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Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Kobe - Kobe

Dates:
12/04/2025
to  20/04/2025

9
days
8
nights on board
Starting from*
9.600 €
per person

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included


In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Soléal for a 9-day cruise to discover the many traditions and emblematic sites of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Your voyage begins in endearing Kobe, one of the first Japanese ports to open to international trade in the 19th century and home to its famous eponymous marbled beef.

Arrive in the port of Takamatsu, the largest city on the island of Shikoku. You will find the splendid Ritsurin Garden here, a masterpiece constructed during the early Edo period as an escape from the bustle of daily life. Takamatsu is also renowned for its most famous dish – udon noodles – and you can try your hand at preparing them here.

Continue to Hiroshima, whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hiroshima Peace Memorial bears witness to the horrific aftermath of the world’s first atomic bomb explosion on August 6, 1945. You may also choose to visit the Saijo sake brewing district for a tasting. Then call at Miyajima, the gateway to the majestic Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose magnificent vermillion torii gate appears to float on water.

Le Soléal sails on to Hagi, whose contributions to Japan’s industrialization and modernization have been honored by UNESCO. At Hagi Castle Town, walk in the steps of the samurai as you stroll its beautifully preserved streets.

The richness from which to choose is immediately apparent in, Sakaiminato, where options include Matsue Castle, built entirely of pine in 1611; the Adachi Museum of Art, displaying the great masters of modern Japanese painting and sculpture; a demonstration of the ancient craft of making paper (washi) from tree bark; and Yushien Garden, a landscape garden in traditional style, famous for its peonies.

The South Korean port of Busan offers a similar range of experiences: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, built in 1376 overlooking the sea; the Busan Museum of Art, featuring an outdoor sculpture garden as well as exhibits of contemporary Korean artists; Gyeongju Historic Areas, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site representing the flowering of Silla culture between the 7th and 10th centuries; and a Korean Tea Ceremony at the Hongbeopsa Temple, famous for having the largest Buddha statue in Asia.

Back in Japan, call in Moji, which enjoyed its heyday in the early 20th century as the center for Japanese trade with China. Nearby is Kozan-ji Temple, founded in the Kamakura period and the oldest Zen style temple in Japan.

From the port of Uno, end your voyage in the small Japanese city of Tamano, a former feudal domain with a unique cultural heritage. From here you will be able to admire the famous Korakuen Garden, one of the country’s must-see landscaped gardens.

Your voyage ends upon your return to Kobe.


Ref : KK3345US - SO120425


Your itinerary

Your itinerary - Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...


View detailed itinerary

Your trip in detail

Contact Us

+33 (0)4 91 36 41 60
(or contact your travel agent)

Request a quote

Partner - Smithsonian Journeys

Our partner

Partner - Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Find out more

Choose your stateroom

Choose your stateroom

Superior Stateroom Deck 3
 

(21 m²)

Fully booked

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
 

(18 m²)

Fully booked

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
 

(18 m²)

From 11.500 € per person

Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
 

(18 m²)

From 12.060 € per person

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
 

(18 m²)

From 12.730 € per person

Deluxe Suite Deck 6
 

(27 m²)

From 17.640 € per person

Prestige Suite Deck 5
 

(37 m²)

From 23.780 € per person

Prestige Suite Deck 6
 

(37 m²)

Fully booked

Owner's Suite Deck 6
 

(45 m²)

Fully booked



Complete your trip

Complete your trip

Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.


Included in your cruise

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.


Additional services


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Contact Us

+33 (0)4 91 36 41 60
(or contact your travel agent)

Request a quote

*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.