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1 May 27, from £6,620
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Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys

Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

  • Itinerary
    Busan to Osaka
    Duration
    9 days
  • Dates
    1 May 27 to 9 May 27
    Prices from
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Come aboard Le Soléal for an unforgettable voyage.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Le Soléal sails next to Beppu, renowned for its extensive system of hot springs or onsen. Choose to visit Chinoike Jigoku, one of the oldest natural hot springs in Japan and unique for its deep red color due to its iron oxide content. Or opt to discover a beautiful steaming blue pond and bubbling mud pond at Kamado Jigoku, also known as "Cooking Pot Hell.”

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

Your final port of call is in Tamano, a former feudal domain with a unique cultural heritage. From here you will be able to admire the famous Korakuen Garden, one of the country’s must-see landscaped gardens.

Your voyage ends in Osaka, a modern city in the heart of the Japanese archipelago.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Asia

Busan to Osaka

Duration

9 days, 8 nights on board

Timeless, Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

Offers

PONANT Bonus 30%

Ref: BO3845US - SO010527

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
  • Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
  • A discovery of the beautiful cultural and rich historical traditions and landscapes of Japan.
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution, Gyeongju Historic Areas, Bulguksa Temple, and Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (optional post-cruise program).
  • An exploration of Japan’s world-renowned hot springs or onsen around Beppu.
  • A chance to sample sake in a traditional sake-making village.
  • Two remarkable, traditional Japanese gardens – Korakuen and Yushien.
  • Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
  • Outstanding modern Japanese paintings at the Adachi Museum in Matsue.
  • Stunning Buddhist temples in Busan, including the largest Buddha statue in Asia.
Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys null

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*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.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Itinerary

Embarkation 01/05/27 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 02/05/27 at 17:00

1 May 27 > 2 May 27 - Busan
1 May 27 > 2 May 27 - Busan

Arrival 03/05/27 midday Departure 03/05/27 early evening

3 May 27 - Sakaiminato
3 May 27 - Sakaiminato

Arrival 04/05/27 early morning Departure 04/05/27 evening

4 May 27 - Hagi
4 May 27 - Hagi

Arrival 05/05/27 at night Departure 05/05/27 late afternoon

5 May 27 - Moji, Kitakyushu 
5 May 27 - Moji, Kitakyushu 

Arrival 05/05/27 late afternoon Departure 05/05/27 late afternoon

5 May 27 - Crossing the Kanmon Straits
5 May 27 - Crossing the Kanmon Straits

Arrival 06/05/27 early morning Departure 06/05/27 evening

6 May 27 - Beppu, Oita
6 May 27 - Beppu, Oita

Arrival 07/05/27 early morning Departure 07/05/27 late morning

7 May 27 - Miyajima Island
7 May 27 - Miyajima Island

Arrival 07/05/27 midday Departure 07/05/27 early evening

7 May 27 - Hiroshima
7 May 27 - Hiroshima

Arrival 08/05/27 early morning Departure 08/05/27 evening

8 May 27 - Tamano
8 May 27 - Tamano

Arrival 09/05/27 early morning Disembarkation 09/05/27 at 8:00

9 May 27 - Osaka
9 May 27 - Osaka

Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Included package

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included