
- New
LE LYRIAL
08/09/2024 to the 19/09/2024
*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.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- Discovering the ‘Empire of the Rising Sun’, its culture, its ancestral traditions and iconic sites.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Miyajima Sanctuary and its vermillion Torii, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
- Discovering Tamano, a former feudal domain with a surprising cultural heritage, and its famous “black castle”.
- The visits to the Peace Memorial and Peace Museum in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the martyred cities of the Second World War.
- The port of call on the island of Uwajima, with its strong feudal past and ancestral traditions.
- Sakaiminato or medieval Japan and the former homes of the Samurais.
- A passionate lecturer on board.
Ports of Call & Excursions
13 May 2024 - Osaka
Embarkation 13/05/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 13/05/2024 at 22:00
Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity. The main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.
14 May 2024 - Tamano
Arrival 14/05/2024 early morning
Departure 14/05/2024 evening
Located on the island of Honshu, hugging the banks of the Sento Inland Sea, Tamano is a popular destination thanks to its sun-drenched climate. Upon arrival, marvel at the way in which the city has been built along the coast at the foot of a deep, dark forest. In the area surrounding Tamano, stroll down the streets of Kurashiki, known as the 'white-walled city' in a nod to the pretty façades of the houses that line the streets of this ancient Edo-period trading town. Another major regional attraction is the Seto Ohashi bridge. Its 12.5 kilometres make it the world's longest double-decker bridge.
15 May 2024 - Hiroshima
Arrival 15/05/2024 early morning
Departure 15/05/2024 midday
Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn't forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. You'll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the town's historic garden.
15 May 2024 - Miyajima Island
Arrival 15/05/2024 early afternoon
Departure 15/05/2024 evening
At the heart of the Inland Sea, Miyajima, the “island sanctuary” will reveal its treasures. In the background you will see the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion “Torii“. Considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the Japanese islands, you will be transported by the unique character and the serenity of this sacred site.
16 May 2024 - Uwajima
Arrival 16/05/2024 early morning
Departure 16/05/2024 early afternoon
Located on the west coast of Shikoku island, Uwajima will delight lovers of history and traditional customs. The magnificent Uwajima Castle was built in the 17th-century by the powerful Date clan and has a beautiful ornamental garden and bridge. The much-visited Taga Shrine is dedicated to fertility and is full of phalluses. As for eating, you must taste jakoten, a local delicacy based on fried fish.
17 May 2024 - Kagoshima
Arrival 17/05/2024 early morning
Departure 17/05/2024 late afternoon
The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, ﾠis best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis will remind you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitants' everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three metres that was 'swallowed up' by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature will send a shiver down your spine.
18 May 2024 - Nagasaki
Arrival 18/05/2024 early morning
Departure 18/05/2024 late afternoon
Located on the north-west coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki will impress you by its rich heritage. Despite the destruction in 1945, you can visit several ancient sites, including the beautiful 19th-century Catholic Church of Oura and its garden, the sanctuary of Suwa Shrine or several Buddhist temples. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum gives you insight into the extent of the damage caused by the nuclear attack. Close by, a walk in the Memorial Peace Park leads you to a collection of objets d'art offered as a gift from Japan to the world.
19 May 2024 - Busan
Arrival 19/05/2024 early morning
Departure 19/05/2024 early afternoon
With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second largest metropolis on South Korea, after Seoul. This dynamic harbour city, located in the south-east, surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, benefits from a mild, pleasant climate. You’ll find delightful simply to stroll around the lively streets and explore the city’s outstanding cultural heritage of art galleries, museums, and Buddhist sites, such as the Haedong Yonggungsa temple, which elegantly sits on the waterfront. Rich too in magnificent beaches and superlative natural landscapes, Busan’s peaceful atmosphere will win you over, as will its inhabitants, whom you’ll have the pleasure of meeting.
20 May 2024 - Sakaiminato
Arrival 20/05/2024 early morning
Departure 20/05/2024 early evening
Located on the south-west coast of Honshu Island, the busy fishing port of Sakaiminato celebrates the comic writer and artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. As well as a museum a dedicated tourist route leads through streets and squares that feature 134 bronze statues representing his beloved characters. This isn't the only thing Sakaiminato has to offer; try some local seafood specialities and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Daisen and the Yumigahama peninsula.
21 May 2024 - Maizuru
Arrival 21/05/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 21/05/2024 at 08:00
Located on the western coast of Honshu island, in the province of Kyoto, the charming town of Maizuru boasts one of Japan’s most exquisite closed bays. A climb to the observatory allows to appreciate the splendour of this inlet scattered with tiny wild islands. Visitors can also admire the treasures of traditional architecture by visiting the temple of Enryu-ji or the Tanabe-jo castle. The town also bears traces of a rich military past, which you can see in the old arsenals of the navy, red brick buildings that today house a museum.
Saijo Sake Street walking tour
Sake is Japan's national drink, an alcoholic beverage which is made from fermented rice. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, often depending on the weather and the type of food with which it is being consumed. Saijo has long been a prime location for sake production, largely due to the high-quality spring water in its vicinity. The well water of the breweries originates from mountains 3km outside of Saijo. The quality of the water changes as it makes its way to the town, and the calcium and magnesium content in the well water becomes three times higher than that of the mountain spring water.
From the pier, board your coach for the one-hour drive to Saijo Sake Street. Upon your arrival, your guided walking tour through the main brewery district will start. The area is recognizable by the number of red brick chimneys poking into the sky. Saijo's sake industry began at the turn of the 20th century, so many of the buildings in the area have an old-world charm. There are nine breweries in Saijo Sake Street. You will visit two of them and learn about the production process, followed by some tasting of different varieties of Sake.
On the way back the pier, a photo stop will be made at Hiroshima Castle. It is a good example of a castle built on a plain in the centre of a city as opposed to hilltop and mountaintop castles. Its main keep is five stories tall, and its grounds are surrounded by a moat. The castle tower was designated a National Treasure in 1931, but it was destroyed by the atomic bomb. Total renovation was completed in 1989.
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This tour involves little walking. Guests must be at least 20-years old to be served alcoholic beverages in Japan.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Remembering Hiroshima
In the years just following the atomic bomb blast on 6 August 1945, scientists doubted if Hiroshima could ever live again. Yet modern Hiroshima rose like a phoenix from its own ashes, and less than five decades since its obliteration, it is a vibrant city with a population of one million and growing.
From the pier, you will reach the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Consisting of two buildings, the museum surveys the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. Its main focus though is on the events of 6 August: the dropping of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. The personal details displayed are quite upsetting and serve to remind us that we should not take peace for granted.
Then, you will walk from the museum to the Atomic Bomb Dome, passing by the Peace Memorial Park. This park is hugged by rivers on both sides. The large, leafy space is criss-crossed by walkways and dotted with memorials. Its central feature is the long tree-lined Pond of Peace leading to the cenotaph. This curved concrete monument holds the names of all the known victims of the bomb. Just north of the road through the park is the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki, who was two years old at the time of the atomic bomb. When Sadako developed leukaemia at 11 years of age, she decided to fold 1,000 orizuru (paper cranes). In Japan, the crane is the symbol of longevity and happiness, and she believed if she achieved that target she would recover. Her story inspired a nationwide spate of paper-crane folding that continues to this day.
Continue to the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower. Officially opened in September 2016, it is located beside the Atomic Bomb Museum. The 50-metre-tall tower is one of the few tall buildings around the Peace Memorial Park and offers a great view of the surroundings, including the less commonly seen view of the A-Bomb Dome from above. The Orizuru Square on the 12th floor is a station where you can try to fold orizuru. These cranes can be kept as a souvenir or dropped down into the Orizuru Wall, a glass panel wall that will one day be filled up with these folded cranes.
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This tour involves approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) of walking. Wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Itsukushima Shrine & zazen meditation
Upon your tender landing, a 30-minute walk will bring you to the Daisho-in Temple, which is located at the foot of the thickly forested Mount Misen and is one of the most famous temples in Miyajima. There, you will meet a resident Buddhist monk who will perform a 30-minute meditation session with you.
Zazen is the form of meditation at the very heart of Zen practice. In fact, Zen is known as the “meditation school” of Buddhism. Basically, zazen is the study of the self.
Next, you will visit the Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine was established in 593, the first year of the reign of Empress Suiko, and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The current torii was erected in 1875 after the original one was destroyed. The shrine's torii rises 48 feet (16 metres) above the sea. Its columns, made of camphor, are 30 feet (10 metres) in circumference and are supported by smaller pillars, which are buried in the seabed.
The construction of the sanctuary, consisting of structures on piles and pontoons, is owed to the sacred status of the island. Visitors were not allowed to disembark on the island; when they arrived by boat, they passed under the torii and floating dock on the pontoons. The Noh theatre, which also stands on stilts, is located right by the temple.
After your visit to the shrine, you will enjoy free time to discover the numerous shops located in the narrow streets.
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This tour is done solely on foot and involves approximately 2.15 miles (3.5 km) of walking and 200 steps. During the meditation session, you will be seated cross legged on a zafu cushion keeping your back straight. The monk only speaks Japanese, your guide will translate the comments of the monk.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Soléal
Like Le Boréal and L’Austral, the two sister ships that preceded it, Le Soléal further reaffirms PONANT's signature approach: to take passengers to the farthest reaches of the planet onboard modern ships offering top-of-the-range services.
An elegant appearance and refined interior design combine with cutting-edge technology to offer a new type of cruising: adventure in a luxury setting.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
12/05/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + A GLIMPSE OF OSAKA (PRE)+ THE VILLAGE OF MIYAMA AND TENRYUJI TEMPLE (1 NIGHT)(POST)
4.170 €
Find out moreA GLIMPSE OF OSAKA
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between the airport and your port of embarkation.
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.
You will board the coach for a full day tour of Osaka, the second largest city in Japan and the biggest merchant city on the West coast of the Land of the Rising Sun.
After a one-hour drive, you will make a first stop at Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. The entire Sumiyoshi Taisha classified “National Treasure”, dating from the third century and rebuilt from the nineteenth century, 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.
A Japanese style lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, continue your exploration by the visit of the main building of Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle was a monumental fortification constructed, upon the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to be the strongest and enclosed by 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 kilometres.
You will then be transferred to the port of Osaka to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
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Lunch (Japanese style) with beverage package (water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or 1 Japanese tea).
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Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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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).
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To visit temples, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees.)
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There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved.
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This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
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.
Total : 520 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
KYOTO AND NARA, IMPERIAL HERITAGE (4 NIGHTS)
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 - Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign). 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 located in Osaka Bay to the 5* 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 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.
Next, you will 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 Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site. Nijo Castle was built by leyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, in 1603. Ieyasu built the castle as his Kyoto residence. Look at its Ninomaru Palace designated a National Treasure on account of its splendid architecture and magnificent interior decoration. The floorboards of corridors, called « bush warbler boards », creak underfoot.
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. The performance consists of singing and dancing.
Day 3 - 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.
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. You may appreciate to stroll along a bamboo path admiring the beauty of the area.
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 dinner in a local restaurant.
You will then be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - 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.
You will then be driven to the Fushimi Ward, the traditional district of sake breweries bordering the Horikawa River. You will enjoy a sensory experience as you pass through the streets perfumed with the aroma of fermented rice and witness the authenticity of the little shopping streets, arcades and distilleries.
A lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
End of the day and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Optional activity (with extra fees): Fushimi-inari Shrine and dinner:
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 transfered to a restaurant for your Tempura dinner. Tempura are deep-fried seafood, meat, and vegetable. Introduced to Japan during 16th century by the Portuguese, the dish has evolved in the country to match the locals' taste and has become one of the staple Japanese dishes.
Day 5 - Nara/Osaka
Breakfast before check-out.
You will start your day 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.
Then 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.
After lunch, 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.
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 programme includes:
· 4-night accommodation in Standard room at a 5* 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.
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.
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.
· 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).
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.
Total : 3.600 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Saijo Sake Street walking tour
Sake is Japan's national drink, an alcoholic beverage which is made from fermented rice. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, often depending on the weather and the type of food with which it is being consumed. Saijo has long been a prime location for sake production, largely due to the high-quality spring water in its vicinity. The well water of the breweries originates from mountains 3km outside of Saijo. The quality of the water changes as it makes its way to the town, and the calcium and magnesium content in the well water becomes three times higher than that of the mountain spring water.
From the pier, board your coach for the one-hour drive to Saijo Sake Street. Upon your arrival, your guided walking tour through the main brewery district will start. The area is recognizable by the number of red brick chimneys poking into the sky. Saijo's sake industry began at the turn of the 20th century, so many of the buildings in the area have an old-world charm. There are nine breweries in Saijo Sake Street. You will visit two of them and learn about the production process, followed by some tasting of different varieties of Sake.
On the way back the pier, a photo stop will be made at Hiroshima Castle. It is a good example of a castle built on a plain in the centre of a city as opposed to hilltop and mountaintop castles. Its main keep is five stories tall, and its grounds are surrounded by a moat. The castle tower was designated a National Treasure in 1931, but it was destroyed by the atomic bomb. Total renovation was completed in 1989.
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This tour involves little walking. Guests must be at least 20-years old to be served alcoholic beverages in Japan.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Remembering Hiroshima
In the years just following the atomic bomb blast on 6 August 1945, scientists doubted if Hiroshima could ever live again. Yet modern Hiroshima rose like a phoenix from its own ashes, and less than five decades since its obliteration, it is a vibrant city with a population of one million and growing.
From the pier, you will reach the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Consisting of two buildings, the museum surveys the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. Its main focus though is on the events of 6 August: the dropping of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. The personal details displayed are quite upsetting and serve to remind us that we should not take peace for granted.
Then, you will walk from the museum to the Atomic Bomb Dome, passing by the Peace Memorial Park. This park is hugged by rivers on both sides. The large, leafy space is criss-crossed by walkways and dotted with memorials. Its central feature is the long tree-lined Pond of Peace leading to the cenotaph. This curved concrete monument holds the names of all the known victims of the bomb. Just north of the road through the park is the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki, who was two years old at the time of the atomic bomb. When Sadako developed leukaemia at 11 years of age, she decided to fold 1,000 orizuru (paper cranes). In Japan, the crane is the symbol of longevity and happiness, and she believed if she achieved that target she would recover. Her story inspired a nationwide spate of paper-crane folding that continues to this day.
Continue to the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower. Officially opened in September 2016, it is located beside the Atomic Bomb Museum. The 50-metre-tall tower is one of the few tall buildings around the Peace Memorial Park and offers a great view of the surroundings, including the less commonly seen view of the A-Bomb Dome from above. The Orizuru Square on the 12th floor is a station where you can try to fold orizuru. These cranes can be kept as a souvenir or dropped down into the Orizuru Wall, a glass panel wall that will one day be filled up with these folded cranes.
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This tour involves approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) of walking. Wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Itsukushima Shrine & zazen meditation
Upon your tender landing, a 30-minute walk will bring you to the Daisho-in Temple, which is located at the foot of the thickly forested Mount Misen and is one of the most famous temples in Miyajima. There, you will meet a resident Buddhist monk who will perform a 30-minute meditation session with you.
Zazen is the form of meditation at the very heart of Zen practice. In fact, Zen is known as the “meditation school” of Buddhism. Basically, zazen is the study of the self.
Next, you will visit the Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine was established in 593, the first year of the reign of Empress Suiko, and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The current torii was erected in 1875 after the original one was destroyed. The shrine's torii rises 48 feet (16 metres) above the sea. Its columns, made of camphor, are 30 feet (10 metres) in circumference and are supported by smaller pillars, which are buried in the seabed.
The construction of the sanctuary, consisting of structures on piles and pontoons, is owed to the sacred status of the island. Visitors were not allowed to disembark on the island; when they arrived by boat, they passed under the torii and floating dock on the pontoons. The Noh theatre, which also stands on stilts, is located right by the temple.
After your visit to the shrine, you will enjoy free time to discover the numerous shops located in the narrow streets.
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This tour is done solely on foot and involves approximately 2.15 miles (3.5 km) of walking and 200 steps. During the meditation session, you will be seated cross legged on a zafu cushion keeping your back straight. The monk only speaks Japanese, your guide will translate the comments of the monk.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
DISCOVER THE VILLAGE OF MIYAMA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of one day to explore a traditional Japanese village surrounded by mountains. This programme will be a pleasant conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 – Maizuru/Miyama
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will depart the port for the village of Miyama.
In Miyama, there remain many thatched houses surrounded by beautiful mountains and streams. The scenery is one of a typical Japanese farm village that was once seen everywhere in Japan and has become very rare today. The area is now a Traditional Architecture Preservation Area. Some of the houses are still lived in by locals, some are turned into a small museum.
First, you will visit the Miyama Folklore Museum. Step inside a traditional thatched roof house to see how life was in the old days in the Kyoto countryside. On the premises, there are approximately 200 items on display such as traditional farming devices and so on gathered from the local area.
Your next stop will be the Little Indigo Museum. Established in 2005 by Hiroyuki Shindo, it is an Indigo studio with a collection of indigo-dyed textiles. Also, there is a gallery with Shindo’s Indigo pieces. He has been creating indigo pieces in Miyama since 1981, and his works have been exhibited in Japan and abroad. The museum building is a village house built in 1796 during the Edo period. The characteristic roof with seven pairs of saddles indicates that this house was once lived in by a village headman. There is a museum shop, giving you the opportunity to purchase your favourite small indigo-dyed pieces.
Then you will have some free time to stroll around Miyama’s Thatched Village. As you walk around, you will see an old-fashioned post box, stone deities. You can go and see a 400-year-old horse-chestnut tree at a local Inari Shrine, or have some coffee at a local café, or just simply walk around admiring the lovely houses. Enjoy getting lost in this beautiful village and make sure to take lots of lovely pictures.
A lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After your refreshing stroll in Miyama, you will reboard your coach and head for Osaka.
You will be transferred to your 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Check-in.
Dinner will be served in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Osaka
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your 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 programme includes:
• 1-night accommodation in standard room at the 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standard (or similar), including breakfast.
• Lunch (Japanese style) with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or 1 Japanese tea).
• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
• Tips for the driver and local guide.
• Personal expenses and 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.
• 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).
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.
Total : 1.320 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + A GLIMPSE OF OSAKA (PRE)+ THE VILLAGE OF MIYAMA AND TENRYUJI TEMPLE (1 NIGHT)(POST)
Total : 4.170 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.