Tropical Expedition 
Free solo supplement 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
- New
Kyushu's secret islands and ancestral heritage
Fukuoka - Kagoshima
Dates:
27/4/2024
to
4/5/2024
days
nights on board
From the rias of Nagasaki Prefecture to the captivating coast of Kagoshima, the western part of the island of Kyushu is both surprising and captivating. During a brand-new 8-day expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, PONANT invites you to discover an unsuspected side of Japan, combining enchanting nature and unexpected Christian heritage, at the intersection of Western and Japanese traditions.
Departing from Fukuoka, a modern city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, Le Jacques-Cartier will sail westward to the volcanic island of Jeju in South Korea. Dominated by the majestic silhouette of the Hallasan volcano, the country’s tallest peak, this nature sanctuary reveals its most beautiful treasures: steep cliffs with emerald and ashen reflections, monumental waterfalls, bewitching virgin forests, long stretches of tea plantations, and more.
Le Jacques-Cartier heads once again for the western part of Kyushu to reach the emblematic Nagasaki. A symbol of nuclear horror, in the same way as Hiroshima, Nagasaki has become one of the archipelago’s most peaceful cities and one of its most attractive. Warm and cosmopolitan, it reveals its religious heritage along its narrow streets: the Oura Catholic Church and its gardens, the Suwa Shrine, and the sumptuous Buddhist temples.
In the Goto Islands, off the coast of Nagasaki, succumb to the charms of Kamigoto Island. Having served as a refuge for many Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the 17th century during the Edo period, the island boasts many churches once hidden amid the island’s abundant vegetation and now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Christian heritage can also be found further south, between the Yatsushiro and Ariake seas, in the island region of Amakusa. In Sakitsu, you will have the privilege of immersing yourself in this ancestral heritage, particularly as you visit the emblematic UNESCO-listed church.
Your trip will continue in the Koshikijima Islands. Aboard one of our inflatable dinghies, admire the raw and authentic beauty composed of monumental cliffs and huge rock formations dating back to the Cretaceous periodnearly 80 million years ago. You will be captivated by these landscapes unlike any other.
Next, you will set a southward course to reach the captivating, mountainous island of Yakushima, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Providing an unspoiled natural setting for endemic species such as the Yakushima monkey and deer, the island is home to an exceptional natural environment featuring forests of ancient cedars, bewitching waterfalls, and majestic peaks.
For the grand finale, your cruise will draw to an end in Kagoshima, a bustling city nestling between ancient forests and majestic volcanoes.
Ref : EX270424
Your itinerary
A brand-new cruise to discover the western part of the island of Kyushu, combining enchanting nature and unexpected Christian heritage, at the intersection of Western and Japanese traditions. UNESCO sites:...
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Your trip in detail
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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 PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
30/1/2024 to the 8/2/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/3/2024 to the 26/3/2024
L'AUSTRAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*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
- 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)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
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.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A brand-new cruise to discover the western part of the island of Kyushu, combining enchanting nature and unexpected Christian heritage, at the intersection of Western and Japanese traditions.
- UNESCO sites: “the hidden Christian sites in the Nagasaki region”, in Sakitsu and Kamigoto, Yakushima Island.
- Brand-new ports of call in the Koshikijima Islands, on Kamigoto and Jeju, and in the island region of Amakusa.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- The discovery of Japan’s Christian history, a religion banned for three centuries during the Edo period.
- Sakitsu, a picturesque village of preachers and the only Christian site in Kumamoto Prefecture.
- A stop on Jeju Island in South Korea, a lush sanctuary with multiple natural treasures.
- The island of Yakushima, a nature sanctuary home to endemic species such as the Yakushima monkey and deer.
- The landscapes: steep cliffs, monumental waterfalls, bewitching virgin forests, long stretches of tea plantations, geological formations, verdant peaks.
- Gain an insight into the history, culture and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert expedition team.
Ports of Call & Excursions
27 April 2024 - Fukuoka
Embarkation 27/4/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 27/4/2024 at 6:00 pm
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.
28 April 2024 - Jeju
Arrival 28/4/2024
Departure 28/4/2024
Jeju is an island like no other. Anchored off the South Korean coastlines, this volcanic island will provide you with a natural spectacle of magical beauty. Dominated by the majestic silhouette of the Hallasan volcano, the country’s tallest peak, this nature sanctuary with its thousand and one geological riches reveals its most beautiful treasures, with volcanic cones spread all over the island, steep cliffs with emerald and ashen reflections, monumental waterfalls, bewitching virgin forests, long stretches of tea plantations and lava tubes that are some of the longest in the world.
29 April 2024 - Nagasaki
Arrival 29/4/2024
Departure 29/4/2024
Located on the north-west coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki will impress you by its rich heritage. Despite the destruction in 1945, you can visit several ancient sites, including the beautiful 19th-century Catholic Church of Oura and its garden, the sanctuary of Suwa Shrine or several Buddhist temples. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum gives you insight into the extent of the damage caused by the nuclear attack. Close by, a walk in the Memorial Peace Park leads you to a collection of objets d'art offered as a gift from Japan to the world.
30 April 2024 - Kamigoto
Arrival 30/4/2024
Departure 30/4/2024
Representing a little-known, distant, almost abandoned Japan at the western tip of the island of Kyushu, to the west of the China Sea, Kamigoto Island recounts the unexpected history of the Empire of the Rising Sun. A refuge for Christians fleeing the prohibition of practising their Catholic faith in the 17th century under the Edo era, each village bears traces of this influence that is still very much present, as evidenced by the many religious buildings dotting the island. Famous for its lush and preserved nature, featuring tropical forests and jagged shores, Kamigoto boasts natural treasures such as Hamaguri beach, an aquatic paradise of fine sand surrounded by turquoise waters and encircled by bewitching green peaks.
1 May 2024 - Amakusa Region
Arrival 1/5/2024
Departure 1/5/2024
Facing the mythical island of Kyushu, between the Yatsushiro and Ariake seas, the island region of Amakusa both surprises and captivates. Composed of some one hundred verdant islets surrounded by stunning seabeds, the Japanese archipelago was once a refuge for many Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the 17th century during the Edo period. Christian heritage can be found in every village in the region. In Sakitsu, a charming fishing port, immerse yourself in this Christian heritage, particularly when you visit the emblematic church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2 May 2024 - Koshikijima Islands
Arrival 2/5/2024
Departure 2/5/2024
Off the western coastlines of Kagoshima Prefecture, the rocky and green islets called the Koshikijima Islands rise like a mirage from the East China Sea. Aboard our Zodiac dinghies, you will reach the three islands that make up the archipelago: Kamikoshikishima, Nakakoshikishima and Shimokoshikishima. You will be captivated by the raw and authentic beauty of this environment, featuring monumental cliffs and huge rock formations that date back to the Cretaceous periodor nearly 80 million years. During hikes, you will be lucky enough to discover these unique and striking landscapes. An interlude where time may stand still.
3 May 2024 - Yakushima
Arrival 3/5/2024
Departure 3/5/2024
A splendid sub-tropical, mountainous island listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Yakushima is one of the most beautiful islands in the Japanese archipelago. Its extensive yakusugi forest contains some of Japanﾒs oldest living trees ﾖ cedars that are over 1000 metres tall and up to 7,000 years old. The Senpiro and Toroki waterfalls, each one several dozens of metres high, are equally impressive. A feast for the eyes.
4 May 2024 - Kagoshima
Arrival 4/5/2024
Disembarkation 4/5/2024 at 8:00 am
The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, ﾠis best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis will remind you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitants' everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three metres that was 'swallowed up' by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature will send a shiver down your spine.
Le Jacques-Cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier is a modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 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.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
25/4/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + DISCOVER FUKUOKA (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + DISCOVER KAGOSHIMA (1 NIGHT) (POST)
€4,470
Find out more 25/4/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + DISCOVER FUKUOKA (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + KYUSHU, ISLAND OF PEACEFUL MODERNITY (4 NIGHTs) (POST)
€6,970
Find out moreDISCOVER FUKUOKA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Fukuoka
Meet at Fukuoka Airport in the Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign.
You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be directly transferred to your 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Check-in.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Fukuoka
After breakfast and check-out, you will start your day of visit at the Tochoji Temple.
You will 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.
Your second 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.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After lunch, 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.
Your programme includes:
• 1-night accommodation in Standard room at a hotel 5* selected by PONANT, local standard (or similar), breakfast included.
• Meals as mentioned in the programme.
• Beverages package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 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.
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.
• 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).
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 : €1,180
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.
Take advantage of three unforgettable days between Tokyo and Hokkaido. Immerse yourself in both traditional and modern Japan, between skylines, shopping streets, temples and gardens. This programme rich in visits, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Tokyo
Meet at Narita International airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign.
You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will depart the airport by coach for your 5* hotel selected by PONANT, for checking in.
Afternoon and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Tokyo
Breakfast.
You will first visit the superb 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.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After lunch, you will go to the very popular district of Asakusa, where the traditional atmosphere of Tokyo lives on. 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.
The lesser-known Shinto Asakusa Shrine to the right of the main hall is the venue for one of the country's most famous Shinto festivals, the Sanja Matsuri.
On the way back to your hotel, you will linger along the Sumida River with its cherry blossoms before making a second 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
Breakfast.
You will be able to start your day of discovery by letting yourself be tempted by an all-new experience that will plunge you into traditional Japan.
At the beginning of the day, 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 (Japanese menu).
Your next stop will be 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, built in 1920, comprises three areas: the Naien, Inner Precincts, centered on the shrine buildings; the Gaien, or Outer Precincts, which include sports facilities, the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, and the Meiji Memorial Hall. 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. Sumo wrestlers, upon rising to the rank of Grand Champion, give a demonstration at Meiji Jingu. 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.
Before going to a local restaurant for your dinner, 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.
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 4 – Tokyo
Breakfast.
Your first visit will be devoted to the Hama-rikyu 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.
Next, you will visit Roppongi Hills. Roppongi Hills is the largest city redevelopment area with luxury housing and over 200 boutiques and restaurants. A panoramic view from the observatory on the 52nd floor, which is called Tokyo City View, is superb. Take in the massive 360-degree view of Tokyo, one of the world's most dynamic and spectacular cities, and totally unlike any other.
After having a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu), let yourself be tempted by an all-new experience that will plunge you a little further into modern Japan.
At the end of the afternoon, your dinner will be at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 – Tokyo/Fukuoka
Check-out. You will be transferred by coach to Tokyo international airport for your domestic flight selected by PONANT to Fukuoka.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative.
You will be transferred to have a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
You will then be transferred to the pier of Fukuoka to embark on board your ship.
Your programme includes:
• 4-night accommodation in standard room at the 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
• A domestic flight: Tokyo airport – Fukuoka airport in economy class on a regular airline.
• Meals as mentioned in the programme.
• Beverage package during meals (water + 1 soft drink or 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.
Your programme does not include:
• Lunch and dinner on day 1, dinner on day 4.
• 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.
• 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).
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 : €4,485
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
DISCOVER KAGOSHIMA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Kagoshima
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will start your day of visit by taking a local ferry on a short crossing to meet one of Japan's most active volcanoes: Sakurajima. Its first known eruption dates back to the year 708, and since 1955 its activity has been almost permanent, closely monitored by the Japanese authorities who set up a state-of-the-art observatory in 1978. Lava flows from fissures in the volcano's flanks gave rise to the peninsula, which is now linked to the island of Kyushu.
You will stop at the Sakurajima Visitor Centre to find out more about the volcano, this formidable embodiment of nature's power. It will reveal the secrets of its eruptions, its history, and its workings. A feed directly from the active Showa crater will alert you to real-time seismic data from Mount Sakurajima.
You will then make a second stop at the observatory, located on a hill on the lava field created by the volcano's eruption in 1946. The view of the impressive Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay is breathtaking. Near the crater of the southern peak, you can hear the volcano rumbling.
After this visit, you will take the ferry to head back to the Japanese peninsula.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After your lunch, you will be transferred by coach to Kagoshima Airport for your domestic flight selected by PONANT to Tokyo.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative before heading out for your 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
You will have dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Kagoshima
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 programme includes:
· 1-night accommodation in Standard room at a hotel 5* selected by PONANT, local standard (or similar), breakfast included.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· A domestic flight: Kagoshima airport - Tokyo airport in economy class on a regular airline.
· Beverages package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 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.
Your programme does not include:
· 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.
· 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).
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 : €1,750
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
KYUSHU, ISLAND OF PEACEFUL MODERNITY (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy four unforgettable days travelling between Fukuoka and Kagoshima. Escape from cities surrounded by volcanoes on the multi-faceted island with breathtaking landscapes. On the third-largest island in Japan, these green surroundings are the lands of the first Shinto gods and the region of the founding myths of Shintoism, evolving through the influences of its neighbouring countries then that of the West.
Day 1 - Kagoshima
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will start your day of visit at The Chiran samurai district that dates back to the Edo period (1603 to 1868). This period put an end to the incessant wars between rival lords that had engulfed Japan for several centuries, earning it the name "Warring States Period". From tea fields as far as the eye can see to the town's authentic historic character, you'll visit a samurai house while witnessing the azaleas in bloom in the landscaped gardens.
You will then be transferred to the Chiran Peace Museum. Built in 1975, the Museum commemorates the sacrifice of the men who joined the Tokko-tai special attack unit during the Second World War. Better known as kamikazes, 439 of these men came from Chiran. You'll be moved by the sight of the Mitsubishi Zero, a fighter plane extracted from the seabed in 1980, the countless letters and personal effects left behind by the young pilots, and the barracks that bear witness to their daily lives there.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After lunch, you will be driven to the Sengan-en Garden. Created by Shimadzu Mitsuhisa in 1658, it has the most beautiful panoramic view over the Sakurajima natural monument. It belongs to the estate of the Shimadzu family, descending from Prince Shimadzu Tadayoshi. The family residence, located in the gardens, continues to pass from generation to generation, and has welcomed eminent guests from Japan and elsewhere. You will stroll around the 5 hectares of calming traditional gardens to discover peaceful ponds, bubbling streams, mysterious shrines, tearooms, a bamboo grove and a mountain hiking trail.
You will then take a local ferry on a short crossing to the Kagoshima Peninsula.
You will stop at Mount Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. During the powerful eruption in 1914, the volcano stopped being an island when the lava flows filled the strait separating it from the island of Kyushu. A road built along an old lava flow leads to the slopes of the volcano. It is still possible to see the top of a large torii (portal) trapped in the lava there.
You will then take the ferry again to head back to the Japanese peninsula.
Then you will be transferred to the 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Enjoy a dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Kagoshima/Kumamoto
After breakfast, you will complete your hotel check-out before being driven to Kagoshima Station to travel to Kumamoto by train.
You will then take the time to marvel at the Suizenji Gardens, the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Kumamoto. In 1636, the Hosokawa, famous in the region, began the construction of this green space very close to a natural spring providing water of exceptional quality.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
Upon arrival at Kumamoto train station, you will take the time to marvel at the Suizenji Gardens, the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Kumamoto. In 1636, the Hosokawa, famous in the region, began the construction of this green space very close to a natural spring providing water of exceptional quality.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
Your next stop will be Kumamoto Castle. A symbol of Japanese post-modernism, Kumamoto Castle stands 30 metres (100 feet) tall between Kamitori and Shimotori, the city centre's main shopping streets. Kumamoto Castle's first fortifications were built in the second half of the 15th century. The keep and its massive walls were erected at the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama era (1558-1600), thus combining the charm of the great castles of Japan with the military architecture of the Edo period.
Then you will be transferred to the 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant (Occidental menu).
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Kumamoto/Beppu
After breakfast, you will complete your hotel check-out before starting your second day of visit in Kumamoto.
You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Japan, with a visit to the Seiwa Bunraku puppet theatre. Bunraku is the name given to the art of bringing wooden puppets to life, which has existed for over 300 years. Three puppeteers are needed to operate each puppet. Dressed head to toe in black, they remain silent during the performance, letting a special chanter called a tayu, accompanied by a shamisen player, tell the story and express each puppet's emotion and personality through its voice and facial gestures.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After your lunch, you will make two stops as close as possible to Mount Aso, in the heart of the Aso-Kuju National Park.
You will be awestruck by the grandeur of this still active volcano, which has one of the world's largest calderas. It was formed by several violent eruptions thousands of years ago; visitors flock here from all over Japan to marvel at its splendour.
You will then be transferred to the 5* hotel selected by PONANT in Beppu.
Enjoy a dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Beppu/Hita/Tokyo
After breakfast, you will complete your hotel check-out before heading out for the "hells" of Beppu.
Seven mysterious and capricious hot springs with steaming ponds of various colours, bubbling mud pools and gases gushing out of the earth will amaze you. They can reach up to 100 degrees Celsius.
You will then stop at the Hita Festival Museum to immerse yourself in the traditional beauty of Japan. It houses 6 yamaboko floats that parade majestically once a year for the Hita Gion festival and classified as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Asset in 2016. This is Japan's largest matsuri, held annually for almost 900 years. The Gion Matsuri in Hita was established in the 9th Century by the Emperor to appease the gods following major natural disasters.
The 8-metres-high yamaboko chars are treasures handed down over the centuries. The colorful, sumptuous ornamentations preserve all the traditional beauty of Japan.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant (Japanese menu).
After your lunch, you will be transferred by coach to Tokyo international airport for your domestic flight selected by PONANT to Fukuoka.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative before heading out for your 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
You will have dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.
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 programme includes:
· 4-night accommodation in standard room at a 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
· A domestic flight: Fukuoka airport - Tokyo airport in economy class on a regular airline.
· Meals as mentioned in the programme.
· Beverages package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 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.
Your programme does not include:
· Personal expenses.
· Visa 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.
· 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).
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 : €4,350
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + DISCOVER FUKUOKA (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + DISCOVER KAGOSHIMA (1 NIGHT) (POST)
Total : €4,470
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + DISCOVER FUKUOKA (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + KYUSHU, ISLAND OF PEACEFUL MODERNITY (4 NIGHTs) (POST)
Total : €6,970
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.