Superior Stateroom Deck 3
226 ft²
3
- Last staterooms
- New
Japanese ancestral traditions and legendary shrines
Osaka - Maizuru
Dates:
22/05/2025
to
03/06/2025
days
nights on board
Recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, traditional Japanese cuisine is like the country: captivating in its contrasts and beauty. From Osaka, let yourself be carried away on a veritable sensorial and culinary exploration of the Empire of the Rising Sun, in partnership with Cuisine et vins de France and with the exceptional presence of Christian Le Squer, three Michelin stars chef and 5 Toques in the Gault & Millau guide and Philippe Bourguignon, France's best sommelier in 1978 and a member of the Académie du Vin de France.
Gala dinners, 4-hands menu, culinary demonstrations, Interview… Set off aboard Le Soléal for a brand-new 13-day gastronomic cruise during which a love of good food punctuates the scenery, where the history of the samurai rubs shoulders with the delicacy of the geisha, and where the fragrances of the tea plantations mingle with the perfumes of the cherry blossoms.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, visit Himeji’s emblematic castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the Itsukushima Shrine from the island of Miyajima, and discover the fortified town of Hagi, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
At the whim of the trade winds in the Sea of Japan, Le Soléal will sail towards the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. The gateway to the enchanting Ise Bay and its sumptuous ria coast, Toba invites you to enjoy a unique moment in this historic city, residence of the Imperial family. Among other things, you will have the opportunity to admire the most important Shinto shrine in Japan, Ise-jingu. In Shingu, walk the ancient pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodō, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connecting several religious sites nestling in tropical nature.
After a unique port of call in the historic city of Himeji,the jagged coastlines of the captivating Miyajima Island come into view. The vermillion Torii gate of the emblematic Shinto Shrine of Itsukushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds before you in a lush forest setting. Further south, Beppu, famous across the archipelago for its hot volcanic springs, invites you to discover its green and peaceful valley, home to almost 60 stone buddhas, carved into the cliffside between the 12th and 14th centuries.
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.
After you explore the charming feudal city of Karatsu, Le Soléal will continue its crossing of the Seto Inland Sea to drop anchor on the island of Honshu, in Hagi. This town will win you over with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and the former residences of Japanese warriors from this feudal town, whose mythical Shizuki Castle, erected in the 17th century, emerges as a symbol. Further north, Izumo emerges before you. Here, discover Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s most emblematic shrines, dedicated to the kami Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, god of medicine, agriculture and commerce.
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. Along the shores of the Prefecture of Kyoto, you will be swept away by the picturesque towns that populate it. Ine with its old-world authenticity, Miyazu with its enchanting bay: they offer a unique and stunning experience.
In your journey’s final port of call, you will disembark in the charming city of Maizuru.
Ref : SO220525
Your itinerary
Gastronomic cruise in partnership with Cuisine et Vins de France and with the exceptional presence of 3-star chef Christian Le Squer, awarded 5 Toques in the Gault & Millau guide and Philippe Bourguignon,...
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Your trip in detail
Our guests
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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 COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
L'AUSTRAL
05/11/2025 to the 23/11/2025
LE CHAMPLAIN
03/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
*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
- 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
Christian Le Squer
Christian Le Squer personifies French haute cuisine. More than a Michelin star chef, he brings that indefinable quality of emotion to his cuisine after a lifetime working with undimmed enthusiasm for reknowned Paris restaurants including Le Divellec, Lucas Carton, Taillevent and the Ritz. With the Opéra restaurant in the late nineties he earned a Michelin star within two years, then two and then three in 2002 at Pavillon Ledoyen.
Christian Le Squer continues to explore and expand his repertoire, encouraging associations that produce concentrated, condensed bursts of flavour with an afterglow like an exquisite perfume. With their aromatic impulses and persistence of flavours his dishes deliver like a fine wine with a lasting complex bouquet.
Key dates in the career of Christian Le Squer
1986: Graduates from the Vannes hotel school with a CAP/BEP in cookery
1996: At the helm of Café de la Paix, earns his first Michelin star at the age of just 34
1999: Takes the reins at the Pavillon Ledoyen, securing two Michelin stars
2002: Secures a third Michelin star for the Pavillon Ledoyen
2013: Joins the exclusive group of chefs awarded 5 Toques in the Gault & Millau guide
2014: Takes the helm of the restaurant Le Cinq and achieves two Michelin stars
2016: Obtains three Michelin stars, 5 Toques and 19/20 in the Gault & Millau guide
2016: Voted Chef of the Year by his peers
2022: Celebrates 20 years of holding three Michelin stars, a rare achievement as fewer than ten chefs in the world can boast such longevity since the Michelin Guide was launched in 1900
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Anne Emmanuelle Thion
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
Cuisine et Vins de France
Created in 1947, a mythical year for French wines, by Curnonsky, a French culinary critic known as “the Prince of gastronomes”, Cuisine et Vins de France has been a reference in terms of gastronomic writing for 70 years.
A leader in its market, cross-generational, and an influencer and expert on gastronomy and wines, through its pages Cuisine et Vins de France takes the reader into vineyards and restaurants, to discover great chefs, regions, their products and those who produce them.
Each edition offers the reader, whether an amateur or an experienced cook, recipes for daily use and for great occasions, according to the season. Today considered to be an essential name in French gastronomy, Cuisine et Vins de France is also one of the best-known titles of the Marie-Claire group.
Cuisine et Vins de France is joining forces with PONANT during gastronomic cruises to offer a veritable gourmet odyssey that combines, for example, culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, conferences, elegant meals and gala dinners organised in a luxurious and intimate setting. A unique opportunity to discover the talent of French chefs and the finest wines selected by the experts of Cuisine et Vins de France.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
-
Gastronomic cruise in partnership with Cuisine et Vins de France and with the exceptional presence of 3-star chef Christian Le Squer, awarded 5 Toques in the Gault & Millau guide and Philippe Bourguignon, France's best sommelier in 1978 and a member of the Académie du Vin de France.
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During the cruise, two gala dinners and two culinary demonstrations will be orchestrated by the guest chef.
- A brand-new cruise to discover the Empire of the Rising Sun, its ancient traditions, its cultural heritage and its emblematic sites.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the feudal city of Hagi, the Miyajima shrine, the ancient pilgrimage routes of Kumano Kodō, and Himeji Castle.
- All-new ports of call at Toba and Izumo, historic towns with rich Shinto heritage.
- The possibility of visiting three of the most emblematic Japanese shrines: Ise-jingu from Toba, the Shrine of Itsukushima from Miyajima, and Izumo Taisha from Izumo.
- Ine and Miyazu, old fishing villages with yesteryear authenticity
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
22 May 2025 - Osaka
Embarkation 22/05/2025 from 15:00 to 16:00
Departure 22/05/2025 at 17:00
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.
23 May 2025 - Toba
Arrival 23/05/2025 midday
Departure 23/05/2025 evening
Toba is a coastal city located in Japan’s Mie Prefecture, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Situated in the Ise-Shima National Park, Toba has given its name to majestic bay sheltering a string of small islands, famous for the beauty of their forests and the production of cultured pearls. You will have the possibility of discovering the Ise Shrine, residence of the Imperial family and venerated by the Japanese people as the “soul of Japan”.
24 May 2025 - Shingu
Arrival 24/05/2025 early morning
Departure 24/05/2025 late afternoon
To the south-west of the Japanese archipelago, Shingu is a port town in the Kansai region. Founded in 1933, it belongs to the peninsula of Kii, the countryﾒs largest. Take a trip around the Kumano Sanzan religious complex dedicated to three sacred mountains and home to two Shinto temples, Kumano Hong? Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha.ﾠThe latter features the famous sacred nagi tree, said to have been planted around 1159. Pilgrims flock to these two sanctuaries that feature on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Hop on a boat and journey to the Dorokyo Gorge, a natural beauty spot carved out by the emerald waters of the Kumano river.
25 May 2025 - Himeji
Arrival 25/05/2025 early morning
Departure 25/05/2025 late afternoon
You may get the impression that youﾒve already seen Himeji Castle, as it has been featured many times on the big screen. The feudal edifice seems to spread its wings over the town like a white heron ﾖﾠ in fact, its nickname is ﾓthe castle of the white heronﾔ. Originally started in the 15th century and then rebuilt in the 17th-century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. At its feet lies the gorgeous Koko-en garden, which has nine different gardens designed to flourish in each of the four seasons.
26 May 2025 - Miyajima Island
Arrival 26/05/2025 early morning
Departure 26/05/2025 late afternoon
At the heart of the Inland Sea, Miyajima, the “island sanctuary” will reveal its treasures. In the background you will see the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion “Torii“. Considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the Japanese islands, you will be transported by the unique character and the serenity of this sacred site.
27 May 2025 - Beppu, Oita
Arrival 27/05/2025 early morning
Departure 27/05/2025 late afternoon
A favourite destination for the Japanese, Beppu is now famous throughout the Japanese archipelago thanks to its onsen – volcanic hot springs in which people immerse themselves to relax with family or friends. From Beppu, you will set off to discover a lush, peaceful valley in which sit 60 majestic stone Buddhas carved out of the cliff face between the 12th and 14th centuries. Exuding a soothing air of serenity, the Mangetsuji site seems to have drifted off to sleep in the heart of a dense bamboo forest surrounded by rice fields. Recognised as a National Treasure of Japan, this set of sacred sculptures offers travellers a unique, wonderful experience.
28 May 2025 - Busan
Arrival 28/05/2025 late morning
Departure 28/05/2025 evening
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.
29 May 2025 - Karatsu
Arrival 29/05/2025 midday
Departure 29/05/2025 evening
Karatsu Bay is edged with long sandy beaches and a huge pine forest that was planted over 350 years ago to protect the coast from the winds and tides of the Genkai Sea. From the top of the donjon of Karatsu Castle or Mount Kagami, you will be able to admire magnificent panoramas. In the north of the Higashi-Matsuura Peninsula, the waves have eroded the lava plateau and carved a magnificent natural site, the seven Nanatsugama Caves, out of the basalt. The city of Karatsu is famous for the quality of its pottery, which is influenced by the craftsmanship of nearby Korea. Very fine pieces are displayed in the city’s galleries and at Karatsu Castle, alongside magnificent samurai armour.
30 May 2025 - Hagi
Arrival 30/05/2025 early morning
Departure 30/05/2025 late afternoon
In the south of Honshu island, surrounded by mountains, Hagi is a city of water. For good reason; it was built on the delta of the Abu-gawa river. Its castle was built in the 17th century and its outer walls remain in the lovely Shizuki Park. The old town was one of the cradles of the Meiji revolution. You will discover its rich past in streets lined with old houses and samurai manors, or within the walls of the many museums and Hagi-yaki ceramics workshops.
31 May 2025 - Izumo
Arrival 31/05/2025 early morning
Departure 31/05/2025 late afternoon
Disembarking at Izumo, dive into mythical Japan, that of legends and gods. The city is home to one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan, the “Izumo Taisha”, considered as the cradle of the spiritual history of the Land of the Rising Sun. In Izumo, you will discover traditional Japanese life, between paddy fields, temples, hot springs and beaches. There are many traditional inns and artisanal boutiques, bearing witness to a typical and ancestral local culture. You will perhaps taste the local speciality, Izumo Soba, noodles made from buckwheat flour…
1 June 2025 - Tottori
Arrival 01/06/2025 early morning
Departure 01/06/2025 late afternoon
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.
2 June 2025 - Ine
Arrival 02/06/2025 early morning
Departure 02/06/2025 midday
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.
2 June 2025 - Miyazu
Arrival 02/06/2025 early afternoon
Departure 02/06/2025 early evening
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.
3 June 2025 - Maizuru
Arrival 03/06/2025
Disembarkation 03/06/2025 at 07:00
Located on the western coast of Honshu island, in the province of Kyoto, the charming town of Maizuru boasts one of Japan’s most exquisite closed bays. A climb to the observatory allows to appreciate the splendour of this inlet scattered with tiny wild islands. Visitors can also admire the treasures of traditional architecture by visiting the temple of Enryu-ji or the Tanabe-jo castle. The town also bears traces of a rich military past, which you can see in the old arsenals of the navy, red brick buildings that today house a museum.
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.
Decks
Gastronomy & Wine
Succumb to the pleasures of fine dining as you enjoy the delights dreamed up or selected by the most talented sommeliers and Michelin-starred chefs of their generation. They will share with you their passion for the art of eating through gala dinners, tastings, workshops and fascinating talks. Special attention will be paid to the wines offered to you during these Gastronomy and Wine cruises: an exclusive wine list, expert wine and food pairings... As you visit the carefully selected ports of call in cities with a rich cultural heritage, the exceptional culinary and wine-tasting experiences are sure to surprise you.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Excursions included
During your journey, enjoy an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. Whether this is the visit of an emblematic museum or a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an activity in the heart of nature or a tasting of local products, or one of many other highlights, you will benefit from a careful selection of activities throughout your itinerary.
Pre-bookings will open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests will be processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
KYOTO AND NARA, IMPERIAL HERITAGE (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of four unforgettable days between Kyoto and Nara to discover the ancient imperial capitals. Immerse yourself in traditional Japan, between temples, meditation, Geisha dances and tea ceremony. This programme, rich in experience, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Osaka/Kyoto
Meet at Osaka International airport. You will be greeted by our local representative off your flight provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent.
Transfer from the airport to the Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT.
Lunch, afternoon, and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Kyoto
Breakfast.
The tour will take you first to take part in Zazen, seated Zen meditation. Zazen is a way of training for monks to obtain enlightenment. It is considered the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. You will sit in the silent room separated from the ordinary life. Also, you will have a chance to experience Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of the most representative forms of Japanese beauty, and participating in a ceremony is one of the best ways to come into contact with the Japanese sense of spirituality.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Then, you will proceed to Kiyomizu Temple; kiyoi mizu means "pure water" or "spring water". Kiyomizu Temple is noted for its cliff top Main Hall with a broad wooden veranda offering a panoramic view of Kyoto and environs. The veranda is supported on a towering scaffold of wood. The Main Hall has been designated a National Treasure.
Enjoy some time at leisure to purchase souvenirs in the nearby shopping streets.
After your visit, you will return to your hotel to freshen up.
Before your transfer to enjoy a Japanese kaiseki dinner (consisting up of several small courses), you will stop in Gion, one of Kyoto's historic districts, with beautiful traditional houses. It is the city's Geiko district (geisha are known as Geiko in Kyoto).
Enjoy a Kaiseki dinner which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, with a Maiko (an apprentice geisha in Kyoto) and a Geiko (a full-fledged artist known as Geisha outside of Japan) who will perform.
You will then be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Kyoto
Breakfast.
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.
Stroll through the 14th Century landscape garden, featuring Ryumon Falls and a stone bridge. This garden is part of part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto » and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend has it that if one day a fish were to swim up the Ryumon Falls, it would turn into a dragon. Enjoy a stroll through the bamboo groves, a natural beauty that is one of the region's main attractions.
Transfer back to your hotel for a short break to freshen up.
Enjoy a Japanese Shabu-shabu dinner served in a local restaurant. For your meal, a pot of boiling water to cook food will be placed on your table. You will dip thin slices of beef and fresh vegetables into a pot of broth several times for few seconds. "Shabu-shabu" is the sound of the meat swished in the broth.
You will then be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Kyoto
Breakfast.
You will start your day with an immersion in Japanese tradition. Through the transcendent thumping rhythms, you will discover the art of the taiko, the large drum sculpted from elm or keyaki (zelkova or Japanese elm) wood. The word "taiko" also designates the way of playing the drum, meaning that the instrument and the way of playing its music are thus inextricably linked. Legend has it that the divinity of mirth, Uzume, helped the gods bring light to earth by drawing the goddess of sun, Amaterasu, out of her cave. To do this, she danced on a barrel, thus creating the taiko.
Then, dressed in kimono, a symbol of Japanese culture, you'll enjoy Japanese calligraphy, considered the art of achieving longevity and mastery of body and mind. Buddhist monks use calligraphy as a form of meditation. Dressed in kimono, symbol of Japanese culture.
A lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
Optional activity (additional supplement): Fushimi-inari Shrine and dinner - limited to 35 participants.
Dinner will be at leisure if you have not chosen the optional activity.
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 transferred to a restaurant for your dinner.
You will be drive back to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Kyoto/Nara/Osaka
Breakfast before check-out.
To start your day, you will set off to meet the monumental bronze Buddha, who takes centre stage in the heart of the Todai-ji Temple. The building rises majestically in Nara Park. Commissioned in 743 by Emperor Shômu when Nara was the imperial capital of Japan, it took eight years to build and was restored during the Edo era. Standing 47 metres (150 feet) high and with enormous wooden pillars , the ancestral Great Buddha Hall remains the world's largest wooden building, earning its inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Then, you will continue with a visit of Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha. Established in 768 and listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, its vermilion-red lacquered buildings form a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation. Nearly two thousand bronze and stone lanterns line the sanctuary, and a thousand metal lanterns hang along the corridors.
Before lunch, you will stroll through the Isui-en Garden, a traditional Japanese garden created at the end of the 17th century as the private garden of a rich merchant and opened in the middle of the 19th century. Meticulously planned and maintained, it reveals the art of Japanese garden design, seeking balance and harmony while paying homage to the beauty of nature. It consists of two spaces: Minami Shin-en, in the heart of which you will discover a pond, a waterfall and a tea house; and Kita Shin-e, consisting of a bamboo grove, a small stream and a variety of flowering cherry trees and Japanese maples.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.
You will then be transferred to the port of Osaka to embark on board your ship. It is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive.
Your hotel:
The Good Nature Kyoto, located in the heart of Kyoto, is a true oasis of well-being. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide a tranquil space, featuring breathtaking views of the city or the surrounding gardens. Experience serenity and comfort in a setting that embraces both nature and culture.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 4-night accommodation in Standard room at the Good Nature Kyoto 4* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meals (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.
- Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your arrival.
Your programme does not include:
- Lunch and dinner on day 1, dinner on day 4.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Early check-in upon arrival at your hotel.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
- Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
- For guests booking an early flight schedule, we suggest an optional package (with extra fees) in order to have an early check-in at the Okura Kyoto 5* hotel. If you would like to have access to your room before official check-in time, please contact your travel agent for further detail.
- 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).
Contact of your hotel:
Hotel Good Nature Kyoto
318-6 Inari-cho, kawaramachidori shijosagaru,
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Telephone : (+81) 75 352 6730
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : £2,690
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.DISCOVER OSAKA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of one unforgettable day to discover the historical and cultural heritage of Osaka, Japan’s first capital. This programme will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 – Osaka
Meet at Kansai International airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign). You will be greeted by our local representative off your flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Transfer from the airport located in Osaka to the hotel Centara Osaka 5*.
Day and meals at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Osaka
After breakfast and check-out, you will board the coach for a full day sightseeing tour of Osaka, the second largest city in Japan and the biggest merchant city in Western Japan.
You will start your exploration with a visit of the 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 Japanese style lunch in a local restaurant.
You will then proceed to Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. The entire Sumiyoshi Taisha, dating from the third century and rebuilt from the nineteenth century, classified “National Treasure” is dedicated to the four kami gods, of the sea and sea voyage, agriculture, diplomacy and waka poetry. The Empress Jingu (169-269), known for her conquest of Korea, is also worshiped. In the past, sea merchants would stop in Osaka to pray to Sumiyoshi Taisha, before returning to their ships.
You will then be transferred to the port of Osaka to embark on your ship.
Your hotel:
With its modern architecture, the hotel Centara Osaka is a stunning 33-story visual masterpiece located in the heart of Namba, the city's vibrant entertainment and shopping district.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Standard room at Centara Osaka Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
- Meal as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meal (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 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.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Early check-in upon your arrival at the hotel.
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.
- Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
- Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.
- For guests booking an early flight schedule, we suggest an optional package (with extra fees) in order to have an early check-in at the Centara Osaka 5* hotel. If you would like to have access to your room before official check-in time, please contact your travel agent for further detail.
- The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).
- During visits, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).
- There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved.
- Please be aware that a double room with a king size bed is not common in Japan. Most of the hotels do offer double rooms with twin beds. The double room king size bed is not guaranteed at the hotel.
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.DISCOVER THE VILLAGE OF MIYAMA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of one day to explore a traditional Japanese village surrounded by mountains. This programme will be a pleasant conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 – Maizuru/Miyama/Osaka
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will depart the port for the village of Miyama.
In Miyama, there remain many thatched houses surrounded by beautiful mountains and streams. The scenery is one of a typical Japanese farm village that was once seen everywhere in Japan and has become very rare today. The area is now a Traditional Architecture Preservation Area. Some of the houses are still lived in by locals, some are turned into a small museum.
First, you will visit the Miyama Folklore Museum. Step inside a traditional thatched roof house to see how life was in the old days in the Kyoto countryside. On the premises, there are approximately 200 items on display such as traditional farming devices and so on gathered from the local area.
Your next stop will be the Little Indigo Museum. Established in 2005 by Hiroyuki Shindo, it is an Indigo studio with a collection of indigo-dyed textiles. Also, there is a gallery with Shindo’s Indigo pieces. He has been creating indigo pieces in Miyama since 1981, and his works have been exhibited in Japan and abroad. The museum building is a village house built in 1796 during the Edo period. The characteristic roof with seven pairs of saddles indicates that this house was once lived in by a village headman. There is a museum shop, giving you the opportunity to purchase your favourite small indigo-dyed pieces.
Then you will have some free time to stroll around Miyama’s Thatched Village. As you walk around, you will see an old-fashioned post box, stone deities. You can go and see a 400-year-old horse-chestnut tree at a local Inari Shrine, or have some coffee at a local café, or just simply walk around admiring the lovely houses. Enjoy getting lost in this beautiful village and make sure to take lots of lovely pictures.
A lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After your refreshing stroll in Miyama, you will reboard your coach and head for Osaka.
You will be transferred to your 5* hotel Imperial Osaka selected by PONANT.
Check-in.
Dinner will be served in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Osaka
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will be transferred to Kansai International Airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
The Imperial Osaka hotel welcome you into a patrician atmospere of beguiling and care. Accommodations overlook fascinating cityscapes and the meandering Okawa River below, in spring alive with cherry blossoms.
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 Superior room at the Imperial Osaka 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standard (or similar), including breakfast.
-
Lunch (Japanese style) with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or 1 Japanese tea).
-
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
-
Services of a local English-speaking guide.
-
Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.
Your programme does not include:
-
Lunch on day 2.
-
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.
-
Official hotel check-in time is 2:00 p.m.
-
Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.
-
Late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis, according to your flight schedule. Contact your travel agent for further detail.
-
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).
-
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).
-
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:
Imperial Osaka Hotel
8-50, Temmabashi 1-Chrome, Kita-Ku,
Osaka 530-0042
Telephone: 81 6 6881 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 : £590
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.TOKYO, BETWEEN MODERNITY AND TRADITION (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Maizuru/Osaka/Tokyo
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will be transferred by coach to Osaka airport for your domestic flight selected by PONANT to Tokyo.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative.
You will depart the Tokyo airport by coach for the Okura Tokyo 5* hotel selected by PONANT, for checking in.
Dinner will be served in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Tokyo
Breakfast.
You will first visit the 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.
Then, you will go to the very popular district of Asakusa for lunch, where the traditional atmosphere of Tokyo lives on.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After lunch, 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.
On the way back to your hotel, you will 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
Your first visit will be devoted to 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 spreads over 700,000 square meters covered by a forest of 120,000 trees of 365 species donated by people from all over Japan. 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.
On your way to a local restaurant for your lunch, 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.
You will have lunch in a local restaurant.
Optional activity (additional supplement): Afternoon visit in Tokyo - limited to 35 participants.
This optional activity requires a minimum of 10 participants to be privatized.
Extend your day of discovery and let yourself be tempted by an all-new experience that will plunge you into traditional Japan.
Take a private car with your guide.
First, meet with a craftsman who will teach you about Kintsugi (“golden joinery”), the art of handling gold leaf with grace. Kintsugi is the art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful pieces of art.
You will have the opportunity to learn all about the history of this elegant craft and even practice it and bring your creation home.
At the end of the afternoon, your dinner will be at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 – Tokyo
Breakfast.
Optional activity (additional supplement): Sumo stable - limited to 15 participants.
This optional activity is subject to various changes due to training situations.
Arriving at the sumo stable, watch the wrestlers train in the art of this ancient Japanese sport. Sumo wrestling began as a religious ritual before becoming an elite sport. It is believed that sumo first originated as part of a Shinto religious ceremony to welcome in the new year. Professional sumo developed during the Muromachi period (1336-1573).
Enjoy the sight of these traditional outfits and setting, while you take in the precise movements of the sumo wrestlers in action.
Then, 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.
After lunch, the next visit will be devoted to the Hamarikyu 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.
You will then be transferred to the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center. Shochu is an authentic spirit that originated in Japan. Produced mainly in southern Japan for over 500 years, it resulted from a combination of the basic sake brewing technique and the distillation method. The development of this unique method itself underlines the history of shochu. The oldest record of its use in alcohol production dates back to 800-750 BC in both India and Ethiopia. By the 13 and 14th centuries, it had reached China and several Southeast Asian countries. The technique entered the modern-day Japanese archipelago around the 15th century through trades between the southern islands and surrounding countries.
You will be driven to your hotel for a time at leisure to freshen up and rest before dinner.
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 5 – Tokyo
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 hotel:
The Okura Tokyo reveals Tokyo's traditional Japanese beauty, between simplicity and elegance, to offer a new vision of luxury by combining traditional and contemporary.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 4-night accommodation in Prestige room at the Okura Tokyo 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standard (or similar), breakfast included.
- A domestic flight: Osaka airport – Tokyo 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.
- Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on day 3.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa costs, if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Late check-out at your hotel.
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.
- Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
- Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.
- For guests booking a late flight schedule, we suggest an optional package (with extra fees) in order to have a late check-out at the Okura Tokyo 5* hotel. If you would like to have access to your room after official check out time, please contact your travel agent for further detail.
- 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).
- The optional activity afternoon in Tokyo requires a minimum of 10 participants to be privatized.
- The optional activity sumo stable is subject to various changes due to training situations.
- Talking during the training is not allowed as it may distract a wrestler and cause injuries. In order to respect the sumo wrestlers and their traditions, please communicate with the guide using the written notes.
- The visiting duration may be shortened depending on the health conditions of the wrestlers or by the stables decision. The sumo visit might also be cancelled on a short notice due to wrestlers health conditions or by the stable`s decision.
- 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).
- No inner visit of the Imperial Plaza is possible for civilians. The palace is not visible but you will have the opportunity to witness the great historical Nijubashi Bridge.
- 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).
Contact of your hotel:
Okura Tokyo
2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
Telephone: (+81) 3 3582 0111
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 : £3,220
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.