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Hiroshima Peace Memorial

The Best of Japan - Osaka to Maizuru

Osaka to Maizuru - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Le Soleal
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Discover the Land of the Rising Sun, where the history of the samurai and the daintiness of the geishas exist side by side. Board Le Soleal in Osaka for a 9-day cruise to the heart of Japan. From Tamano, discover the unique architecture of the historic city of Kurashiki, which was an essential port in Japan during the Edo period. In the village of Fukiya, find out more about bengara, a precious red iron oxide pigment. Call at Miyajima, home to the majestic Shinto shrine whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion Torii. Continue to Busan, a warm and welcoming city in South Korea full of contrasts that presents numerous vestiges that speak of its prestigious past. In Sakaiminato, set off to discover medieval Japan and the ancient dwellings of the samurai, who had lavish homes and castles built.
Japanese Cherry Blossom treeLocal Japanese woman in traditional dress.Hiroshima Peace Memorial or Atomic Bomb DomeExperience the unique architecture of Asia.Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Highlights
  • Stroll down the streets of Kurashiki, known as the 'white-walled city.'
  • Visit the magnificent Uwajima Castle was built in the 17th-century.
  • Admire Kyushu Island, best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano.
  • Be impressed by Nagasaki's rich heritage and culture.
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Osaka, Japan | Embark

Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity. The main historic landmark is the 16th-century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialties: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsukebabs.

Day 2: Tamano (Okayama)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located on the island of Honshu, hugging the banks of the Sento Inland Sea, Tamano is a popular destination thanks to its sun-drenched climate. Upon arrival, marvel at the way in which the city has been built along the coast at the foot of a deep, dark forest. In the area surrounding Tamano, stroll down the streets of Kurashiki, known as the 'white-walled city' in a nod to the pretty façades of the houses that line the streets of this ancient Edo-period trading town. Another major regional attraction is the Seto Ohashi bridge. Its 12.5 kilometers make it the world's longest double-decker bridge.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Historical Kurashiki, Fukiya Village.

Day 3: Hiroshima | Miyajima Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 can 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.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Saijo Sake Street Walking Tour, Remembering Hiroshima.

At the heart of the Inland Sea, Miyajima, the “island sanctuary” reveals its treasures. In the background, 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, be transported by the unique character and the serenity of this sacred site.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Itsukushima Shrine & Cooking, Itsukushima Shrine & Zazen Meditation.

Day 4: Uwajima

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located on the west coast of Shikoku island, Uwajima delights lovers of history and traditional customs. The magnificent Uwajima Castle was built in the 17th-century by the powerful Date clan and has a beautiful ornamental garden and bridge. The much-visited Taga Shrine is dedicated to fertility and is full of phalluses. Another interesting tradition is togyu, a Japanese variant of bull-fighting where two bulls are pitted against each other without a toreador. As for eating, you must taste jakoten, a local delicacy based on fried fish.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Itsukushima Shrine & Cooking, Itsukushima Shrine & Zazen Meditation.

Day 5: Kagoshima

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis reminds you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitantsメ everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three meters that were モswallowed upヤ by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature sends a shiver down your spine.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: A Trip To Chiran, Kagoshima Highlights & Volcano, Miyama Pottery Town & Shochu Distillery.

Day 6: Nagasaki

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located on the north-west coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki will impress you by its rich heritage. Despite the destruction in 1945, you can visit several ancient sites, including the beautiful 19th-century Catholic Church of Oura and its garden, the sanctuary of Suwa Shrine as well as several Buddhist temples. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum gives you insight into the extent of the damage caused by the nuclear attack. Close by, a walk in the Memorial Peace Park leads you to a collection of objets dメart offered as a gift from Japan to the world.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Ground Zero & Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki Historical Tour.

Day 7: Busan, South Korea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second-largest metropolis in South Korea, after Seoul. This dynamic harbor city, located in the south-east, surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, benefits from a mild, pleasant climate. You can find it 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 wins you over, as will its inhabitants, whom you have the pleasure of meeting.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Haedongyonggungsa Temple & Fish Market, Tea Ceremony & Temple Culture.

Day 8: Sakaiminato, Japan

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 specialties and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Daisen and the Yumigahama peninsula

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Izumo & Adachi Art Museum, Matsue Castle & Paper Making Experience, Sushi & Sake Experience.

Day 9: Maizuru, Japan | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Located on the western coast of Honshu island, in the province of Kyoto, the charming town of Maizuru boasts one of Japan’s most exquisite closed bays. A climb to the observatory allows you to appreciate the splendor of this inlet scattered with tiny wild islands. You can also admire the treasures of traditional architecture by visiting the temple of Enryu-ji or the Tanabe-jo castle. The town also bears traces of a rich military past, which you can see in the old arsenals of the navy, red brick buildings that today house a museum.

Disembark after breakfast in Maizuru. 

Ship/Hotel

Le Soleal

Enjoy a show in the movie theater.
Bar and lounge with a view.
Restaurant aboard the Le Soleal.

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Superior Stateroom
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Superior Stateroom
The Superior Stateroom has a capacity of up to 3 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds.
Deluxe Stateroom
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Deluxe Stateroom
The Deluxe Stateroom has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 4 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Deluxe Suite
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Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suite has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
The Prestige Suite on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
The Prestige Suite on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
Owner's Suite
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Owner Suite
The Owner's suite is situated on Deck 6 with a capacity up to 2 passengers per cabin. With a king-sized bed, it has been decorated by French interior designers and provides you with a breathtaking panoramic sea view.

Notes

Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.

Discounts are available for children sharing a cabin with two adults and third adult passengers in select cabin categories. Please contact us for details.

Single travelers can opt for a solo cabin - supplements start at 50%.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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