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Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Osaka - Busan

Dates:
05/04/2026
to  13/04/2026

9
days
8
nights on board
Starting from*
£6,370
per person
30% Ponant Bonus

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included


In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

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

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

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

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

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. From here, visit 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.

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.”

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

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

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


Ref : OB2645US - SO050426


Your itinerary

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

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


View detailed itinerary

Your trip in detail

Contact Us

02 07 66 04 089
(or contact your travel agent)

Request a quote

Partner - Smithsonian Journeys

Our partner

Partner - Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Find out more

Choose your stateroom

Choose your stateroom

Superior Stateroom Deck 3
 

(226 ft²)

From £6,370 per person
30% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
 

(193 ft²)

From £6,880 per person
30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
 

(193 ft²)

From £7,610 per person
30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
 

(193 ft²)

From £7,970 per person
30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
 

(193 ft²)

From £8,400 per person
30% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Suite Deck 6
 

(290 ft²)

From £11,620 per person
30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Suite Deck 5
 

(398 ft²)

From £15,620 per person
30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Suite Deck 6
 

(398 ft²)

From £16,420 per person
30% Ponant Bonus

Owner's Suite Deck 6
 

(484 ft²)

From £26,660 per person



Complete your trip

Complete your trip

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


Included in your cruise


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Contact Us

02 07 66 04 089
(or contact your travel agent)

Request a quote

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.