Guest of Honour 
Tropical Expedition 
Superior Stateroom
5% Ponant Bonus
21 m2
3
- Last staterooms
- New
Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea
Osaka - Fukuoka
Dates:
15/5/2023
to
22/5/2023
days
nights on board
With featured guest Alex Kerr, author and restorer of old Japanese houses.
With this brand-new itinerary, PONANT is taking you on a cruise from Osaka to Fukuoka. This 8-day circuit will allow you to discover the jewels to be found in the picturesque towns and cities of the Seto Inland Sea. The oldest sea route in Japan, a strategic hub during Antiquity, it was also the theatre of many battles and historic events that shaped its myth and grandeur over time with the ebb and flow of the tides.
Le Soléal will set sail from Osaka, a forward-looking modern city, and make its way to the island of Inujima. A flourishing centre of the mining industry more than a century ago, particularly for copper extraction, this small 54-hectare island is now an essential destination for contemporary art enthusiasts. It is notably home to the Seirensho Art Museum, designed around the remaining blackened walls of a former copper refinery.
Aboard one of our zodiac inflatables, you will then head to Tomonoura, known for its gentle way of life and its craggy landscapes, which inspired the artist Hayao Miyazaki for the animated film Ponyo. Then, you will visit Onimichi, a charming coastal town surrounded by green hills and home to a large number of temples and emblematic shrines, including the Senkō-ji, Saikoku-ji, and Jōdo-ji temples.
After calling at Mitarai and Shimokamagari, two traditional fishing villages, Le Soléal will continue its crossing of the Seto Inland Sea to drop anchor on the island of Honshu, in Hagi. The home of the samurai and of Hagi ware will win you over with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and the former residences of the Japanese warriors from this feudal town, of which the mythical Shizuki Castle, erected in the 17th century, emerges as a symbol.
Then, you will sail towards Tsushima, the largest of the Nagasaki islands. Famous for its Aso Bay, offering exceptional panoramas of its ria coast, the island separates the Korean Peninsula from Japan. Eighty-nine percent of it is covered by natural vegetation and mountains. This green setting is the natural habitat of the Tsushima leopard cat, among others.
Your ship will then take you to Yeosu, in South Korea. Thrust into the international limelight for hosting the Marine Expo in 2012, the coastal city will captivate you with its traditional character, evident also in its fish market.
Your cruise will end in Fukuoka, your disembarkation port.
Ref : SO150523
Your itinerary
With featured guest Alex Kerr, author and restorer of old Japanese houses. First Expedition cruise in the world that goes in the Seto Inland Sea Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of...
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Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE CHAMPLAIN
24/7/2023 to the 2/8/2023
LE BORÉAL
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
- New
- Last staterooms
LE PONANT
- New
- Last staterooms
LE PONANT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (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 included
- 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
Alex Kerr
Alex Kerr is an author and restorer of old Japanese houses. Born in 1952 in Bethesda Maryland, he came to Japan as a child in 1964, and has been based in Kameoka, near Kyoto, since 1977.
Alex studied Japanese at Yale, Chinese as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, and has also traveled widely in Southeast Asian. His books include Lost Japan (published originally in Japanese in 1993), Dogs and Demons (2001), Living in Japan (2006), Theory of Japanese, Landscape (2014), Another Kyoto (2016), and Hidden Japan (2023).
Starting with “Chiiori,” a 300-year old thatched roofed house in the mountains of Shikoku which he bought while still in college in 1973, Alex has gone on to restore over forty old houses in towns around Japan. He writes and speaks widely in Japanese as well as English on rural revival and town planning, sustainable tourism, Japanese art, and landscape.
Language spoken : anglais
Photo credit : Peter Duong
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Alex Kerr
Alex Kerr is an author and restorer of old Japanese houses. Born in 1952 in Bethesda Maryland, he came to Japan as a child in 1964, and has been based in Kameoka, near Kyoto, since 1977.
Alex studied Japanese at Yale, Chinese as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, and has also traveled widely in Southeast Asian. His books include Lost Japan (published originally in Japanese in 1993), Dogs and Demons (2001), Living in Japan (2006), Theory of Japanese, Landscape (2014), Another Kyoto (2016), and Hidden Japan (2023).
Starting with “Chiiori,” a 300-year old thatched roofed house in the mountains of Shikoku which he bought while still in college in 1973, Alex has gone on to restore over forty old houses in towns around Japan. He writes and speaks widely in Japanese as well as English on rural revival and town planning, sustainable tourism, Japanese art, and landscape.
Language spoken : anglais
Photo credit : Peter Duong
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.
EXPEDITION OUTFIT FOR YOUR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
- Waterproof over pants - COMPULSORY
- Sweatshirt, thin polar fleece or jacket
- Waterproof hiking shoes with non-slip soles - COMPULSORY
- Windbreaker jacket - COMPULSORY
- Rain cape
- Neck gaiter
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
- With featured guest Alex Kerr, author and restorer of old Japanese houses.
- First Expedition cruise in the world that goes in the Seto Inland Sea
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Varied landscapes along the Seto Inland Sea, offering stunning contrasts between land and sea.
- Enjoy a local cuisine rich in seafood and taste local saké.
- Discover the cultural richness of Japan’s oldest sea route, dating back to the 7th century.
- 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
15 May 2023 - Osaka
Embarkation 15/5/2023 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 15/5/2023 at 6:00 pm
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.
16 May 2023 - Inujima (Okayama)
Arrival 16/5/2023
Departure 16/5/2023
A small verdant island in the Seto Inland Sea, Inujima charms lovers of rugged landscapes and art. A flourishing centre of the mining industry more than a century ago, particularly for copper extraction, the island is now a favourite destination of modern art enthusiasts, due to the activities developed since the 1980s. It is notably home to the Seirensho Art Museum, designed around the remaining blackened walls of a former copper refinery. Inujima offers an ideal mix of wild landscapes, industrial past, and contemporary art. The island will be the perfect port of call for relaxing, enjoying this exceptional panorama, and admiring singular and ambitious works of art.
17 May 2023 - Tomonoura
Arrival 17/5/2023
Departure 17/5/2023
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.
17 May 2023 - Onomichi
Arrival 17/5/2023
Departure 17/5/2023
Anchored on the northern shores of the Seto Inland Sea, in the Hiroshima prefecture, the historical city of Onomichi extends from the main island of Honshu to certain neighbouring islands, linked by the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido motorway. Before becoming this peaceful town with its charming, sloping little streets, Onomichi established itself in the 7th century as a nerve centre of the rice trade for the entire Japanese archipelago. Although its activity is diminished today, the port remains at the centre of the town’s culture. Onomichi now stands out for its exceptional heritage. With good reason, since it can boast over twenty temples and shrines, saved from the bombing of the Second World War. Among them are Senkō-ji, offering an outstanding panoramic view over the whole town, Saikoku-ji and its three-storied pagoda, and Jōdo-ji and its emblematic eleven-faced statue of the goddess Guanyin.
18 May 2023 - Mitarai
Arrival 18/5/2023
Departure 18/5/2023
A charming fishing village nestling in the east of Osaki Shimojima Island, on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, Mitarai is appreciated for its traditional charm and authentic character. A trip back in time to the Edo Period, where the hustle and bustle of modern cities is replaced by the gentle sound of fishing boats. Thanks to its 19th century wooden dwellings lining the small, narrow streets, its great causeway, its centuries-old sanctuaries and its gangi stairs, a stone structure giving on to the sea, the old town was classed as a Preservation District by the Japanese state in 1994.
18 May 2023 - Shimokamagari
Arrival 18/5/2023
Departure 18/5/2023
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.
19 May 2023 - Hagi
Arrival 19/5/2023
Departure 19/5/2023
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.
20 May 2023 - Tsushima
Arrival 20/5/2023
Departure 20/5/2023
A mountainous island nestling in the heart of the Sea of Japan, between the Japanese archipelago and the shores of South Korea, Tsushima is made up of two distinct islands, separated by the captivating Asō Bay. This deep fjord, separating the northern and southern parts of the island, will enthral you with its remarkable ria coastline and its string of luxuriant islets. Naturally preserved, Tsushima is almost 90% covered with natural vegetation. This green setting in the Iki-Tsushima Quasi-National Park is notably the natural habitat of the Tsushima leopard cat, an endemic species on the Japanese Red List of Endangered Species.
21 May 2023 - Yeosu
Arrival 21/5/2023
Departure 21/5/2023
Yeosu is a charming coastal city in South Korea’s South Jeolla Province. It is part of an archipelago comprising more than 317 verdant islands. Yeosu is known for being a hidden gem with picturesque scenery, but also for its strong naval history. And with good reason since, in the early 14th century, the city became home to naval headquarters during the Joseon Dynasty. This destination, with a mix of modern architecture and vestiges of a strong past, will enthrall you with its stunning beaches edged by the pure and warm waters of the Sea of Japan.
22 May 2023 - Fukuoka
Arrival 22/5/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 22/5/2023 at 7:00 am
At the northern tip of the subtropical island of Kyūshū, Fukuoka stands proudly at the centre of a veritable natural setting, between lush mountains and the crystal-clear and calm waters of Hakata Bay. A modern city and high-tech hub, which has earned it the nickame of the Japanese “Silicon Valley” in particular, the seventh town in Japan stands out for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Promoted as one of the nerve centres of maritime trade from the 15th century onward, it experienced long decades of prosperity. A period of splendour which, among other things, saw the construction of many spiritual buildings, including the Sumiyoshi-jinja shrine and the Tochoji temple, as well as its emblematic Maizuru Castle, erected in the 17th century.
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 five-star ships offering top-of-the-range services.
An elegant appearance and refined interior design combine with cutting-edge technology to offer a new type of cruising: adventure in a luxury setting.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
A GLIMPSE OF OSAKA
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Osaka
Meet at Kansai International airport, arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will board the coach for a full day tour of Osaka, the second largest city in Japan and the biggest merchant city on the West coast of the Land of the Rising Sun.
After a one-hour drive, you will make a first stop at Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. The entire Sumiyoshi Taisha classified “National Treasure”, dating from the third century and rebuilt from the nineteenth century, 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.
A Japanese style lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, continue your exploration by the visit of the main building of Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle was a monumental fortification constructed, upon the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to be the strongest and enclosed by stone walls 12 kilometres in length. The castle took three and a half years to complete and required 30,000 to 40,000 men. It played a major role in the unification of Japan. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The entire Osaka Castle Park covers about two square kilometres.
You will then be transferred to the port of Osaka to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Lunch (Japanese style) with beverage package (water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine or sake + 1 Japanese tea).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- 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).
- To visit temples, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees.)
- There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
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 : €320
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
KYOTO AND NARA, IMPERIAL HERITAGE (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of three 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 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 Bay to the Kyoto Okura Hotel 5*, approximately a two-hour drive.
Day and meals at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Kyoto
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto, Japan’s Imperial Capital City for more than ten centuries, from 794 to 1868, Kyoto occupies a unique position among the great cities of the world.
The tour will take you first to Kiyomizu Temple ; kiyoi mizu means “pure water” or “spring water”. Kiyomizu Temple is noted for its cliff top Main Hall with a broad wooden veranda offering a panoramic view of Kyoto and environs. The veranda is supported on a towering scaffold of wood. The Main Hall has been designated a National Treasure. Enjoy some time at leisure to purchase souvenirs in the nearby shopping streets.
Next, you will take part in Zazen, seated Zen meditation. Zazen is a way of training for monks to obtain enlightenment. It is considered the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. You will sit in the silent room separated from the ordinary life. Also, you will have a chance to experience Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of the most representative forms of Japanese beauty, and participating in a ceremony is one of the best ways to come into contact with the Japanese sense of spirituality.
After lunch (western style lunch), you will proceed to Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site. Nijo Castle was built by leyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, in 1603. Ieyasu built the castle as his Kyoto residence. Look at its Ninomaru Palace designated a National Treasure on account of its splendid architecture and magnificent interior decoration. The floorboards of corridors, called « bush warbler boards », creak underfoot.
Return to your hotel to freshen up.
You will then be transferred to a dinner venue. 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 performe. The performance consists of singing and dancing.
Day 3 – Kyoto
Enjoy a second full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto, birthplace of the country’s traditional arts and crafts, rich of a glorious past and religious traditions.
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.
Continue your visit to Ryoanji Temple, a temple famous for its rock garden, perhaps the best dry Japanese garden and certainly a masterpiece by the Zen-inspired artist Soami.
Enjoy a Japanese style lunch served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will proceed to Arashiyama region, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, and the Tenryuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Godaigo, the temple is held in high esteem. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto ». The garden created by Muso Soseki, features a circular promenade around Sogen Pond. You may appreciate to stroll along a bamboo path admiring the beauty of the area.
Transfer back to your hotel for a short break to freshen up.
At night, you will be transferred for a stroll in Gion district, a historical place known as Kyoto's most famous Geiko district with beautiful traditional houses.
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.
Day 4 – From Kyoto to Nara ending at the port of Osaka
Check-out.
You will depart the hotel by coach to reach Nara approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive.
For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. First you will visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building, and home to Japan’s largest Buddha. The temple is approached through an imposing gate supported by eighteen 75 feet-high pillars. Walk to Isuien Garden. Isuien Garden is the only walking garden in Nara, which covers roughly 3,34 acres (1,3 ha), divided into two sections.
A western style lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, visit Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns which have been donated by worshippers.
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 Kyoto Okura Hotel's elegant and sophisticated rooms offer a relaxing decor and spectacular views of the city. Many of Kyoto’s renowned places of interest are to be found within a short distance of the hotel. An assortment of pleasant restaurants offer local fare as well as a variety of other cuisine.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 3-night accommodation in Standard room at Kyoto Okura Hotel 5*, local standard (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 (if wine is not available sake) + 1 Japanese tea ; 1 coffee with western style lunch).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Early check-in on day 1.
- Lunch and dinner on day 1.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- The official check in time at the hotel Kyoto Okura Hotel is at 3.00p.m.
- The early check-in is not included at your arrival at the hotel. If you would like to have access to your room before 3.00p.m. please contact your travel professional for further detail.
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).
- You will have to take off your shoes before entering any of the temples. To visit temples, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).
- There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Many 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 :
Kyoto Okura Hotel
Kawaramachi-Oike, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
604-8558 - Japan
Telephone : +81 - (0) 75 211 5111
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 : €2,490
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
DISCOVER FUKUOKA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Fukuoka
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative and start your tour of Fukuoka.
Fukuoka is the sixth largest city in Japan and the largest in the Kyushu region. While the area was originally called Hakata, in 1600 a warlord split it into two distinct parts: the area east of the river became known as Hakata and the part west of it, Fukuoka. Fukuoka became a proud samurai district and Hakata a lively port and merchant town. In February 1890, the entire city was brought under one name: Fukuoka. In the interest of fairness, the railway station that had just opened was named Hakata. While this can be confusing – and not just for visitors –, the two names form part of the charm of this city.
Your first stop will be Kushida Shrine. The grand deity of Kushida Shrine, Ohata Nushina-mikoto, and the grand deity of Gion Shrine, Amaterasu-omikami, are enshrined here. The shrine was built in 757 and is considered the guardian of Hakata.
You will continue on to the Kawabata Shopping Arcade. This is the oldest shopping street in Hakata, with around 130 shops in an arcade 400 metres (1,312 feet) long. The shops sell a variety of products, such as traditional Hakata dolls, items for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, local specialities, and more.
You will then visit Tochoji Temple to see the Great Buddha. A designated historical site, Tochoji is the head temple of the Kyushu sect of Shingon Buddhism. It contains a Buddhist Senju Kannon statue from the Heian period, between the 8th and 12th centuries, carved out of a single log of black pine. One of this temple’s most remarkable treasures is the Great Buddha of Fukuoka. It took four years to carve this statue, starting in 1988. Standing approximately 11 metres (36 feet) tall and weighing 30 tons, it is the largest seated Buddha statue in Japan.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will attend the Morimoto Noh Theater for a Noh experience.
Noh is a form of dramatic theatre unique to Japan. It reached its peak about 650 years ago. Considered to be one of the oldest dramatic arts in the world, Noh has been designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh consists of Mai (dance), Utai (vocals), and Hayashi (music). Many of the feudal lords loved Noh and even performed it. Even today, Noh is loved by people all over Japan. A professional actor will deliver a short presentation of Noh and Noh masks. You will enjoy a live Noh performance, including dancing and chanting by the Noh actor dressed in a kimono and wearing a mask.
After this cultural experience, you will be transported to Fukuoka Tower. Rising 234 metres (768 feet) above sea level, it is the tallest seaside tower in Japan. The tower is the symbol of the western side of Fukuoka. You will enjoy the panoramic view from the observation deck.
In the late afternoon, you will check-in to the Miyako Hotel Hakata 5*.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Fukuoka
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Directly connected to Hakata Station in the city centre, the Miyako Hotel Hakata 5* blends modernity and elegance. Its contemporary design inspired by nature creates clever effects with space and light. The atmosphere exudes harmony. The establishment’s spacious, well-appointed rooms are quiet with a soothing decor. The restaurant, Somewhere, serves innovative cuisine with a panoramic view as a backdrop. On the top floor, the spa, featuring an outdoor pool and a traditional indoor bath or onsen, offers the possibility of a wellness break in the city.
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 a Superior Twin room at the Miyako Hotel Hakata 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or sake and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- 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.
- Please be aware that a double room with a king size bed is not common in Japan. Almost of the hotels do offer double rooms with twin beds. The double room king size bed is not guaranteed at the hotel.
- Spa services and the hotel’s restaurant are available at extra charge and subject to availability.
- This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Contact of your hotel:
Miyako Hotel Hakata
2-1-1 Hakataeki-Higashi,
Hakata-ku,
Fukuoka 812-0013, Japan
Telephone number: +81-92-441-3111
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.