Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
- Last staterooms
Japan, natural archipelago and secular heritage
Kagoshima - Osaka
Dates:
18/04/2025
to
26/04/2025
days
nights on board
With this itinerary, PONANT is inviting you aboard Le Jacques Cartier for a unique cruise between Kagoshima and Osaka. A magical 9-day trip to discover some of the natural gems and ancestral heritage of western Kyushu, as well as picturesque villages in the Seto Inland Sea, the theatre of many battles and historic events that have shaped its myth and grandeur over time and with the ebb and flow of the tides.
After setting sail from Kagoshima, a bustling city nestling between ancient forests and majestic volcanoes, Le Jacques-Cartier will travel westward to reach the fascinating Koshikijima Islands. Aboard one of our Zodiacs, you will be fascinated by the raw and authentic beauty of the monumental cliffs and huge rock formations dating back to the Cretaceous periodnearly 80 million years ago.
Between the Yatsushiro and Ariake seas, off the coast of Nagasaki, succumb to the charms of the island region of Amakusa, once the refuge of Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the 17th century during the Edo period. Christian heritage can also be found further north, in the Goto Islands, on Kamigoto Island. Here, each small town bears traces of this influence that is still very much present, as evidenced by the many religious buildings dotting Kamigoto.
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. This richly contrasting city will unveil its port and the old district of Chalgachi.
Back in Japan, you will set out to discover Moji, on the northern tip of the island of Kyushu. In the past a strategic site for maritime trade with China, this stunning city of picturesque little streets will enthral you with its preserved architectural heritage evoking the traditional Japan of the Meiji era and the end of the 19th century. From the top of the Mojiko Retro Observation Room, you will be able to enjoy an exceptional panorama, a poetic combination of shinto sanctuaries and captivating maritime landscapes.
After a trip aboard one of our Zodiac dinghies, in the pretty fishing villages of Shimokamagari and Mitarai, you will arrive in Tomonoura, known for its gentle way of life and its craggy landscapes that inspired the director Hayao Miyazaki for the landscapes of Ponyo.
Finally, for a grand finale, your journey will end in Osaka, your disembarkation port.
Ref : EX180425
Your itinerary
A cruise to discover the gems ofwestern Kyushuand of the Seto Inland Sea, including natural wonders, Japanese culture and ancestral traditions, but also the country’s little-known Christian heritage. During...
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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 LYRIAL
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
LE CHAMPLAIN
26/05/2025 to the 03/06/2025
LE BOUGAINVILLE
10/06/2025 to the 18/06/2025
*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.
Discover all destinations
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
- Selection of Clarins 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)
- Two 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
- A cruise to discover the gems ofwestern Kyushuand of the Seto Inland Sea, including natural wonders, Japanese culture and ancestral traditions, but also the country’s little-known Christian heritage.
- During this cruise, enjoy carefully designed activities: among them, included excursions led by local guides who are experts in the destination, as well as activities accompanied by your naturalist guides.
- UNESCO sites: “the hidden Christian sites in the Nagasaki region”, in Amakusa and Kamigoto.
- Crossing of the Kanmon Strait, emblematic passageway on the Kitamae maritime route.
- The discovery of Japan’s Christian history, a religion banned for three centuries during the Edo period.
- Varied landscapes along the Seto Inland Sea, offering stunning contrasts between land and sea.
- Discover the history, cultures, and the incredible diversity of the flora and fauna thanks to our team of naturalist guides with expertise in this destination.
Ports of Call & Excursions
18 April 2025 - Kagoshima
Embarkation 18/04/2025 from 15:00 to 16:00
Departure 18/04/2025 at 18:00
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.
19 April 2025 - Koshikijima Islands
Arrival 19/04/2025
Departure 19/04/2025
Off the western coastlines of Kagoshima Prefecture, the rocky and green islets called the Koshikijima Islands rise like a mirage from the East China Sea. Aboard our Zodiac dinghies, you will reach the three islands that make up the archipelago: Kamikoshikishima, Nakakoshikishima and Shimokoshikishima. You will be captivated by the raw and authentic beauty of this environment, featuring monumental cliffs and huge rock formations that date back to the Cretaceous periodor nearly 80 million years. During hikes, you will be lucky enough to discover these unique and striking landscapes. An interlude where time may stand still.
20 April 2025 - Amakusa Region
Arrival 20/04/2025
Departure 20/04/2025
Facing the mythical island of Kyushu, between the Yatsushiro and Ariake seas, the island region of Amakusa both surprises and captivates. Composed of some one hundred verdant islets surrounded by stunning seabeds, the Japanese archipelago was once a refuge for many Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the 17th century during the Edo period. Christian heritage can be found in every village in the region. In Sakitsu, a charming fishing port, immerse yourself in this Christian heritage, particularly when you visit the emblematic church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
21 April 2025 - Kamigoto
Arrival 21/04/2025
Departure 21/04/2025
Representing a little-known, distant, almost abandoned Japan at the western tip of the island of Kyushu, to the west of the China Sea, Kamigoto Island recounts the unexpected history of the Empire of the Rising Sun. A refuge for Christians fleeing the prohibition of practising their Catholic faith in the 17th century under the Edo era, each village bears traces of this influence that is still very much present, as evidenced by the many religious buildings dotting the island. Famous for its lush and preserved nature, featuring tropical forests and jagged shores, Kamigoto boasts natural treasures such as Hamaguri beach, an aquatic paradise of fine sand surrounded by turquoise waters and encircled by bewitching green peaks.
22 April 2025 - Busan
Arrival 22/04/2025
Departure 22/04/2025
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.
23 April 2025 - Moji, Kitakyushu
Arrival 23/04/2025
Departure 23/04/2025
At the mouth of the Kanmon Straits lies Mojiko, the northernmost port of Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands. For many years, Mojiko was the gateway to the island. Today, the old boats are gone, but as you stroll around the picturesque streets you will discover a well-preserved architectural heritage that evokes traditional Japan from the first Meiji era of the late 19th century. From the heights of the Mojiko Retro Observation Room, you can enjoy the amazing views that take in the Shinto shrine and coastal landscape like a postcard of the Land of the Rising Sun.
23 April 2025 - Crossing the Kanmon Straits
Arrival 23/04/2025
Departure 23/04/2025
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.
24 April 2025 - Shimokamagari
Arrival 24/04/2025
Departure 24/04/2025
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.
24 April 2025 - Mitarai
Arrival 24/04/2025
Departure 24/04/2025
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.
25 April 2025 - Tomonoura
Arrival 25/04/2025
Departure 25/04/2025
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.
26 April 2025 - Osaka
Arrival 26/04/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 26/04/2025 at 07:00
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 Jacques Cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier is a modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
Decks
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
DISCOVER KAGOSHIMA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Kagoshima
Meet at Kagoshima 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 directly transferred to your Sheraton Kagoshima 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Check-in.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Kagoshima
After breakfast, you will complete your hotel check-out before taking a local ferry on a short crossing to the Kagoshima Peninsula.
You will first 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 have lunch in a local restaurant.
After your 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 then be transferred to the pier of Kagoshima to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The Sheraton Hotel in Kagoshima offers you a one-of-a-kind view of the stunning Kinko Bay, stretching beyond the Kotsuki River that flows through the city. From the comfort of your room, you'll also enjoy breathtaking vistas of the majestic Mount Sakurajima rising on the horizon.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Sakurajima King room at the Sheraton Kagoshima 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standard (or similar), breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meals (mineral water + a glass of a local alcohol + a Japanese tea or a coffee).
- Transfers, 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.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.
Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
Please be aware that a double room with a king size bed is not common in Japan. Most of the hotels do offer double rooms with twin beds. The double room king size bed is not guaranteed at the hotel.
Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).
Contact of your hotel :
Hotel Sheraton Kagoshima
43 - 15 Koraicho,
Kagoshima, Japan, 890-0051
Telephone : (+81) 99 821 1111
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.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 Umeda Sky Building. It is one of Japan's most iconic skyscrapers, blending architectural innovation with cultural immersion. Situated in the bustling Umeda district, this 173-meter-tall structure stands out with its bold and futuristic design, composed of two towers connected at the top by a striking observation platform.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.
Then, 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 Centara Osaka 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 hotel:
With its modern architecture, the Centara Osaka Hotel is a 33-storey visual masterpiece in the heart of Namba, the city's lively leisure and shopping district.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Standard room at the Centara Osaka 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (mineral water + a glass of local alcohol + a Japanese tea or coffee).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Visa costs, if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Late check out according to your flight schedule.
Please note:
A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.
Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan
Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).
Please be aware that a double room with a king size bed is not common in Japan. Most of the hotels do offer double rooms with twin beds. The double room king size bed is not guaranteed at the hotel.
Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).
Contact of your hotel:
Hotel Centara Osaka
2 Chome-11-50 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward
Osaka, 556-0011, Japan
Telephone : (+81) 6 6616 9945
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : £790
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.