Superior Stateroom Deck 3
21 m²
3
Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys
Kobe - Kobe
Dates:
12/04/2025
to
20/04/2025
days
nights on board
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 endearing Kobe, one of the first Japanese ports to open to international trade in the 19th century and home to its famous eponymous marbled beef.
Arrive in the port of Takamatsu, the largest city on the island of Shikoku. You will find the splendid Ritsurin Garden here, a masterpiece constructed during the early Edo period as an escape from the bustle of daily life. Takamatsu is also renowned for its most famous dish – udon noodles – and you can try your hand at preparing them here.
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. 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.
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; 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.
Back in Japan, 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.
From the port of Uno, end your voyage in the small Japanese city 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.
Your voyage ends upon your return to Kobe.
Ref : KK3345US - SO120425
Your 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...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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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.
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 SOLÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
LE CHAMPLAIN
24/04/2025 to the 05/05/2025
LE DUMONT D'URVILLE
*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
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
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- 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, including Japanese historian Morgan Pitelka and Geeta Mehta, an expert in Japanese art history and architecture.
- Onboard performances by Hiroe Morikawa, master player of the koto (traditional Japanese stringed instrument).
- 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 pre-cruise program).
- An opportunity to make – and eat – traditional Japanese udon noodles, and a chance to sample sake in a traditional sake-making village.
- Three remarkable, traditional Japanese gardens – Korakuen, Ritsurin, and Yushien.
- Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
- Stunning Buddhist temples in Busan, including the largest Buddha statue in Asia.
- Outstanding modern Japanese paintings at the Adachi Museum in Matsue.
Ports of Call & Excursions
12 April 2025 - Kobe
Embarkation 12/04/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 12/04/2025 at 21:30
A coastal city on the main island of Honshū, Kobe is a vital Japanese port. You will be inspired by the authenticity, way of life and heritage of the capital of Hyōgo Prefecture, which is bordered by the sea. Its beef is internationally renowned, but there is much more to the city’s attractions than this delicate speciality. As soon as you arrive, you will be welcomed by the Kobe Port Tower, located, along with the Maritime Museum, in the much appreciated Meriken Park. The Mount Rokkō National Park is a real island of greenery in the very heart of the vibrant city. Long frequented by Shinto monks, then popular with the expatriates who flocked to Kobe during the second half of the 19th century, it is one of the symbols of the city.
13 April 2025 - Takamatsu
Arrival 13/04/2025 early morning
Departure 13/04/2025 late afternoon
A former fortified city, ruled over by the Matsudaira clan from the Tamamo castle with its seawater moats, the city is home to one of the most beautiful classic gardens in Japan, the Ritsurin. It was created by the barons of the city at the start of the Edo period, during which time gardening became a profession in its own right. Its landscape incorporates Mount Shiun in the background, an example of what is known as the shakkei technique, which uses the surrounding landscapes to increase the beauty of the gardens.
13 April 2025 - Crossing the Kurushima Straits
Arrival 13/04/2025 late evening
Departure 13/04/2025 late evening
Between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, in the very heart of the emblematic Seto Inland Sea, the Kurushima Strait will unveil a traditional and picturesque Japan. This 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) maritime route, with swift currents, will give you the opportunity to discover certain great feats of engineering, such as the mythical Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge. This colossal construction is the first triple bridge and the longest set of suspension bridges in the world, with a total length of 4,105 metres (almost 13,500 feet) In the footsteps of the Japanese traders from the middle of the 18th century, fall under the spell of the charming picturesque fishing ports that line this historic maritime route.
14 April 2025 - Hiroshima
Arrival 14/04/2025 early morning
Departure 14/04/2025 midday
Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn't forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. You'll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the town's historic garden.
14 April 2025 - Miyajima Island
Arrival 14/04/2025 early afternoon
Departure 14/04/2025 evening
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.
15 April 2025 - Crossing the Kanmon Straits
Arrival 15/04/2025 early morning
Departure 15/04/2025 early morning
Sailing in the Kanmon Straits, between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu, promises an unforgettable experience. During the crossing of this emblematic maritime passage linking the Sea of Japan to the Seto Inland Sea, fall under the spell of this traditional Japan, with its charming picturesque fishing ports and its shrines built in the heart of enchanting nature, between verdant hilly peaks and captivating granite cliffs.
15 April 2025 - Hagi
Arrival 15/04/2025 midday
Departure 15/04/2025 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.
16 April 2025 - Sakaiminato
Arrival 16/04/2025 early morning
Departure 16/04/2025 midday
Located on the south-west coast of Honshu Island, the busy fishing port of Sakaiminato celebrates the comic writer and artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. As well as a museum a dedicated tourist route leads through streets and squares that feature 134 bronze statues representing his beloved characters. This isn't the only thing Sakaiminato has to offer; try some local seafood specialities and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Daisen and the Yumigahama peninsula.
17 April 2025 - Busan
Arrival 17/04/2025 early morning
Departure 17/04/2025 late afternoon
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.
18 April 2025 - Moji, Kitakyushu
Arrival 18/04/2025 early morning
Departure 18/04/2025 early afternoon
At the mouth of the Kanmon Straits lies Mojiko, the northernmost port of Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands. For many years, Mojiko was the gateway to the island. Today, the old boats are gone, but as you stroll around the picturesque streets you will discover a well-preserved architectural heritage that evokes traditional Japan from the first Meiji era of the late 19th century. From the heights of the Mojiko Retro Observation Room, you can enjoy the amazing views that take in the Shinto shrine and coastal landscape like a postcard of the Land of the Rising Sun.
19 April 2025 - Uno
Arrival 19/04/2025 early morning
Departure 19/04/2025 late afternoon
The small port of Uno, at the southern end of the town of Tamano, provides access both to the city of Okayama and to the "Art Islands" of Naoshima, Teshima, and Shodoshima. In Okayama, Korakuen Garden, considered one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan, invites you to stroll through its expansive lawn and admire its ponds, rice paddies, and waterfall. And Okayama Castle, now completely restored after its destruction during World War II, offers a glimpse of life in 17th-century Japan. Uno itself is a virtual open-air museum with sculptures inspired by the Setouchi Triennale art festival, including the emblematic Chinu-the Black Sea Bream, constructed entirely of waste material that washed up on the shore.
20 April 2025 - Kobe
Arrival 20/04/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 20/04/2025 at 08:00
A coastal city on the main island of Honshū, Kobe is a vital Japanese port. You will be inspired by the authenticity, way of life and heritage of the capital of Hyōgo Prefecture, which is bordered by the sea. Its beef is internationally renowned, but there is much more to the city’s attractions than this delicate speciality. As soon as you arrive, you will be welcomed by the Kobe Port Tower, located, along with the Maritime Museum, in the much appreciated Meriken Park. The Mount Rokkō National Park is a real island of greenery in the very heart of the vibrant city. Long frequented by Shinto monks, then popular with the expatriates who flocked to Kobe during the second half of the 19th century, it is one of the symbols of the city.
Ritsurin Garden & Shikokumura Museum
A 15-minute drive from the pier brings you to Ritsurin Garden, built by local feudal lords during the early Edo Period (1603-1867) as a retreat from worldly business. Considered one of the best gardens in Japan, this spacious park features koi ponds, pedestrian bridges, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and a western style garden in the north. The present-day garden is the result of work by generations of landscape artists intent on creating such beauty that visitors are mesmerized.
Another short drive brings you to Shikokumura, an open-air museum at the base of Yashima Mountain. This "village" (mura) is actually a collection of traditional buildings brought here from all over the island of Shikoku to recreate a sense of what life was like in an earlier period. Scattered throughout the sprawling forest are 27 different structures, including a Country Kabuki theatre, a sugar-making house, a salt refinery, a paper making house, and many more.
A 30-minute drive brings you back to Takamatsu and your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 1 ¼ miles of walking. The visit at Shikokumura involves approximately 250 steps, uneven surfaces, and steep slopes. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ritsurin Garden & the Art of Bonsai
A 15-minute drive from the pier brings you to Ritsurin Garden, built by local feudal lords during the early Edo Period (1603-1867) as a retreat from worldly business. Considered one of the best gardens in Japan, this spacious park features koi ponds, pedestrian bridges, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and a western style garden in the north. The present-day garden is the result of work by generations of landscape artists intent on creating such beauty that visitors are mesmerized.
Another short drive brings you to the Kinashi area, where Matsu or Japanese pines have been cultivated for hundreds of years, producing 80% of the country’s bonsai pines. Visit a Bonsai farm and learn about bonsai culture, including how the trees are grown and used to re-create the harmony of nature in miniature.
- This tour involves less than a mile over mostly flat terrain with some gravel and uneven surfaces, with 10 – 20 steps at Ritsurin Garden. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Takamatsu Highlights
This excursion provides a sampling of several different aspects of the cultural traditions of northern Shikoku Island.
A 30-minute drive brings you to the Kinashi area, where Matsu or Japanese pines have been cultivated for hundreds of years, producing 80% of the country’s bonsai pines. Visit a Bonsai farm and learn about bonsai culture, including how the trees are grown and used to re-create the harmony of nature in miniature.
The next stop is at Ritsurin Garden, built by local feudal lords during the early Edo Period (1603-1867) as a retreat from worldly business. Considered one of the best gardens in Japan, this spacious park features koi ponds, pedestrian bridges, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and a western style garden in the north. The present-day garden is the result of work by generations of landscape artists intent on creating such beauty that visitors are mesmerized.
You will be treated to a typical Japanese lunch at a local restaurant, before the final visit of the day, Shikokumura, an open-air museum at the base of Yashima Mountain. This "village" (mura) is actually a collection of traditional buildings brought here from all over the island of Shikoku to recreate a sense of what life was like in an earlier period. Scattered through the sprawling forest are 27 different structures, including a Country Kabuki theatre, a sugar-making house, a salt refinery, a paper making house, and many more.
- This tour involves approximately 1 ½ miles of moderate walking. The visit at Shikokumura involves approximately 250 steps, very uneven surfaces and steep slopes. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Culinary Specialties of Kagawa
This excursion is designed to introduce you to several examples of the cuisine of the Kagawa prefecture and to provide an opportunity to enjoy them in the context of one of the country's most beautiful landscape gardens.
A short drive from the port brings you to the Nakano Udon School, a highly respected culinary academy that trains chefs in the art of making Sanuki udon, a local variety of the famous noodle that is known for its firm texture and chewiness. You will learn how to knead, roll, cut, and cook the dough, and you will have the chance to sample what you have made.
The nearby Ritsurin Garden, built by feudal lords during the early Edo Period (1603-1867) as a retreat from the world, is one of the best gardens in Japan. This 200-acre park features koi ponds, pedestrian bridges, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and a western style garden in the north. Follow your guide along paths that lead to Kikugetsutei, a shoin-style tea house from the Edo period, where you meet with local artisans to learn about making wagashi (traditional sweets) from wasanbon sugar—an extremely finely ground powder. You will be invited to participate in the production, mixing the special sugar with other ingredients and molding them into typical shapes (cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, and so on). When they are done, you can enjoy tasting them along with some matcha tea as you enjoy views of the garden that surrounds you.
- This is a relatively easy excursion, involving less than a mile of walking—primarily at the garden. The paths in the garden are not paved, and there are some steps. Comfortable walking shoes and protection from the sun are recommended. This tour is limited to 30 guests.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Remembering Hiroshima
The heart of this excursion is a solemn visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum, perhaps the most sobering monuments anywhere in the world. In the immediate aftermath of the atomic bomb blast on August 6, 1945, scientists doubted whether Hiroshima could ever recover. But it did, and today is a vital city with a population of one million and growing.
A 30-minute drive from the pier brings you to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The park's central feature is the tree-lined Pond of Peace, leading to a cenotaph that records the names of all known victims of the bomb. Just to the north is the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki, who was two years old at the time of the blast. When Sadako developed leukemia at age 11, she determined to fold 1,000 orizuru (paper cranes). In Japan, the crane is a symbol of longevity, and Sadako believed if she folded 1,000, she would recover. She died before reaching her goal, but her story inspired a nationwide practice of folding paper-cranes in remembrance.
Continue walking through the park to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. A variety of exhibits tell the history of Hiroshima and of the invention of the nuclear bomb. But the main focus is on the events of August 6: the dropping of the bomb and the resulting human catastrophe. The details on display can be unnerving, but they serve to remind you of the consequences of war.
- This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking over pebbled surfaces in the park and flat surfaces at the museum. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Saijo: Sake Mecca
Sake is Japan's national drink, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice and enjoyed hot or cold, depending on the weather and the type of food with which it is being consumed. The Saijo district of Hiroshima has long been a prime location for sake production, due to the quality of the spring water in its vicinity. The water used in the breweries originates in the mountains outside of Saijo, but its mineral content increases dramatically as it makes its way to the city. According to connoisseurs, the levels of calcium and magnesium in the well water in Saijo are perfect for sake.
A one-hour coach ride brings you to Sakagura-dori (Sake Brewery Street) for a guided walking tour through the main brewery district. The area is recognizable by the number of red brick chimneys poking into the sky. Saijo's brewing industry began at the turn of the 20th century, so many of the buildings in the area have an old-world charm. There are nine breweries in close proximity here, making this street the ideal site for the October Festival that draws about 200,000 each year. You will visit two of the breweries to learn about the production process and to taste a variety of brews.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile of walking on mostly flat ground. We recommend comfortable walking tours. Guests must be at least 20-years old to be served alcoholic beverages in Japan.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Itsukushima Shrine
As its name suggests, Miyajima ("shrine island”) is nearly synonymous with the Itsukushima Shrine that dominates a small inlet on the island's north coast. The shrine was established in 593, the first year of the reign of Empress Suiko, and is today a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A leisurely 15-minute walk from the pier, the present shrine dates from the 13th century, and its emblematic torii gate, which at high tide appears to float on the water, was rebuilt in 1875. The massive torii rises 48 feet above the sea on a foundation of columns made of camphor 30 feet in circumference, which are in turn supported by smaller pillars buried in the seabed. The shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, all of which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars. The artistic vision and technical skill of the artisans who built these structures provide an exquisite example of the Japanese habit of turning art to worship.
When the sun sets, the shrine will be illuminated, providing an entirely new perspective on this holy place.
- This tour is done entirely on foot and involves approximately 2 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces, with a few steps at the shrine.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historical Hagi
Hagi, once the seat of the powerful Mori Clan from Japan's feudal period, is now best known for its well-preserved castle town.
Your first stop will be at the Tokoji Temple, one of the family temples of the Mori clan and the burial site of half of their lords. Tokoji Temple belongs to the Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism, which was introduced from China during the 17th century, and exhibits more Chinese influences (most obvious in the vivid red outer gate) than are typical in Japanese temples. You will want to visit the impressive burial site of the Mori lords, where each tomb is marked by its own large stone torii gate and looks out over hundreds of stone lanterns.
A short drive from the temple brings you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hagi Castle Town. Although only ruins remain of the castle itself, the basic plan of the Edo-period town has survived. Most of the streets are laid out exactly as they were four hundred years ago and retain the pure white walls and soft gray roof tiles of that period. Your walking tour of this beautifully preserved area includes an exploration of the Kikuya Residence and its tranquil garden. Built by a samurai family turned merchants, the residence is built like a warehouse and displays articles of everyday use — ceramics, utensils, clothing — from earlier times.
- This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking, mostly over flat gravel paths but also slightly uphill at Tokoji Temple. We recommend comfortable walking shoes. You will be asked to remove your shoes at the Kikuya residence.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Traditions from the Edo Period
The town of Hagi is perhaps best known for the pottery (Hagiyaki) that has been produced there since the early 17th century. The technique for manufacturing this particular style of ceramic was imported to Hagi from Korea at the beginning of the Edo period and quickly became the pottery of choice for use in tea ceremonies. At the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum, you will find a large collection of valuable Hagiyaki from various periods, as well as a display of ceramic pieces and paintings done by the artist for whom the museum is named. There is also a workshop where you can observe artisans at work and a gift shop where their wares can be purchased.
A short drive brings you to the samurai section of Hagi Town, one the best-preserved samurai districts in the whole of Japan. Your guide will lead you through samurai residences, where most of the streets are laid out exactly as they were four hundred years ago and retain the pure white walls and soft gray roof tiles of that period. Your tour includes an exploration of the Kikuya Residence, built by a samurai family turned merchants. The residence is built like a warehouse and displays articles of everyday use — ceramics, utensils, clothing — from earlier times.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over most flat surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Modern Art and Contemporary Gardens
The Adachi Museum of Art, about an hour's drive from Sakaiminato, although an excellent modern art museum, is probably best known for its garden, which is consistently ranked as the best garden in Japan by the Journal of Japanese Gardening. Founded by Adachi Zenko in 1970 in an effort to showcase the two Japanese art forms about which he was most passionate—painting and landscape design—the Museum's collection includes some 1300 artworks by the great masters of modern Japanese art. The works of Yokoyama Taikan, which are displayed in a permanent exhibit, predominate, but other 20th-century artists—Takeuchi Seiho, Uemura Shoen, and Ito Shinsui, among others—are also represented. Five separate gardens, all of which are viewed from within the museum, are designed to be seen as "living paintings" in accordance with the founder's belief that gardens may be appreciated in much the same way as oil on canvas.
After exploring the Adachi Museum, visit Yushien Garden, located on Daikon Island in the middle of Lake Nakaumi, between Sakaiminato and Matsue. This breathtaking garden of over 400,000 square feet, established in 1975, is beautiful in any season, featuring an array of landscape elements from flower gardens to waterfalls, streams, and rock gardens. But in springtime, when you will visit, Yushien's main attraction of over 250 different species of peonies in an array of colors will be in full bloom.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.25 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces, with perhaps 20 steps. Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are recommended. Total driving time is approximately 2 ½ hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Matsue Castle & the Art of Papermaking
Constructed in 1611 on the shores of Lake Shinji, Matsue Castle is the emblematic symbol of Matsue City and the only surviving feudal castle on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The castle donjon (keep) is made entirely of pine, and, with the exception of a partial reconstruction in 1692, has survived earthquakes, fires, and wars to remain much as it was in the 17th century. Explore the five-story façade that encloses six levels, including the uppermost floor, with views of the city, Lake Shinji, and distant mountains. You may also want to visit its small museum of samurai swords and armor.
A drive south brings you to Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall, a municipal museum dedicated to the life and times of Abe Eishiro (1903-1985), a master craftsman in the art of washi. The term comes from wa (Japanese) and shi (paper), and is used to describe the traditional Japanese method of making paper by hand. It commonly utilizes fibers from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, or the paper mulberry, but bamboo, hemp, rice, and wheat can also be used. Generally sturdier than ordinary paper made from wood pulp, washi is employed in many traditional arts and crafts, including Origami, Shodo, and Ukiyo-e. Washi paper has also been used to manufacture various everyday goods like clothes and toys, as well as vestments and ritual objects for Shinto priests. During your visit to the museum, you will have the opportunity to try making washi yourself.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving just about a total of a mile of walking, but over uneven surfaces and with many steps. There are approximately 70 steps to reach the gate of Matsue Castle and then 8 sets of ladder-type stairs to the top level of the castle. Guests can explore the grounds of the castle without climbing up the castle if they wish. Comfortable shoes are a must, however, shoes must be removed before entering the castle and at Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall. Driving time is a total of over 2 ½ hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Horikawa Canal Boat & Matsue Castle
Constructed in 1611 on the shores of Lake Shinji, Matsue Castle is the emblematic symbol of Matsue City and the only surviving feudal castle on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The castle donjon (keep) is made entirely of pine, and, with the exception of a partial reconstruction in 1692, has survived earthquakes, fires, and wars to remain much as it was in the 17th century. Explore the five-story façade that encloses six levels, including the uppermost floor, with views of the city, Lake Shinji, and distant mountains. You may also want to visit its small museum of samurai swords and armor.
Next enjoy another perspective of Matsue during a Horikawa boat ride. Sail along the river and canals of Matsue on a small boat during this 50-minute cruise. The boat is specially designed to fit under the 17 bridges spanning the canal, with the roof lowering to fit under a few of them.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving just about a total of a mile of walking, but over uneven surfaces and with many steps. There are approximately 70 steps to reach the gate of Matsue Castle and then 8 sets of ladder-type stairs to the top level of the castle. Guests can explore the grounds of the castle without climbing up the castle if they wish. The boat ride is on small boats, with the seating on the flat bottom of the boat. Guests must be able to climb into and out of the boat. While passing under 4 of the bridges, the boat’s roof will be lowered and guests will be asked to lower their heads. Comfortable shoes are a must, however, shoes must be removed before entering the castle and on the boat ride. Driving time is a total of over 2 hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gyeongju, Capital of Ancient Silla
This excursion will introduce you to the ancient kingdom of Silla, centered on Gyeongju, which flourished between the 7th and 10th centuries. During these three hundred years of Silla dominance of the peninsula, Buddhism was introduced to Korea, along with printing, a refinement in porcelain production, and a written language still in use today.
Your 90-minute drive to this UNESCO World Heritage site, often referred to as "the world's largest museum without walls," brings you first to the Bulguksa Temple, located on the slopes of Mt. Tohamsan. The temple is a monument to Silla architectural skill and home to many cultural artifacts protected as national treasures, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap Stone Pagodas, the Yeonhwa-gyo and Chilbo-gyo Bridges, and the Golden Seated Vairocana Buddha. A gallery attached to the temple displays art produced by the monks.
After a typical Korean lunch at a local restaurant, your tour continues with a visit to Tumuli Park, a royal burial ground containing the tombs of 23 Silla kings. You will be able to visit inside the Cheonmachong (“Flying Horse Tomb”) to see how these huge mounds were constructed.
Your final stop of the day is the Gyeongju National Museum, a treasure trove of Silla relics, ranging from magnificent golden crowns to prehistoric stone implements. One of the museum's prized possessions is the massive bronze Bell of King Seongdeok. Cast in the 8th century, it weighs in at 25 tons and stands 12 feet tall.
- This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over a variety of surfaces, some uneven or on inclines. Bulguksa Temple has many steep steps with no handrails. We recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Jagalchi Fish Market
During your 45-minute drive to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, you will cross the Gwangan Grand Bridge. At 4.6-miles, it is Korea's longest suspension bridge and offers panoramic views of city and sea: a spectacular beginning to a deeply rewarding day of discovery, sampling the richly varied cultural tapestry of South Korea's second-largest city.
Unlike most Korean Buddhist temples, which are typically found in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is built on rocky cliffs overlooking the sea — a dramatic setting that contributes to its popularity with both worshippers and secular visitors. The temple complex is centered on the Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, which is reached via a stairway of 108 steps. It was restored in 1970 with great care taken to replicate the original colors, which had appeared to the initial architect in a dream. Next door is a magnificent three-story pagoda guarded by four stone lions symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.
Return to Busan and visit the Jagalchi Fish Market, located next to the Fisherman’s Wharf. Emblematic of Busan and famous throughout the country, the enormous Jagalchi Market offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people of Busan. Sample the traditional green onion pancake with or without seafood, along with a glass of Korean rice wine.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile of walking over sometimes wet, slippery surfaces. To visit the Sanctuary at the Temple, you will have to walk down and back up the 108 steps. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Buddhist Tea Ceremony & UN Memorial Cemetery
Buddhism came to Korea from China in the 4th century, and by the time Silla unified the peninsula in 668, it had become the state religion. Although it is no longer the dominant religion in Korea, Buddhism still maintains as many as 20,000 temples throughout the country, many of them dedicated to the Zen tradition of meditation. One of these is the recently built (2003) Hongbeopsa Temple, famous for having one of the largest statues of Buddha in Asia. The highlight of your visit to Hongbeopsa will be the experience of a Buddhist Tea Ceremony, one of the six offerings—in addition to incense, flower, lantern, fruit, and rice—deemed appropriate gifts for the Buddha. The Tea Ceremony is practiced as a form of meditation with the aim of purifying the soul and becoming one with nature. After the ceremony, subject to his availability, you will be joined by a monk for a discussion of the ceremony and its relation to Buddhist teaching.
From Hongbeopsa, a short drive brings you to a place of a different sort of contemplation and meditation: the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea. The only United Nations cemetery in the world, it honors soldiers from 16 countries serving under UN command who were killed in battle during the Korean War. It is laid out over 35 acres of serene parkland and contains 2,300 graves, as well as monuments to the various nationalities represented.
- This is an easy excursion, requiring less than a mile of total walking over flat paved surfaces with only a few steps, however, as chairs are limited, participants may need to sit on the floor for the tea ceremony.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cooking Class & Gamcheon Culture Village
Korean cuisine has become increasingly popular in the West over the past several decades, and this excursion provides an opportunity for you to learn to make one of its most famous dishes—Bulgogi—from a master chef.
Travel to the center of town to one of Busan's best cooking schools, where the chef will greet you and talk about the origins of this savory dish of sliced beef in a soy-sesame-garlic-ginger sauce while demonstrating its preparation. Under chef's guidance, you will then prepare your own dish and sample it over rice, perhaps sharing with others in the group and comparing results.
Once finished with your self-made lunch, a detour on the way back to the ship brings you to Gamcheon Cultural Village, a neighborhood populated in the 1950s by refugees from the Korean War and long a poor backwater on the outskirts of fashionable modern Busan. The community experienced nothing short of an artistic renaissance beginning in 2009, when it was the site of a public art project that encouraged a cadre of young artists to transform the neighborhood from a downtrodden slum to a showcase of clever, colorful and quirky homes, shops, and galleries decorated with murals and sculptures along a maze of streets and alleyways. It has been heralded as one of Korea's most successful programs of urban renewal.
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This is a moderate excursion, because the walking at Gamcheon Village, although only about half a mile, is up and down a hillside. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are a must. Because of the size of the space at the cooking school, participation is limited to 24 guests.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Treasures of Busan
During your 45-minute drive to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, you will cross the Gwangan Grand Bridge. At 4.6-miles, it is Korea's longest suspension bridge and offers panoramic views of city and sea: a spectacular beginning to a deeply rewarding day of discovery, sampling the richly varied cultural tapestry of South Korea's second-largest city.
Unlike most Korean Buddhist temples, which are typically found in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is built on rocky cliffs overlooking the sea — a dramatic setting that contributes to its popularity with both worshippers and secular visitors. The temple complex is centered on the Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, which is reached via a stairway of 108 steps. It was restored in 1970 with great care taken to replicate the original colors, which had appeared to the initial architect in a dream. Next door is a magnificent three-story pagoda guarded by four stone lions symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.
Back in Busan, you will have time to explore the Space Lee Ufan. a sculpture garden and building, designed entirely by the artist, and devoted to the works of this much-heralded global master of minimalism, who was born in Hamun-gun, about 20 miles from this site.
After a buffet lunch at a restaurant with both Korean and international menus, your tour comes to an end at the Jagalchi Fish Market, located next to the Fisherman’s Wharf. Emblematic of Busan and famous throughout the country, the enormous Jagalchi Market offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people of Busan.
- This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking over sometimes wet, slippery surfaces. To visit the Sanctuary at the Temple, you will have to walk down and back up the 108 steps. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kokura Castle & the Mojiko Retro District
Mojiko (Moji Port) enjoyed its heyday during the early 20th century, when it was the center of commerce and finance for the China trade. When Japan lost World War II, the city went into decline, but it remains a showcase of the urban architectural style of the Meiji and Taisho Periods.
Your excursion begins with a 40-minute drive to Kokura Castle, a beautifully restored structure, originally built in 1602, at the very beginning of the Edo period. It was destroyed by fire in 1837, rebuilt, and damaged again in 1868 in fighting between Imperial forces and the Tokugawa shoguns. The castle keep was rebuilt in 1959 and the castle buildings completely restored in 1991. After your exploration of the castle, visit the authentic Shoin-zukuri style Tea House on the castle grounds and enjoy a stroll in the Chisen Kaiyu style garden (a garden with a path around a central pond and spring).
On your return to Mojiko, you will visit the Mojiko Retro area — a collection of shops and trendy restaurants in repurposed buildings in the area of the old port. From the Mojiko Retro Observation Room, located on the 31st floor of a high-rise condominium designed by Japan's leading architect Kisho Kurokawa, you will enjoy marvelous views overlooking the Kanmon Straits and the city below. There will be time at leisure to appreciate the historical architecture of the Mojiko Retro district and enjoy a bit of shopping before you return to the ship.
- This excursion involves less than a mile of walking over mostly flat terrain. There are a few steps up to the entrance Kokura Castle, then additional steps or an elevator with limited capacity. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Photography is restricted in some parts of the Kokura Castle Garden. You will be asked to remove your shoes before entering the Kokura Tea House.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Chofu Samurai Town & Akama Jingu Shrine
A 30-minute drive from Moji Port brings you to the town of Chofu, a samurai stronghold of the 17th century and the center of the uprising against Tokugawa rule that led to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The town is a virtual museum of samurai history and culture.
Your walk into the old town takes you past a number of longhouses with lattice windows and earthen walls, where high-ranking samurai warriors lived during the Edo period (1603-1867). At the Chofu Mori residence, you will discover an elegant main building surrounded by a traditional Japanese garden inside white walls. The Emperor was a guest here in the early 20th-century, and part of the room has been preserved as it was then.
A short distance on you will encounter the Kozan-ji Temple, founded in the Kamakura period and the oldest Zen style temple in Japan. It is the family temple of the Chofu Mori family, and it has been at the center of a number of historical events — including serving as the rallying point for Takasugi Shinsaku as he raised the army that turned the tide in the battle to restore the Meiji.
Your final stop before returning to the ship is at the Akama Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the child emperor Antoku who committed suicide by drowning after the defeat of the Heike at the final battle of the Genpei War (1180- 1185). In May of every year a festival is held in memory of Antoku, in which women come to the shrine in beautiful kimonos to mourn his memory — a scene straight out of a traditional Japanese picture scroll.
- The tour of Chofu and the Kozan-ji temple are both entirely on foot, totaling approximately 1 ½ miles, some of it on gravel and sloping surfaces, with approximately 60 steps. Paths at the shrine are cobblestone and there are 70 steps. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. You should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and protect yourself from the sun. You will be asked to remove your shoes at Chofu Mori residence.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Natural Wonders of Akiyoshidai
From Moji port, a drive of about an hour to the northern end of Yamaguchi Prefecture will bring you to Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, home to Japan's largest karst landscape—a limestone plateau that was once the floor of an ancient sea and whose fascinating structures, formed by centuries of erosion, are now a captivating scene of exposed outcroppings, shallow ravines, and sinkholes. You will have time to explore various vantage points for this landscape from the walking trails that surround the local Observatory and to capture photographs of the area before continuing to the entrance to a large network of caverns that lie beneath the surface of the plateau.
Akiyoshido Cave, Japan's longest limestone cave, reaches more than 6 miles into the earth, only the first half mile or so of which is open to the public. The cave is accessed from a sturdy boardwalk and contains impressive stalagmites and stalactites, including the "Golden Pillar" that stands more than 50 feet tall and 14 feet in diameter. The underground river that flows through the cave adds an auditory element to the experience, while soft, unobtrusive lighting illuminates the pools and terraces that serve as backdrops to the myriad shapes before you.
- This is a moderate excursion involving as much as 2 miles of walking over rolling terrain and many boardwalk steps in the cave. The footing in the cave can be slippery. Sturdy walking shoes with good soles are recommended, as is layered clothing and protection from sun and rain.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic Kurashiki
To begin this excursion into Japan's Edo period (1603-1867), you embark your coach for the one-hour drive to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area. From the 17th to the 19th century, Kurashiki was a vital part of the distribution network for goods throughout Japan. Many of the buildings you see were originally storehouses or rice granaries built in the late 18th century and now converted to other uses. Their tiled roofs, white-washed walls, and lattice windows are emblematic of the city.
From among the many museums in Kurashiki, you will visit the Museum of Folk Craft. Mr. Kichinosuke Tonomura, the first President of the museum, gathered together more than 10,000 items encompassing a wide range of practical goods — ceramics, textiles, lacquers, baskets, wood works, metal works, pictures and so on. The collection provides an intriguing glimpse into everyday life during the Edo period.
A short walk brings you to the Ohashi Family House, a 200-year-old merchant's house appointed as an Important Cultural Property in 1978. The Ohashi family built their wealth during the Edo period on a combination of salt farming and financial services. The main wing of the house is simple and solid; but the fire-resistant architecture and the lovely gate terrace testify to the family's prosperity.
- This tour is mainly a walking tour and involves approximately 1 mile of walking, mostly over flat terrain but also cobblestone streets. You will be asked to remove your shoes when visiting the Ohashi house and the folk-art museum.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Crafts of Bizen
From the pier in Uno, drive through the bustling city of Okayama to reach Bizen, a city long-associated with highly skilled artisans in several crafts, most notably pottery-making and blacksmithing.
Your first stop is in the quaint town of Imbe, where you visit one of the many traditional kilns that dot the area and learn from a local artist who will introduce you to the ancient techniques that produce this special style of pottery (Bizen-yaki) that is always fired in a wood-burning kiln and left unglazed.
Enjoy some time at leisure to stroll among the various pottery shops before driving to nearby Osafune and the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum, where displays include beautifully worked blades from master blacksmiths of the past, as well as a workshop where you can watch the process of forging blades as it has been done in this region since the 16th century.
- This is an easy excursion with less than a mile of walking over flat paved surfaces with only a few steps. Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kurashiki & Korakuen
Embark your coach for the one-hour drive to Korakuen Garden, rated as one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan. With an area of 133,000 square miles, the garden was built in 1700 by the local feudal lord in the Enshu landscape style of a stroll garden. It features a flat lawn, attractive ponds, a tiny tea plantation and rice paddy, and a small waterfall. As the seasons change, pine trees, maples, cherry, and plum trees reach their peak of beauty in succession.
Your exploration continues with a one-hour drive to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area. From the 17th to the 19th century, Kurashiki was a vital part of the distribution network for goods throughout Japan. Many of the buildings you see were originally storehouses or rice granaries built in the late 18th century and now converted to other uses. Their tiled roofs, white-washed walls, and lattice windows are emblematic of the city.
Despite the isolation of the Edo Period, Japanese porcelain and lacquerware were exported and had an influence on Western artists. The subsequent Meiji era allowed Western artists and artworks to enter Japan and were embraced by Japanese artists and art lovers. You will visit the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s oldest private museum of Western Art, established in 1930 by a local businessman and philanthropist, Ohara Magosaburo. In addition to masterpieces by El Greco, Gauguin, Picasso, and other European artists, the museum features crafts and artwork by Japanese and other Asian artists.
Following a Japanese lunch and a short walking tour, you will have time to explore this historical area on your own.
- This tour is mainly a walking tour and involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking, mostly over flat terrain but also over gravel and some steps at Korakuen Garden. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. You will be asked to remove your shoes at the restaurant.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Japanese historian Morgan Pitelka and Geeta Mehta, an expert in Japanese art history and architecture
- Onboard performances by Hiroe Morikawa, master player of the koto (traditional Japanese stringed instrument)
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Osaka to the ship in Kobe on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Soléal, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Osaka at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Special Guest Speaker
On our departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, we are joined by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will provide an insightful English-language lecture series that enhances your experience with valuable context and new perspectives. From enriching talks to casual conversations on board, their in-depth knowledge will bring you deeper into the history, culture, and natural world of your destination.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
SACRED KYOTO (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a specially designed pre-cruise program. Take advantage of three days to discover the heart of Japanese culture in Kyoto, including its ancient shrines and serene gardens.
Day 1 – Osaka | Kyoto
Arrive at Osaka International Airport (Itami) or Kansai International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Okura Kyoto Hotel, your home for the next three nights. A local representative will be present at a hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and recharge for your upcoming exploration of Kyoto. Dinner is independent.
Day 2 -- Kyoto
Explore Kyoto on a full day tour, starting with the Arashiyama district on the western edge of Kyoto, once popular with nobles who enjoyed its natural setting. Walk through the famous bamboo groves and visit Tenryuji Temple, built in the 13th century and one of Kyoto’s greatest Zen temples. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Kinkakuji Temple complex to see the Golden Pavilion, so named because of the gold leaf covering its two upper stories. Built by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as a villa, it was converted to a Zen temple following his death in 1408. Also visit the nearby Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is independent.
Day 3 -- Kyoto
This morning’s tour includes Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion), a 15th-century Zen temple; Tetsugaku no michi (Philosopher’s Path), a beautiful stone path along a canal where one of Japan’s most famous philosophers, Nishida Kitaro, was known to meditate; and Sanjusangendo, known for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of compassion, and other guardian deities. The afternoon is free for individual exploration and lunch and dinner are independent.
Day 4 -- Kyoto | Kobe | Embark
Travel this morning to Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit a traditional machiya residence and participate in a tea ceremony, learning the history of this iconic Japanese custom and experiencing the spirit of Japanese hospitality. Following lunch at a local restaurant, relax during the two hour drive to Kobe to embark Le Soléal.
Your hotel:
Kyoto Hotel Okura provides a classic atmosphere of tranquility and comfort harmonizing the distinctiveness of Kyoto with European tastes. Overlooking the Higashiyama Mountains and the city streets below, the hotel is centrally located and near many places of interest. A variety of pleasant restaurants offers local fare as well as cuisines from other parts of the world. The hotel has 322 rooms
Your program includes:
- 3 nights at the Okura Kyoto Hotel (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
- Welcome Cocktail Reception on Day 2
- Breakfast on Days 2, 3, and 4
- Lunch on Days 2 and 4
- Tea Ceremony on Day 4
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- King-bedded rooms are uncommon in Japanese hotels; rooms will have two twin beds.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the yen and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Okura Kyoto
Kawaramachi –Oike Nakagyo-ku
537-4, Ichinofunairicho
Kyoto, 604-0924, Japan
Telephone: +81-75-211-5111
Total : 2,070 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Ritsurin Garden & Shikokumura Museum
A 15-minute drive from the pier brings you to Ritsurin Garden, built by local feudal lords during the early Edo Period (1603-1867) as a retreat from worldly business. Considered one of the best gardens in Japan, this spacious park features koi ponds, pedestrian bridges, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and a western style garden in the north. The present-day garden is the result of work by generations of landscape artists intent on creating such beauty that visitors are mesmerized.
Another short drive brings you to Shikokumura, an open-air museum at the base of Yashima Mountain. This "village" (mura) is actually a collection of traditional buildings brought here from all over the island of Shikoku to recreate a sense of what life was like in an earlier period. Scattered throughout the sprawling forest are 27 different structures, including a Country Kabuki theatre, a sugar-making house, a salt refinery, a paper making house, and many more.
A 30-minute drive brings you back to Takamatsu and your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 1 ¼ miles of walking. The visit at Shikokumura involves approximately 250 steps, uneven surfaces, and steep slopes. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ritsurin Garden & the Art of Bonsai
A 15-minute drive from the pier brings you to Ritsurin Garden, built by local feudal lords during the early Edo Period (1603-1867) as a retreat from worldly business. Considered one of the best gardens in Japan, this spacious park features koi ponds, pedestrian bridges, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and a western style garden in the north. The present-day garden is the result of work by generations of landscape artists intent on creating such beauty that visitors are mesmerized.
Another short drive brings you to the Kinashi area, where Matsu or Japanese pines have been cultivated for hundreds of years, producing 80% of the country’s bonsai pines. Visit a Bonsai farm and learn about bonsai culture, including how the trees are grown and used to re-create the harmony of nature in miniature.
- This tour involves less than a mile over mostly flat terrain with some gravel and uneven surfaces, with 10 – 20 steps at Ritsurin Garden. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Takamatsu Highlights
This excursion provides a sampling of several different aspects of the cultural traditions of northern Shikoku Island.
A 30-minute drive brings you to the Kinashi area, where Matsu or Japanese pines have been cultivated for hundreds of years, producing 80% of the country’s bonsai pines. Visit a Bonsai farm and learn about bonsai culture, including how the trees are grown and used to re-create the harmony of nature in miniature.
The next stop is at Ritsurin Garden, built by local feudal lords during the early Edo Period (1603-1867) as a retreat from worldly business. Considered one of the best gardens in Japan, this spacious park features koi ponds, pedestrian bridges, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and a western style garden in the north. The present-day garden is the result of work by generations of landscape artists intent on creating such beauty that visitors are mesmerized.
You will be treated to a typical Japanese lunch at a local restaurant, before the final visit of the day, Shikokumura, an open-air museum at the base of Yashima Mountain. This "village" (mura) is actually a collection of traditional buildings brought here from all over the island of Shikoku to recreate a sense of what life was like in an earlier period. Scattered through the sprawling forest are 27 different structures, including a Country Kabuki theatre, a sugar-making house, a salt refinery, a paper making house, and many more.
- This tour involves approximately 1 ½ miles of moderate walking. The visit at Shikokumura involves approximately 250 steps, very uneven surfaces and steep slopes. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Culinary Specialties of Kagawa
This excursion is designed to introduce you to several examples of the cuisine of the Kagawa prefecture and to provide an opportunity to enjoy them in the context of one of the country's most beautiful landscape gardens.
A short drive from the port brings you to the Nakano Udon School, a highly respected culinary academy that trains chefs in the art of making Sanuki udon, a local variety of the famous noodle that is known for its firm texture and chewiness. You will learn how to knead, roll, cut, and cook the dough, and you will have the chance to sample what you have made.
The nearby Ritsurin Garden, built by feudal lords during the early Edo Period (1603-1867) as a retreat from the world, is one of the best gardens in Japan. This 200-acre park features koi ponds, pedestrian bridges, hills, historic trees and beautiful pavilions divided into a Japanese style garden in the south and a western style garden in the north. Follow your guide along paths that lead to Kikugetsutei, a shoin-style tea house from the Edo period, where you meet with local artisans to learn about making wagashi (traditional sweets) from wasanbon sugar—an extremely finely ground powder. You will be invited to participate in the production, mixing the special sugar with other ingredients and molding them into typical shapes (cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, and so on). When they are done, you can enjoy tasting them along with some matcha tea as you enjoy views of the garden that surrounds you.
- This is a relatively easy excursion, involving less than a mile of walking—primarily at the garden. The paths in the garden are not paved, and there are some steps. Comfortable walking shoes and protection from the sun are recommended. This tour is limited to 30 guests.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Remembering Hiroshima
The heart of this excursion is a solemn visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum, perhaps the most sobering monuments anywhere in the world. In the immediate aftermath of the atomic bomb blast on August 6, 1945, scientists doubted whether Hiroshima could ever recover. But it did, and today is a vital city with a population of one million and growing.
A 30-minute drive from the pier brings you to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The park's central feature is the tree-lined Pond of Peace, leading to a cenotaph that records the names of all known victims of the bomb. Just to the north is the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki, who was two years old at the time of the blast. When Sadako developed leukemia at age 11, she determined to fold 1,000 orizuru (paper cranes). In Japan, the crane is a symbol of longevity, and Sadako believed if she folded 1,000, she would recover. She died before reaching her goal, but her story inspired a nationwide practice of folding paper-cranes in remembrance.
Continue walking through the park to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. A variety of exhibits tell the history of Hiroshima and of the invention of the nuclear bomb. But the main focus is on the events of August 6: the dropping of the bomb and the resulting human catastrophe. The details on display can be unnerving, but they serve to remind you of the consequences of war.
- This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking over pebbled surfaces in the park and flat surfaces at the museum. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing. This tour includes sensitive material including graphic pictures and displays on the atrocities of war.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Saijo: Sake Mecca
Sake is Japan's national drink, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice and enjoyed hot or cold, depending on the weather and the type of food with which it is being consumed. The Saijo district of Hiroshima has long been a prime location for sake production, due to the quality of the spring water in its vicinity. The water used in the breweries originates in the mountains outside of Saijo, but its mineral content increases dramatically as it makes its way to the city. According to connoisseurs, the levels of calcium and magnesium in the well water in Saijo are perfect for sake.
A one-hour coach ride brings you to Sakagura-dori (Sake Brewery Street) for a guided walking tour through the main brewery district. The area is recognizable by the number of red brick chimneys poking into the sky. Saijo's brewing industry began at the turn of the 20th century, so many of the buildings in the area have an old-world charm. There are nine breweries in close proximity here, making this street the ideal site for the October Festival that draws about 200,000 each year. You will visit two of the breweries to learn about the production process and to taste a variety of brews.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile of walking on mostly flat ground. We recommend comfortable walking tours. Guests must be at least 20-years old to be served alcoholic beverages in Japan.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Itsukushima Shrine
As its name suggests, Miyajima ("shrine island”) is nearly synonymous with the Itsukushima Shrine that dominates a small inlet on the island's north coast. The shrine was established in 593, the first year of the reign of Empress Suiko, and is today a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A leisurely 15-minute walk from the pier, the present shrine dates from the 13th century, and its emblematic torii gate, which at high tide appears to float on the water, was rebuilt in 1875. The massive torii rises 48 feet above the sea on a foundation of columns made of camphor 30 feet in circumference, which are in turn supported by smaller pillars buried in the seabed. The shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, all of which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars. The artistic vision and technical skill of the artisans who built these structures provide an exquisite example of the Japanese habit of turning art to worship.
When the sun sets, the shrine will be illuminated, providing an entirely new perspective on this holy place.
- This tour is done entirely on foot and involves approximately 2 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces, with a few steps at the shrine.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historical Hagi
Hagi, once the seat of the powerful Mori Clan from Japan's feudal period, is now best known for its well-preserved castle town.
Your first stop will be at the Tokoji Temple, one of the family temples of the Mori clan and the burial site of half of their lords. Tokoji Temple belongs to the Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism, which was introduced from China during the 17th century, and exhibits more Chinese influences (most obvious in the vivid red outer gate) than are typical in Japanese temples. You will want to visit the impressive burial site of the Mori lords, where each tomb is marked by its own large stone torii gate and looks out over hundreds of stone lanterns.
A short drive from the temple brings you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hagi Castle Town. Although only ruins remain of the castle itself, the basic plan of the Edo-period town has survived. Most of the streets are laid out exactly as they were four hundred years ago and retain the pure white walls and soft gray roof tiles of that period. Your walking tour of this beautifully preserved area includes an exploration of the Kikuya Residence and its tranquil garden. Built by a samurai family turned merchants, the residence is built like a warehouse and displays articles of everyday use — ceramics, utensils, clothing — from earlier times.
- This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking, mostly over flat gravel paths but also slightly uphill at Tokoji Temple. We recommend comfortable walking shoes. You will be asked to remove your shoes at the Kikuya residence.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Traditions from the Edo Period
The town of Hagi is perhaps best known for the pottery (Hagiyaki) that has been produced there since the early 17th century. The technique for manufacturing this particular style of ceramic was imported to Hagi from Korea at the beginning of the Edo period and quickly became the pottery of choice for use in tea ceremonies. At the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum, you will find a large collection of valuable Hagiyaki from various periods, as well as a display of ceramic pieces and paintings done by the artist for whom the museum is named. There is also a workshop where you can observe artisans at work and a gift shop where their wares can be purchased.
A short drive brings you to the samurai section of Hagi Town, one the best-preserved samurai districts in the whole of Japan. Your guide will lead you through samurai residences, where most of the streets are laid out exactly as they were four hundred years ago and retain the pure white walls and soft gray roof tiles of that period. Your tour includes an exploration of the Kikuya Residence, built by a samurai family turned merchants. The residence is built like a warehouse and displays articles of everyday use — ceramics, utensils, clothing — from earlier times.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over most flat surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Modern Art and Contemporary Gardens
The Adachi Museum of Art, about an hour's drive from Sakaiminato, although an excellent modern art museum, is probably best known for its garden, which is consistently ranked as the best garden in Japan by the Journal of Japanese Gardening. Founded by Adachi Zenko in 1970 in an effort to showcase the two Japanese art forms about which he was most passionate—painting and landscape design—the Museum's collection includes some 1300 artworks by the great masters of modern Japanese art. The works of Yokoyama Taikan, which are displayed in a permanent exhibit, predominate, but other 20th-century artists—Takeuchi Seiho, Uemura Shoen, and Ito Shinsui, among others—are also represented. Five separate gardens, all of which are viewed from within the museum, are designed to be seen as "living paintings" in accordance with the founder's belief that gardens may be appreciated in much the same way as oil on canvas.
After exploring the Adachi Museum, visit Yushien Garden, located on Daikon Island in the middle of Lake Nakaumi, between Sakaiminato and Matsue. This breathtaking garden of over 400,000 square feet, established in 1975, is beautiful in any season, featuring an array of landscape elements from flower gardens to waterfalls, streams, and rock gardens. But in springtime, when you will visit, Yushien's main attraction of over 250 different species of peonies in an array of colors will be in full bloom.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.25 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces, with perhaps 20 steps. Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are recommended. Total driving time is approximately 2 ½ hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Matsue Castle & the Art of Papermaking
Constructed in 1611 on the shores of Lake Shinji, Matsue Castle is the emblematic symbol of Matsue City and the only surviving feudal castle on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The castle donjon (keep) is made entirely of pine, and, with the exception of a partial reconstruction in 1692, has survived earthquakes, fires, and wars to remain much as it was in the 17th century. Explore the five-story façade that encloses six levels, including the uppermost floor, with views of the city, Lake Shinji, and distant mountains. You may also want to visit its small museum of samurai swords and armor.
A drive south brings you to Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall, a municipal museum dedicated to the life and times of Abe Eishiro (1903-1985), a master craftsman in the art of washi. The term comes from wa (Japanese) and shi (paper), and is used to describe the traditional Japanese method of making paper by hand. It commonly utilizes fibers from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, or the paper mulberry, but bamboo, hemp, rice, and wheat can also be used. Generally sturdier than ordinary paper made from wood pulp, washi is employed in many traditional arts and crafts, including Origami, Shodo, and Ukiyo-e. Washi paper has also been used to manufacture various everyday goods like clothes and toys, as well as vestments and ritual objects for Shinto priests. During your visit to the museum, you will have the opportunity to try making washi yourself.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving just about a total of a mile of walking, but over uneven surfaces and with many steps. There are approximately 70 steps to reach the gate of Matsue Castle and then 8 sets of ladder-type stairs to the top level of the castle. Guests can explore the grounds of the castle without climbing up the castle if they wish. Comfortable shoes are a must, however, shoes must be removed before entering the castle and at Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall. Driving time is a total of over 2 ½ hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Horikawa Canal Boat & Matsue Castle
Constructed in 1611 on the shores of Lake Shinji, Matsue Castle is the emblematic symbol of Matsue City and the only surviving feudal castle on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The castle donjon (keep) is made entirely of pine, and, with the exception of a partial reconstruction in 1692, has survived earthquakes, fires, and wars to remain much as it was in the 17th century. Explore the five-story façade that encloses six levels, including the uppermost floor, with views of the city, Lake Shinji, and distant mountains. You may also want to visit its small museum of samurai swords and armor.
Next enjoy another perspective of Matsue during a Horikawa boat ride. Sail along the river and canals of Matsue on a small boat during this 50-minute cruise. The boat is specially designed to fit under the 17 bridges spanning the canal, with the roof lowering to fit under a few of them.
- This is a moderate excursion, involving just about a total of a mile of walking, but over uneven surfaces and with many steps. There are approximately 70 steps to reach the gate of Matsue Castle and then 8 sets of ladder-type stairs to the top level of the castle. Guests can explore the grounds of the castle without climbing up the castle if they wish. The boat ride is on small boats, with the seating on the flat bottom of the boat. Guests must be able to climb into and out of the boat. While passing under 4 of the bridges, the boat’s roof will be lowered and guests will be asked to lower their heads. Comfortable shoes are a must, however, shoes must be removed before entering the castle and on the boat ride. Driving time is a total of over 2 hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gyeongju, Capital of Ancient Silla
This excursion will introduce you to the ancient kingdom of Silla, centered on Gyeongju, which flourished between the 7th and 10th centuries. During these three hundred years of Silla dominance of the peninsula, Buddhism was introduced to Korea, along with printing, a refinement in porcelain production, and a written language still in use today.
Your 90-minute drive to this UNESCO World Heritage site, often referred to as "the world's largest museum without walls," brings you first to the Bulguksa Temple, located on the slopes of Mt. Tohamsan. The temple is a monument to Silla architectural skill and home to many cultural artifacts protected as national treasures, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap Stone Pagodas, the Yeonhwa-gyo and Chilbo-gyo Bridges, and the Golden Seated Vairocana Buddha. A gallery attached to the temple displays art produced by the monks.
After a typical Korean lunch at a local restaurant, your tour continues with a visit to Tumuli Park, a royal burial ground containing the tombs of 23 Silla kings. You will be able to visit inside the Cheonmachong (“Flying Horse Tomb”) to see how these huge mounds were constructed.
Your final stop of the day is the Gyeongju National Museum, a treasure trove of Silla relics, ranging from magnificent golden crowns to prehistoric stone implements. One of the museum's prized possessions is the massive bronze Bell of King Seongdeok. Cast in the 8th century, it weighs in at 25 tons and stands 12 feet tall.
- This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over a variety of surfaces, some uneven or on inclines. Bulguksa Temple has many steep steps with no handrails. We recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Jagalchi Fish Market
During your 45-minute drive to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, you will cross the Gwangan Grand Bridge. At 4.6-miles, it is Korea's longest suspension bridge and offers panoramic views of city and sea: a spectacular beginning to a deeply rewarding day of discovery, sampling the richly varied cultural tapestry of South Korea's second-largest city.
Unlike most Korean Buddhist temples, which are typically found in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is built on rocky cliffs overlooking the sea — a dramatic setting that contributes to its popularity with both worshippers and secular visitors. The temple complex is centered on the Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, which is reached via a stairway of 108 steps. It was restored in 1970 with great care taken to replicate the original colors, which had appeared to the initial architect in a dream. Next door is a magnificent three-story pagoda guarded by four stone lions symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.
Return to Busan and visit the Jagalchi Fish Market, located next to the Fisherman’s Wharf. Emblematic of Busan and famous throughout the country, the enormous Jagalchi Market offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people of Busan. Sample the traditional green onion pancake with or without seafood, along with a glass of Korean rice wine.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile of walking over sometimes wet, slippery surfaces. To visit the Sanctuary at the Temple, you will have to walk down and back up the 108 steps. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Buddhist Tea Ceremony & UN Memorial Cemetery
Buddhism came to Korea from China in the 4th century, and by the time Silla unified the peninsula in 668, it had become the state religion. Although it is no longer the dominant religion in Korea, Buddhism still maintains as many as 20,000 temples throughout the country, many of them dedicated to the Zen tradition of meditation. One of these is the recently built (2003) Hongbeopsa Temple, famous for having one of the largest statues of Buddha in Asia. The highlight of your visit to Hongbeopsa will be the experience of a Buddhist Tea Ceremony, one of the six offerings—in addition to incense, flower, lantern, fruit, and rice—deemed appropriate gifts for the Buddha. The Tea Ceremony is practiced as a form of meditation with the aim of purifying the soul and becoming one with nature. After the ceremony, subject to his availability, you will be joined by a monk for a discussion of the ceremony and its relation to Buddhist teaching.
From Hongbeopsa, a short drive brings you to a place of a different sort of contemplation and meditation: the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea. The only United Nations cemetery in the world, it honors soldiers from 16 countries serving under UN command who were killed in battle during the Korean War. It is laid out over 35 acres of serene parkland and contains 2,300 graves, as well as monuments to the various nationalities represented.
- This is an easy excursion, requiring less than a mile of total walking over flat paved surfaces with only a few steps, however, as chairs are limited, participants may need to sit on the floor for the tea ceremony.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cooking Class & Gamcheon Culture Village
Korean cuisine has become increasingly popular in the West over the past several decades, and this excursion provides an opportunity for you to learn to make one of its most famous dishes—Bulgogi—from a master chef.
Travel to the center of town to one of Busan's best cooking schools, where the chef will greet you and talk about the origins of this savory dish of sliced beef in a soy-sesame-garlic-ginger sauce while demonstrating its preparation. Under chef's guidance, you will then prepare your own dish and sample it over rice, perhaps sharing with others in the group and comparing results.
Once finished with your self-made lunch, a detour on the way back to the ship brings you to Gamcheon Cultural Village, a neighborhood populated in the 1950s by refugees from the Korean War and long a poor backwater on the outskirts of fashionable modern Busan. The community experienced nothing short of an artistic renaissance beginning in 2009, when it was the site of a public art project that encouraged a cadre of young artists to transform the neighborhood from a downtrodden slum to a showcase of clever, colorful and quirky homes, shops, and galleries decorated with murals and sculptures along a maze of streets and alleyways. It has been heralded as one of Korea's most successful programs of urban renewal.
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This is a moderate excursion, because the walking at Gamcheon Village, although only about half a mile, is up and down a hillside. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are a must. Because of the size of the space at the cooking school, participation is limited to 24 guests.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Treasures of Busan
During your 45-minute drive to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, you will cross the Gwangan Grand Bridge. At 4.6-miles, it is Korea's longest suspension bridge and offers panoramic views of city and sea: a spectacular beginning to a deeply rewarding day of discovery, sampling the richly varied cultural tapestry of South Korea's second-largest city.
Unlike most Korean Buddhist temples, which are typically found in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is built on rocky cliffs overlooking the sea — a dramatic setting that contributes to its popularity with both worshippers and secular visitors. The temple complex is centered on the Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, which is reached via a stairway of 108 steps. It was restored in 1970 with great care taken to replicate the original colors, which had appeared to the initial architect in a dream. Next door is a magnificent three-story pagoda guarded by four stone lions symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.
Back in Busan, you will have time to explore the Space Lee Ufan. a sculpture garden and building, designed entirely by the artist, and devoted to the works of this much-heralded global master of minimalism, who was born in Hamun-gun, about 20 miles from this site.
After a buffet lunch at a restaurant with both Korean and international menus, your tour comes to an end at the Jagalchi Fish Market, located next to the Fisherman’s Wharf. Emblematic of Busan and famous throughout the country, the enormous Jagalchi Market offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people of Busan.
- This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking over sometimes wet, slippery surfaces. To visit the Sanctuary at the Temple, you will have to walk down and back up the 108 steps. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kokura Castle & the Mojiko Retro District
Mojiko (Moji Port) enjoyed its heyday during the early 20th century, when it was the center of commerce and finance for the China trade. When Japan lost World War II, the city went into decline, but it remains a showcase of the urban architectural style of the Meiji and Taisho Periods.
Your excursion begins with a 40-minute drive to Kokura Castle, a beautifully restored structure, originally built in 1602, at the very beginning of the Edo period. It was destroyed by fire in 1837, rebuilt, and damaged again in 1868 in fighting between Imperial forces and the Tokugawa shoguns. The castle keep was rebuilt in 1959 and the castle buildings completely restored in 1991. After your exploration of the castle, visit the authentic Shoin-zukuri style Tea House on the castle grounds and enjoy a stroll in the Chisen Kaiyu style garden (a garden with a path around a central pond and spring).
On your return to Mojiko, you will visit the Mojiko Retro area — a collection of shops and trendy restaurants in repurposed buildings in the area of the old port. From the Mojiko Retro Observation Room, located on the 31st floor of a high-rise condominium designed by Japan's leading architect Kisho Kurokawa, you will enjoy marvelous views overlooking the Kanmon Straits and the city below. There will be time at leisure to appreciate the historical architecture of the Mojiko Retro district and enjoy a bit of shopping before you return to the ship.
- This excursion involves less than a mile of walking over mostly flat terrain. There are a few steps up to the entrance Kokura Castle, then additional steps or an elevator with limited capacity. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Photography is restricted in some parts of the Kokura Castle Garden. You will be asked to remove your shoes before entering the Kokura Tea House.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Chofu Samurai Town & Akama Jingu Shrine
A 30-minute drive from Moji Port brings you to the town of Chofu, a samurai stronghold of the 17th century and the center of the uprising against Tokugawa rule that led to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The town is a virtual museum of samurai history and culture.
Your walk into the old town takes you past a number of longhouses with lattice windows and earthen walls, where high-ranking samurai warriors lived during the Edo period (1603-1867). At the Chofu Mori residence, you will discover an elegant main building surrounded by a traditional Japanese garden inside white walls. The Emperor was a guest here in the early 20th-century, and part of the room has been preserved as it was then.
A short distance on you will encounter the Kozan-ji Temple, founded in the Kamakura period and the oldest Zen style temple in Japan. It is the family temple of the Chofu Mori family, and it has been at the center of a number of historical events — including serving as the rallying point for Takasugi Shinsaku as he raised the army that turned the tide in the battle to restore the Meiji.
Your final stop before returning to the ship is at the Akama Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the child emperor Antoku who committed suicide by drowning after the defeat of the Heike at the final battle of the Genpei War (1180- 1185). In May of every year a festival is held in memory of Antoku, in which women come to the shrine in beautiful kimonos to mourn his memory — a scene straight out of a traditional Japanese picture scroll.
- The tour of Chofu and the Kozan-ji temple are both entirely on foot, totaling approximately 1 ½ miles, some of it on gravel and sloping surfaces, with approximately 60 steps. Paths at the shrine are cobblestone and there are 70 steps. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. You should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and protect yourself from the sun. You will be asked to remove your shoes at Chofu Mori residence.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Natural Wonders of Akiyoshidai
From Moji port, a drive of about an hour to the northern end of Yamaguchi Prefecture will bring you to Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, home to Japan's largest karst landscape—a limestone plateau that was once the floor of an ancient sea and whose fascinating structures, formed by centuries of erosion, are now a captivating scene of exposed outcroppings, shallow ravines, and sinkholes. You will have time to explore various vantage points for this landscape from the walking trails that surround the local Observatory and to capture photographs of the area before continuing to the entrance to a large network of caverns that lie beneath the surface of the plateau.
Akiyoshido Cave, Japan's longest limestone cave, reaches more than 6 miles into the earth, only the first half mile or so of which is open to the public. The cave is accessed from a sturdy boardwalk and contains impressive stalagmites and stalactites, including the "Golden Pillar" that stands more than 50 feet tall and 14 feet in diameter. The underground river that flows through the cave adds an auditory element to the experience, while soft, unobtrusive lighting illuminates the pools and terraces that serve as backdrops to the myriad shapes before you.
- This is a moderate excursion involving as much as 2 miles of walking over rolling terrain and many boardwalk steps in the cave. The footing in the cave can be slippery. Sturdy walking shoes with good soles are recommended, as is layered clothing and protection from sun and rain.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic Kurashiki
To begin this excursion into Japan's Edo period (1603-1867), you embark your coach for the one-hour drive to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area. From the 17th to the 19th century, Kurashiki was a vital part of the distribution network for goods throughout Japan. Many of the buildings you see were originally storehouses or rice granaries built in the late 18th century and now converted to other uses. Their tiled roofs, white-washed walls, and lattice windows are emblematic of the city.
From among the many museums in Kurashiki, you will visit the Museum of Folk Craft. Mr. Kichinosuke Tonomura, the first President of the museum, gathered together more than 10,000 items encompassing a wide range of practical goods — ceramics, textiles, lacquers, baskets, wood works, metal works, pictures and so on. The collection provides an intriguing glimpse into everyday life during the Edo period.
A short walk brings you to the Ohashi Family House, a 200-year-old merchant's house appointed as an Important Cultural Property in 1978. The Ohashi family built their wealth during the Edo period on a combination of salt farming and financial services. The main wing of the house is simple and solid; but the fire-resistant architecture and the lovely gate terrace testify to the family's prosperity.
- This tour is mainly a walking tour and involves approximately 1 mile of walking, mostly over flat terrain but also cobblestone streets. You will be asked to remove your shoes when visiting the Ohashi house and the folk-art museum.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Crafts of Bizen
From the pier in Uno, drive through the bustling city of Okayama to reach Bizen, a city long-associated with highly skilled artisans in several crafts, most notably pottery-making and blacksmithing.
Your first stop is in the quaint town of Imbe, where you visit one of the many traditional kilns that dot the area and learn from a local artist who will introduce you to the ancient techniques that produce this special style of pottery (Bizen-yaki) that is always fired in a wood-burning kiln and left unglazed.
Enjoy some time at leisure to stroll among the various pottery shops before driving to nearby Osafune and the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum, where displays include beautifully worked blades from master blacksmiths of the past, as well as a workshop where you can watch the process of forging blades as it has been done in this region since the 16th century.
- This is an easy excursion with less than a mile of walking over flat paved surfaces with only a few steps. Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kurashiki & Korakuen
Embark your coach for the one-hour drive to Korakuen Garden, rated as one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan. With an area of 133,000 square miles, the garden was built in 1700 by the local feudal lord in the Enshu landscape style of a stroll garden. It features a flat lawn, attractive ponds, a tiny tea plantation and rice paddy, and a small waterfall. As the seasons change, pine trees, maples, cherry, and plum trees reach their peak of beauty in succession.
Your exploration continues with a one-hour drive to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area. From the 17th to the 19th century, Kurashiki was a vital part of the distribution network for goods throughout Japan. Many of the buildings you see were originally storehouses or rice granaries built in the late 18th century and now converted to other uses. Their tiled roofs, white-washed walls, and lattice windows are emblematic of the city.
Despite the isolation of the Edo Period, Japanese porcelain and lacquerware were exported and had an influence on Western artists. The subsequent Meiji era allowed Western artists and artworks to enter Japan and were embraced by Japanese artists and art lovers. You will visit the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s oldest private museum of Western Art, established in 1930 by a local businessman and philanthropist, Ohara Magosaburo. In addition to masterpieces by El Greco, Gauguin, Picasso, and other European artists, the museum features crafts and artwork by Japanese and other Asian artists.
Following a Japanese lunch and a short walking tour, you will have time to explore this historical area on your own.
- This tour is mainly a walking tour and involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking, mostly over flat terrain but also over gravel and some steps at Korakuen Garden. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. You will be asked to remove your shoes at the restaurant.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
TOKYO: MODERNITY AND TRADITION (3 NIGHTS)
Japan is a country pulled in two radically different directions, deeply honoring its past while rushing headlong into the future. Hyper-modernity exists side by side with the quiet serenity of ancient shrines and gardens. Nowhere is this contrast more apparent than in the experience provided by this 4-day program in Tokyo, as you move between the steel and glass of modern skyscrapers and the wood and bamboo structure of Zen temples. From the gleaming storefronts of Tokyo's Ginza district to the serene Kiyosumi Garden, you will have the opportunity to see how Japan has managed to blend tradition and modernity.
Day 1 – Kobe | Disembark | Tokyo
Disembark in Kobe, where you will be transferred to the train station to catch the Shinkansen (bullet train). Enjoy a bento box lunch on board as the train speeds to Tokyo. Upon arrival, drive through the Imperial Palace grounds enroute to the Tokyo National Museum. Explore this fascinating museum’s rich and extensive collection of Asian art and cultural artefacts. Check into the Prince Park Tower Hotel, in the center of the city, your home for the next three nights. Dinner is independent.
Day 2 – Tokyo
After breakfast at the hotel, join a full day excursion that samples some of best that Tokyo has to offer. Explore the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, with its amazing variety of fish and seafood. Tour the Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is dedicated to the great-grandparents of the present emperor and whose vast grounds of more than 100,000 trees serves as both a sacred Shinto space and as an oasis of tranquility within the fast-paced city. Lunch at a local restaurant is followed by a visit to Sensoji Temple, first built in 645 to house a tiny statue of the goddess of mercy, where the temple precincts bustle with people praying, shopping and sightseeing. Stroll the Asakusa and Nakamise shopping arcade, one of the oldest shopping districts in Tokyo. Dinner is independent.
Day 3 – Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning excursion to Kiyosumi Garden and Fukagawa Edo Museum. Kiyosumi Garden was constructed in the late 19th century by Iawasaki Yataro, the founder of Mitsubishi, as a classic strolling garden to provide an oasis of serenity in the midst of an increasingly busy city. It remains just that in the 21st century. The nearby Edo Museum is a beautifully maintained re-creation of what a street in a commercial neighborhood would have looked like in 19th-century Tokyo. It includes reproductions of homes, inns, and various shops, all of which you can enter and explore. Return to the hotel, where lunch is Independent, followed by an afternoon at leisure, before you rejoin your group in the evening for a festive farewell dinner.
Day 4 – Tokyo
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Haneda or Narita airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
The 5-star Prince Park Tower Hotel is a flagship property of Prince Hotels and a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Located in Shiba Park in Minato City, the hotel boasts 10 restaurants and lounges offering a variety of Pan-Asian cuisines, a spa including a natural hot spring, a fitness center, and a bowling salon with 12 lanes. All of its rooms are appointed with the amenities you expect from a luxury hotel, including 24-hour in room dining and massage service.
Your program includes:
- 3 nights at the Prince Park Tower Hotel (or similar)
- Bullet train from Kobe to Tokyo
- Luggage handling from Kobe pier to Tokyo hotel
- Transfer from the pier to the train station in Kobe
- Transfer and luggage handling from the Tokyo hotel to the airport on Day 4
- Breakfast on Days 2, 3 and 4
- Lunch on Days 1 and 2
- Dinner on Day 3
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the yen and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
The Prince Park Tower
4-8-1 Shibakoen
Minato, Tokyo 105-8563
Japan
Tel: +81 (0)3-5400-1111
Total : 2,474 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.