Tropical Expedition 
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
226 ft²
3
Expedition to the Kitamae route
Otaru, Hokkaido - Osaka
Dates:
09/04/2024
to
20/04/2024
days
nights on board
Set sail with PONANT and discover the Empire of the Rising Sun, its many traditions and emblematic sites. From Otaru, you will set off on an 12-day cruise in the footsteps of the mid-18th-century Japanese merchants , who travelled the Kitamae maritime route to Osaka every year.
First of all, you will visit the north of the island of Honshu and, more specifically, the charming city of Sakata. Long known as a prosperous town in the western part of the Tohoku region, it will captivate you with its folkloric atmosphere, with authentic and traditional architecture, still retaining the scents, flavours and certain traditions of the time of Kitamae.
You will then sail to the small island of Sado, renowned for its magnificent coastline, wild landscapes and rich history, which blends maritime and artistic traditions with vestiges of the gold rush.
After a port of call in Wajima, renowned for its ancestral arts and crafts, you will discover the small towns of unparalleled charm that lie along the shores of Kyoto prefecture. Ine with its old-world authenticity, Miyazu with its enchanting bay: they offer a unique and stunning experience.
This charming voyage will then take you along the Uradome Coast, a coastal estuary and major geological site in the Sanin Kaigan National Park. You will be captivated by the scenery: white sandy beaches, shallow caves and jagged cliffs, sculpted by the winds and currents of the Sea of Japan.
Then, the port of call in Tottori will seem like the unexpected interlude of your cruise. With good reason, since this ancient, fortified town is home to Japan’s largest sand dunes. Bright sunshine, ochre dunes edged by the Sea of Japan, camels with a captivating gait... Here, in this majestic landscape where wind waves rise to caress the sand giants, time seems to stand still.
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.
Back in Japan, you will set off to discover picturesque Shimonoseki, the westernmost town on the island of Honshu opposite the Kanmon Straits, an emblematic passageway on the Kitamae maritime route. Here, you will stroll along the steep alleyways of the town’s emblematic fish market. It is a city of history: for example, the peace treaty ending the First Sino-Japanese war was signed here at the end of the 19th century.
After a trip aboard one of our zodiac inflatables, in the picturesque fishing villages of Shimokamagari and Mitarai, you will head to Onomichi, a charming coastal town surrounded by green hills and home to a large number of temples and emblematic shrines, including the Senkō-ji, Saikoku-ji, and Jōdo-ji temples. Then, you will visit Tomonoura, known for its gentle way of life and its craggy landscapes, which inspired the artist Hayao Miyazaki for the animated film Ponyo.
You will disembark in Osaka, a modern, forward-looking city, in the heart of the Japanese archipelago.
Ref : SO090424
Your itinerary
First expedition cruise in the world in the footsteps of the merchants of the Kitamae route. Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides. Brand-new ports of call...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
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 PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
30/01/2024 to the 08/02/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/03/2024 to the 26/03/2024
L'AUSTRAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*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
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
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.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- 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
- First expedition cruise in the world in the footsteps of the merchants of the Kitamae route.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Brand-new ports of call in Wajima, Shimonoseki, Uradome Coast and Miyazu.
- All-new crossings of the Kanmon Straits and the Kurushima Strait, emblematic passageways on the Kitamae maritime route.
- Discovering the local arts and crafts of Wajima, famous for making Kiriko lanterns and producing Wajima lacquerware.
- The varied landscapes of the Sea of Japan, the rich Japanese shores among which there are majestic sand dunes.
- Enjoy local cuisine of the Kitamae route from rich seafood to local sake.
- Experience the rich culture along the Sea of Japan to Setouchi inland sea. A coast line that best preserves the traditional side of Japan.
Ports of Call & Excursions
9 April 2024 - Otaru, Hokkaido
Embarkation 09/04/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 09/04/2024 at 18:00
Boasting an outstanding setting of natural beauty, bordered by the Sea of Japan on one side and Mt Tengu on the other, Otaru is a lively harbour town. This old industrial capital has kept from its past glory buildings in 19th century brick as well as its canals, formerly the main means of transportation. They give this Japanese town a striking appearance, especially when covered in snow. Magnificent vistas abound - itﾒs up to you to put them in order of preference. Shukutsu Observatory, overlooking out over the vast Bay of Ishikari, is just one of them.
10 April 2024 - At sea
Arrival 10/04/2024
Departure 10/04/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
11 April 2024 - Sakata
Arrival 11/04/2024
Departure 11/04/2024
Nestling on the shores of the Sea of Japan, in the Tôhoku region in the north of the island of Honshu, Sakata will enchant you with its folkloric atmosphere and its authentic and traditional architecture. This emblematic city has retained the scents, flavours and certain traditions of the time of Kitamae, a shipping route along which Japanese merchants travelled in the 18th century, extending from Otaru to Osaka. The succession of Sankyo warehouses where rice was once stored stand as a testament to that time and are now the symbols of a strong industrial heritage.
12 April 2024 - Sado
Arrival 12/04/2024
Departure 12/04/2024
A small stretch of land nestling in the Sea of Japan, Sado Island is one of Japan’s unsuspected gems. Here, off the coast of the city of Niigata, time seems to stand still. The traditional wooden houses coexist with a unique natural environment offering a wonderful mix of quiet beaches with crystal-clear water, craggy coastline, wild moors, and splendid rice terraces. Before the Edo Period, political opponents were exiled on this island. Renowned for its gold mines, active until 1989, Sado distinguishes itself by preserving a cultural heritage with fabulous attractions. Noh theatre is a perfect example. The oldest traditional performing art in Japan, combining dance-drama and pantomime, Noh theatre holds a special place in the history of Sado. The island is world-renowned for this art form.
13 April 2024 - Wajima
Arrival 13/04/2024
Departure 13/04/2024
Let yourself fall under the spell of Wajima, a city of rich diversity, lying to the north of the Noto Peninsula. Off the coast of the Ishikawa Prefecture, the charming little town unfolds before you, with its craggy coastline and its splendid hillside tea plantations. As soon as you arrive, wander through the alleyways of its mythical morning market, one of the three largest in Japan. In the market, you will be able to taste some of the town’s specialities, such as seafood or the traditional rice crackers called shio-senbei. Renowned around the whole country for the quality of its arts and crafts, Wajima stands out for its ancestral know-how. Here, they excel in the production of lacquerware, are famous for making the huge Kiroko lanterns used during the Kiroko Matsuri Festival, and are distinguished for their suzu-style pottery designs.
14 April 2024 - Ine
Arrival 14/04/2024
Departure 14/04/2024
In the north of the Kyoto prefecture, along the Sea of Japan and anchored in the Bay of Ine, this small fishing village nestling between lush green mountains and emerald waters is considered to be one of Japan’s most beautiful villages. Calm and picturesque, Ine has successfully preserved its authenticity of yesteryear, as evidenced by the Funaya, these traditional wooden dwellings built above the water to house fishermen and store their small boats. Ine will take you on a beguiling voyage into the 18th century, to the epoch of Edo and the Kitamae trade route.
14 April 2024 - Miyazu
Arrival 14/04/2024
Departure 14/04/2024
In Kyoto Prefecture, along the coast of the Sea of Japan, lies the charming city of Miyazu. As you explore this interesting blend of lush nature and rich heritage, you will be captivated by the numerous places of worship that dot the town, such as the Manai Shrine and Nariai-ji Temple. You will also discover one of the “Three Views of Japan”, the country’s most beautiful panoramas: Amanohashidate, a sand bar covered with 8,000 pine trees, lying between the Asokai Inland Sea and Miyazu Bay. It is known as the “bridge to heaven” and legend has it that this sand bank is a ladder that fell out of the sky and was once used by the gods Izanagi and Izanami to ascend into the clouds.
15 April 2024 - Uradome Coast
Arrival 15/04/2024
Departure 15/04/2024
The Uradome Coast, a picturesque coastal estuary on the Sea of Japan, along the Tottori Prefecture coastline, is as surprising as it is fascinating. This major site of the UNESCO-designated San'in Kaigan Geopark will captivate you with its geological diversity, featuring white sandy beaches, shallow grottos, natural sea walls and protruding cliffs sculpted by the winds and marine erosion. Its emerald waters, which are home to rare marine biodiversity, are also perfect for nautical activities such as snorkelling, diving or kayaking.
15 April 2024 - Tottori
Arrival 15/04/2024
Departure 15/04/2024
On the San-in coast, Tottori, the Japanese island of Honshu’s northernmost city, offers tranquillity and a change of scenery. Lined with lush forests containing mountain sanctuaries long considered to have been the homes of the gods, Tottori has retained its authenticity of yesteryear. A symbol of Japan off the beaten track, this city in the eponymous region promises to be a surprising interlude on your cruise. With good reason, since this ancient fortified city with vestiges of its past is home to the largest sand dunes in Japan. Bright sunshine, golden dunes edged by the Sea of Japan, camels with a captivating gait... Here, in this majestic landscape where wind waves rise to caress the sand giants, time seems to stand still.
16 April 2024 - Busan
Arrival 16/04/2024
Departure 16/04/2024
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.
17 April 2024 - Crossing the Kanmon Straits
Arrival 17/04/2024
Departure 17/04/2024
Sailing in the Kanmon Straits, between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu, promises an unforgettable experience. During the crossing of this emblematic maritime passage linking the Sea of Japan to the Seto Inland Sea, fall under the spell of this traditional Japan, with its charming picturesque fishing ports and its shrines built in the heart of enchanting nature, between verdant hilly peaks and captivating granite cliffs.
17 April 2024 - Shimonoseki
Arrival 17/04/2024
Departure 17/04/2024
On the western tip of the island of Honshu, between the Seas of Japan and Seto, Shimonoseki stands facing the Kanmon Straits. Often considered as a crossing point to reach the island of Kyushu or the Korean coastlines, this discreet but no less historic port town has a unique heritage, a result of 700 years of samurai rule. In this city of modern appearance, which was the theatre of many battles and legendary duels, an irresistible essence of the past prevails. Enjoy strolling the alleyways of its emblematic traditional market, famous for its stands of fugu (pufferfish).
18 April 2024 - Shimokamagari
Arrival 18/04/2024
Departure 18/04/2024
The island of Shimokamagari stretches into the heart of the Seto Inland Sea, off the coast of the town of Kure, in the Hiroshima prefecture. A historical city during the feudal period, the island was the theatre of major diplomatic missions for the future and the Empire’s trade relationships, notably with repeated visits from mainly Korean, but also Chinese and Dutch, emissaries. Registered since 2017 on the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, documentary heritage of these encounters is conserved in the Shotoen Garden, one of the emblems of this lush islet. A magnificent Japanese garden with perfectly kept grounds, interspersed with raked pebbles and surrounded with majestic trees, it is home to a Rantokaku Museum complex, consisting of four exhibition rooms tracing the island’s naval history.
18 April 2024 - Mitarai
Arrival 18/04/2024
Departure 18/04/2024
A charming fishing village nestling in the east of Osaki Shimojima Island, on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, Mitarai is appreciated for its traditional charm and authentic character. A trip back in time to the Edo Period, where the hustle and bustle of modern cities is replaced by the gentle sound of fishing boats. Thanks to its 19th century wooden dwellings lining the small, narrow streets, its great causeway, its centuries-old sanctuaries and its gangi stairs, a stone structure giving on to the sea, the old town was classed as a Preservation District by the Japanese state in 1994.
18 April 2024 - Crossing the Kurushima Straits
Arrival 18/04/2024
Departure 18/04/2024
Between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, in the very heart of the emblematic Seto Inland Sea, the Kurushima Strait will unveil a traditional and picturesque Japan. This 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) maritime route, with swift currents, will give you the opportunity to discover certain great feats of engineering, such as the mythical Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge. This colossal construction is the first triple bridge and the longest set of suspension bridges in the world, with a total length of 4,105 metres (almost 13,500 feet) In the footsteps of the Japanese traders from the middle of the 18th century, fall under the spell of the charming picturesque fishing ports that line this historic maritime route.
19 April 2024 - Onomichi
Arrival 19/04/2024
Departure 19/04/2024
Anchored on the northern shores of the Seto Inland Sea, in the Hiroshima prefecture, the historical city of Onomichi extends from the main island of Honshu to certain neighbouring islands, linked by the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido motorway. Before becoming this peaceful town with its charming, sloping little streets, Onomichi established itself in the 7th century as a nerve centre of the rice trade for the entire Japanese archipelago. Although its activity is diminished today, the port remains at the centre of the town’s culture. Onomichi now stands out for its exceptional heritage. With good reason, since it can boast over twenty temples and shrines, saved from the bombing of the Second World War. Among them are Senkō-ji, offering an outstanding panoramic view over the whole town, Saikoku-ji and its three-storied pagoda, and Jōdo-ji and its emblematic eleven-faced statue of the goddess Guanyin.
19 April 2024 - Tomonoura
Arrival 19/04/2024
Departure 19/04/2024
Anchored to the south-eastern end of the Nunakama Peninsula, facing the calm and clear waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Tomonoura is a destination particularly appreciated for its authentic and old-fashioned atmosphere that gives it an incomparable charm. In the past used as a port where boats would moor while waiting for a favourable wind, the charming and picturesque village now serves to inspire many filmmakers and artists. With good reason, since its craggy landscapes, its cherry trees in blossom, its gentle way of life, its traditional wooden houses and its port, preserved since the Edo era, notably enabled the artist Hayao Miyazaki to make the animated film Ponyo.
20 April 2024 - Osaka
Arrival 20/04/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 20/04/2024 at 08:00
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.
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
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
07/04/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + DISCOVER SAPPORO (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + HERITAGE OF OSAKA (1 NIGHT) (POST)
DISCOVER SAPPORO (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Sapporo
Meet at Shin-Chitose Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Lunch, afternoon and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Sapporo/Otaru
After breakfast and check-out, you will leave the hotel and start your tour of Sapporo and Otaru.
Sapporo is the prefectural capital of Hokkaido and the island's largest city. The mountains surrounding this northern metropolis form a semicircle in which the city lies.
Your first stop will be the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market. The market, known for supplying the restaurants and kitchens of Sapporo, has become famous among tourists. Freshly-caught seafood and fresh produce are displayed in rows, and buyers and sellers negotiate energetically. This market gives visitors a glimpse into how the locals live and do business.
Next, you will visit the Sapporo Beer Museum. The red-brick Sapporo Beer Brewery includes the Sapporo Beer Museum, where visitors are walked through beer brewing methods and their importance in the development of Hokkaido. Sapporo is the oldest of Japan's four major beer brands and the brewery building is a historical site.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will continue on to Otaru and enjoy some free time at the Otaru Canal. The symbol of Otaru City, the historic Otaru Canal spans 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) and offers both a nostalgic look at the Otaru of yesteryear and unique shopping and dining experiences. The canal was created by a sea reclamation project started in 1914 and is lined with old stone warehouses from that time. Once the capital of Hokkaido, during Japan's Meiji era, Otaru was known as the "Sakhalin of Japan" for its busy maritime trade with Russia. The shipping warehouses have been preserved and the canal is photogenic in all seasons. Along the canal's promenade, illuminated by a series of gaslights, you will find a host of fancy shops and fine restaurants to discover.
After your time at the canal, you will be transferred to the pier of Otaru to embark on board your ship.
Your programme includes:
· 1-night accommodation in standard room at the 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (water + 1 soft drink or 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.
· Personal expenses.
· Visa costs, 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).
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 : £760
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
TOKYO, BETWEEN MODERNITY AND TRADITIONS (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of three unforgettable days between Tokyo and Hokkaido. Immerse yourself in both traditional and modern Japan, between skylines, shopping streets, temples and gardens. This programme rich in visits, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Tokyo
Meet at Narita International airport. Look for PONANT sign.
You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated
your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will depart the airport by coach for your 5* hotel selected by PONANT, for checking in.
Afternoon and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Tokyo
Breakfast.
You will first visit the superb 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.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After lunch, you will go to the very popular district of Asakusa, where the traditional atmosphere of Tokyo lives on. 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.
The lesser-known Shinto Asakusa Shrine to the right of the main hall is the venue for one of the country's most famous Shinto festivals, the Sanja Matsuri.
On the way back to your hotel, you will linger along the Sumida River with its cherry blossoms before making a second 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
Breakfast.
You will be able to start your day of discovery by letting yourself be tempted by an all-new experience that will plunge you into traditional Japan.
At the beginning of the day, 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 (Japanese menu).
Your next stop will be 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, built in 1920, comprises three areas: the Naien, Inner Precincts, centered on the shrine buildings; the Gaien, or Outer Precincts, which include sports facilities, the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, and the Meiji Memorial Hall. 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. Sumo wrestlers, upon rising to the rank of Grand Champion, give a demonstration at Meiji Jingu. 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.
Before going to a local restaurant for your dinner, 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.
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.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Tokyo
Breakfast.
Your first visit will be devoted to the Hama-rikyu 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.
Next, you will visit Roppongi Hills. Roppongi Hills is the largest city redevelopment area with luxury housing and over 200 boutiques and restaurants. A panoramic view from the observatory on the 52nd floor, which is called Tokyo City View, is superb. Take in the massive 360-degree view of Tokyo, one of the world's most dynamic and spectacular cities, and totally unlike any other.
After having a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu), let yourself be tempted by an all-new experience that will plunge you a little further into modern Japan.
At the end of the afternoon, your dinner will be at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Tokyo/Otaru
Breakfast and check-out. You will be transferred by coach to Tokyo international airport for your domestic flight selected by PONANT to Otaru.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative.
You will be transferred to have a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
You will then be transferred to the pier of Otaru to embark on board your ship.
Your programme includes:
· 4-night accommodation in standard room at the 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standard (or similar), breakfast included.
· A domestic flight: Tokyo airport - Otaru airport in economy class on a regular airline.
· 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 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, dinner on day 4.
· Personal expenses.
· Visa costs, 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. To visit temples, 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. This programme is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
· 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).
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 : £3,860
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
HERITAGE OF OSAKA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of an unforgettable day to discover the historical and cultural heritage of Osaka, Japan's first capital. This programme will be a pleasant conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 - Osaka
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
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 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 (Japanese style).
Following lunch, you will proceed to Osaka's Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the most famous in Japan and the representative of its lineage throughout the peninsula. Its history begins in 211, even before Buddhism arrived in the country. It is one of the oldest spiritual sites built on Japanese soil. The main pavilion has been classed as a "National Treasure" thanks to its unique Shinto architecture. Goshogozen, the site's most sacred location, nestles among the centenary cedar trees. This is where the gods are said to have appeared for the first time. Reconstructed from the 19th century onwards, it is dedicated to the four Kami divinities of the sea and sea travel, agriculture, diplomacy and waka poetry. Empress Jingu (169-269), known for her conquest of Korea, is also venerated here. In the past, maritime merchants used to stop in Osaka to pray at Sumiyoshi Taisha, before embarking again aboard their ships.
After this visit, you will be transferred to the 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Check-in.
Enjoy a dinner in the hotel's restaurant.
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 standards (or similar), breakfast included.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (water + 1 soft drink or 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:
· Personal expenses.
· Visa costs, 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).
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 : £1,210
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
KYUSHU, ISLAND OF PEACEFUL MODERNITY (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy four unforgettable days travelling between Kagoshima and Fukuoka. Escape from cities surrounded by volcanoes on the multi-faceted island with breathtaking landscapes. On the third-largest island in Japan, these green surroundings are the lands of the first Shinto gods and the region of the founding myths of Shintoism, evolving through the influences of its neighbouring countries then that of the West.
Day 1 - Osaka/Kagoshima
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will then be transferred to Osaka airport for your domestic flight selected by PONANT to Kagoshima.
Meet at Kagoshima Airport. You will be greeted by our local representative before starting your day of visit.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After lunch, you will be driven to the Sengan-en Garden. Created by Shimadzu Mitsuhisa in 1658, it has the most beautiful panoramic view over the Sakurajima natural monument. It belongs to the estate of the Shimadzu family, descending from Prince Shimadzu Tadayoshi. The family residence, located in the gardens, continues to pass from generation to generation, and has welcomed eminent guests from Japan and elsewhere. You will stroll around the 5 hectares of calming traditional gardens to discover peaceful ponds, bubbling streams, mysterious shrines, tearooms, a bamboo grove and a mountain hiking trail.
You will be driven to your 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Check in and time at leisure.
Enjoy a dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Kagoshima
Breakfast.
Your first day of visits will first take you to the Chiran district. The Chiran Samuraï district dates back to the Edo period (1603 to 1868). This period put an end to the incessant wars between rival lords that had engulfed Japan for several centuries, earning it the name "Warring States Period". From tea fields as far as the eye can see to the town's authentic historic character, you'll visit a samurai house while witnessing the azaleas in bloom in the landscaped gardens.You will then be driven to Hita, a town that is still unfamiliar to Western tourists.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
You will take a local ferry on a short crossing to the Kagoshima Peninsula.
First, you will stop at Mount Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. During the powerful eruption in 1914, the volcano stopped being an island when the lava flows filled the strait separating it from the island of Kyushu. A road built along an old lava flow leads to the slopes of the volcano. It is still possible to see the top of a large torii (portal) trapped in the lava there.
Then you will stop for a second time at the Sakurajima Visitor Centre where you can find out more about the volcano, this astounding embodiment of the power of nature. It will unveil the secrets of its eruptions, its history and how it works. A live feed of the active Showa crater will notify you of real-time seismic data from Mount Sakurajima.
You will then take the ferry again to head back to the Japanese peninsula.
You will be driven to your 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Check in and time at leisure.
Enjoy a dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Kagoshima/Kumamoto
After breakfast, you will complete your hotel check-out before a transfer by train to Kumamoto.
After arrival at Kagoshima train station, you will take the time to marvel at the Suizenji Gardens, the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Kumamoto. In 1636, the Hosokawa, famous in the region, began the construction of this green space very close to a natural spring providing water of exceptional quality.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
Your next stop will be Kumamoto Castle. A symbol of Japanese post-modernism, Kumamoto Castle stands 30 metres (100 feet) tall between Kamitori and Shimotori, the city centre's main shopping streets. Kumamoto Castle's first fortifications were built in the second half of the 15th century. The keep and its massive walls were erected at the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama era (1558-1600), thus combining the charm of the great castles of Japan with the military architecture of the Edo period.
After this visit, you will head for your 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Check in and time at leisure.
Enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Kumamoto/Beppu
After breakfast, you will complete your hotel check-out before a second day of visit in Kumamoto.
You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Japan, with a visit to the Seiwa Bunraku puppet theatre. Bunraku is the name given to the art of bringing wooden puppets to life, which has existed for over 300 years. Three puppeteers are needed to operate each puppet. Dressed head to toe in black, they remain silent during the performance, letting a special chanter called a tayu, accompanied by a shamisen player, tell the story and express each puppet's emotion and personality through its voice and facial gestures.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
You will then make two stops as close as possible to Mount Aso, in the heart of the Aso-Kuju National Park.
You will be awestruck by the grandeur of this still active volcano, which has one of the world's largest calderas. It was formed by several violent eruptions thousands of years ago; visitors flock here from all over Japan to marvel at its splendour.
You will head for your 5* hotel selected by PONANT in Beppu.
Check in and time at leisure.
Enjoy a dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Beppu/Fukuoka
After breakfast, you will complete your hotel check-out before starting your day of visits.
You will first be driven to Beppu to discover the "hells" of Beppu, seven mysterious and capricious hot springs with steaming ponds of various colours, bubbling mud pools and gases gushing out of the earth. They can reach up to 100 degrees Celsius.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After your lunch, you will stroll through the Mameda district, one of the hidden jewels of the old town. The leaders of the Edo period had established the administration of Kyushu here; the district shares many common features with the former capital and has preserved its authenticity. So, take a stroll through the small streets to discover the impressive collections of dolls, the flowering sakura (cherry blossoms), and the shops of shoemakers, ceramic artists and artisanal producers of soy sauce, one of the specialities of the old town of Hita.
You will head for your 5* hotel selected by PONANT in Fukuoka.
Check in and time at leisure.
Enjoy a dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Fukuoka
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your programme includes:
· 5-night accommodation in standard room at the 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
· A domestic flight: Osaka airport - Kagoshima airport in economy class on a regular airline.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverage package during meals (water + 1 soft drink or 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:
· 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.
· This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
· 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. To visit temples, 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. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Many steps involved.
· 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 : £4,750
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/Nara/Kyoto
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
The tour will take you first to meet the monumental bronze Buddha, who takes centre stage in the heart of the Todai-ji Temple. The building rises majestically in Nara Park. Commissioned in 743 by Emperor Shômu when Nara was the imperial capital of Japan, it took eight years to build and was restored during the Edo era. Standing 47 metres (150 feet) high and with enormous wooden pillars , the ancestral Great Buddha Hall remains the world's largest wooden building, earning its inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Then you will stroll through the 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 visit Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha. Established in 768 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its vermilion-red lacquered buildings form a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation. Nearly two thousand bronze and stone lanterns line the sanctuary, and a thousand metal lanterns hang along the corridors.
You will then be transferred to Kyoto.
Check in the 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Enjoy a dinner in your hotel's restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Kyoto
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.
You will then be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Kyoto
The tour will take you first to Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third of the Ashikaga Shoguns, built a retirement estate there in 1398. After his death in 1419, the grounds were turned into a Buddhist temple for the Rinzai sect. The only building to remain standing of Yoshimitsu's estate was the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories are covered in gold leaf and the roof is topped by a bronze phoenix. It was listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994.
You will then arrive at Ryoan-ji Temple, literally "The Temple of the Dragon at Peace". It belongs to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The name of the temple evokes its famous 15th-century rock garden, considered one of the masterpieces of Japanese Zen culture. It is the country's most-visited rock garden.
Enjoy a Japanese style lunch served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will proceed to Arashiyama region, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, and the Tenryuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Godaigo, the temple is held in high esteem. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto ». The garden created by Muso Soseki, features a circular promenade around Sogen Pond.
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 (Japanese menu).
You will then be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Kyoto
You will start your day with an immersion in Japanese tradition. Through the transcendent thumping rhythms, you will discover the art of the taiko, the large drum sculpted from elm or keyaki (zelkova or Japanese elm) wood. The word "taiko" also designates the way of playing the drum, meaning that the instrument and the way of playing its music are thus inextricably linked. Legend has it that the divinity of mirth, Uzume, helped the gods bring light to earth by drawing the goddess of sun, Amaterasu, out of her cave. To do this, she danced on a barrel, thus creating the taiko.
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).
Dinner and night 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 - Kyoto/Osaka
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your 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:
· 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 : £3,260
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + DISCOVER SAPPORO (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + HERITAGE OF OSAKA (1 NIGHT) (POST)
Total : £0
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.