Superior Stateroom
21 m²
3
Set sail with PONANT and discover the Empire of the Rising Sun, its many traditions and emblematic sites. From Otaru, you will set off on an all-new 12-day cruise in the footsteps of the mid-18th-century Japanese merchants , who travelled the Kitamae maritime route to Osaka every year.
First of all, you will visit the north of the island of Honshu and, more specifically, the charming city of Sakata. Long known as a prosperous town in the western part of the Tohoku region, it will captivate you with its folkloric atmosphere, with authentic and traditional architecture, still retaining the scents, flavours and certain traditions of the time of Kitamae.
You will then sail to the small island of Sado, renowned for its magnificent coastline, wild landscapes and rich history, which blends maritime and artistic traditions with vestiges of the gold rush.
Then, in Toyama, a charming city backing onto the Tateyama mountain range, you will take the Kurobe Tateyama alpine route for a voyage above the clouds. This will be the opportunity to cross the ‘Yuki no Otani’, an impressive route cut under more than fifteen metres of snow. At the summit of this magical route, you will be struck by an exceptional panorama overlooking what are known as the Japanese Alps.
After exploring the traditional village of Ine and its bay, the port of call in Tottori will seem like the unexpected interlude of your cruise. With good reason, since this ancient, fortified town is home to Japan’s largest sand dunes. Bright sunshine, ochre dunes edged by the Sea of Japan, camels with a captivating gait... Here, in this majestic landscape where wind waves rise to caress the sand giants, time seems to stand still.
Le Soléal will set sail, on the island of Honshu, to Hagi, the cradle of the samurai and Hagi ware. This town will win you over with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and the former residences of Japanese warriors from this feudal town, whose mythical Shizuki Castle, erected in the 17th century, emerges as a symbol.
Then you will sail to South Korea, a small peninsula that juts out into the Sea of Japan, and discover Busan, South Korea’s second city. A place of great contrasts, Busan offers a spectacular view over its port, as well as over the ancient district of Chalgachi.
Back in Japan, you will set out to discover Moji, on the northern tip of the island of Kyushu. In the past a strategic site for maritime trade with China, this stunning city of picturesque little streets will enthral you with its preserved architectural heritage evoking the traditional Japan of the Meiji era and the end of the 19th century. From the top of the Mojiko Retro Observation Room, you will be able to enjoy an exceptional panorama, a poetic combination of shinto sanctuaries and captivating maritime landscapes.
After a trip aboard one of our zodiac inflatables, in the traditional fishing village of Mitarai, you will head to Tomonoura, known for its gentle way of life and its craggy landscapes that inspired the animator Hayao Miyazaki for the animated film Ponyo.
You will disembark in Osaka, a modern, forward-looking city, in the heart of the Japanese archipelago.
Ref : SO110423
First expedition cruise in the world in the footsteps of the merchants of the Kitamae route. Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides. Varied landscapes of...
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Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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*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.
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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:
For men:
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:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
EXPEDITION OUTFIT FOR YOUR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
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
Embarkation 11/4/2023 From 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Departure 11/4/2023 at 5:00 pm
Boasting an outstanding setting of natural beauty, bordered by the Sea of Japan on one side and Mt Tengu on the other, Otaru is a lively harbour town. This old industrial capital has kept from its past glory buildings in 19th century brick as well as its canals, formerly the main means of transportation. They give this Japanese town a striking appearance, especially when covered in snow. Magnificent vistas abound - itメs up to you to put them in order of preference. Shukutsu Observatory, overlooking out over the vast Bay of Ishikari, is just one of them.
Arrival 12/4/2023
Departure 12/4/2023
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 13/4/2023
Departure 13/4/2023
Nestling on the shores of the Sea of Japan, in the Tôhoku region in the north of the island of Honshu, Sakata will enchant you with its folkloric atmosphere and its authentic and traditional architecture. This emblematic city has retained the scents, flavours and certain traditions of the time of Kitamae, a shipping route along which Japanese merchants travelled in the 18th century, extending from Otaru to Osaka. The succession of Sankyo warehouses where rice was once stored stand as a testament to that time and are now the symbols of a strong industrial heritage.
Arrival 14/4/2023
Departure 14/4/2023
A small stretch of land nestling in the Sea of Japan, Sado Island is one of Japan’s unsuspected gems. Here, off the coast of the city of Niigata, time seems to stand still. The traditional wooden houses coexist with a unique natural environment offering a wonderful mix of quiet beaches with crystal-clear water, craggy coastline, wild moors, and splendid rice terraces. Before the Edo Period, political opponents were exiled on this island. Renowned for its gold mines, active until 1989, Sado distinguishes itself by preserving a cultural heritage with fabulous attractions. Noh theatre is a perfect example. The oldest traditional performing art in Japan, combining dance-drama and pantomime, Noh theatre holds a special place in the history of Sado. The island is world-renowned for this art form.
Arrival 15/4/2023
Departure 15/4/2023
In the centre of the island of Honshû, backing onto the Tateyama mountain range, discover the irresistible and enchanting Toyama. Gateway into the Japanese Alps, between the mountains and the cystal-clear waters of the Sea of Japan, Toyama captivates with its unique landscapes: waterfalls considered the highest in Japan, gigantic walls of snow in winter, large screen nature with summits climbing over 3,000 metres high. The Kurobe Tateyama alpine route will take you on a voyage above the clouds. This will be the opportunity to cross the “Yuki no Otani”, an impressive route cut under more than fifteen metres of snow. At the summit of this mythical route, you will be struck by an exceptional panorama overlooking these snow giants.
Arrival 16/4/2023
Departure 16/4/2023
In the north of the Kyoto prefecture, along the Sea of Japan and anchored in the Bay of Ine, this small fishing village nestling between lush green mountains and emerald waters is considered to be one of Japan’s most beautiful villages. Calm and picturesque, Ine has successfully preserved its authenticity of yesteryear, as evidenced by the Funaya, these traditional wooden dwellings built above the water to house fishermen and store their small boats. Ine will take you on a beguiling voyage into the 18th century, to the epoch of Edo and the Kitamae trade route.
Arrival 17/4/2023
Departure 17/4/2023
On the San-in coast, Tottori, the Japanese island of Honshu’s northernmost city, offers tranquillity and a change of scenery. Lined with lush forests containing mountain sanctuaries long considered to have been the homes of the gods, Tottori has retained its authenticity of yesteryear. A symbol of Japan off the beaten track, this city in the eponymous region promises to be a surprising interlude on your cruise. With good reason, since this ancient fortified city with vestiges of its past is home to the largest sand dunes in Japan. Bright sunshine, golden dunes edged by the Sea of Japan, camels with a captivating gait... Here, in this majestic landscape where wind waves rise to caress the sand giants, time seems to stand still.
Arrival 18/4/2023
Departure 18/4/2023
In the south of Honshu island, surrounded by mountains, Hagi is a city of water. For good reason; it was built on the delta of the Abu-gawa river. Its castle was built in the 17th century and its outer walls remain in the lovely Shizuki Park. The old town was one of the cradles of the Meiji revolution. You will discover its rich past in streets lined with old houses and samurai manors, or within the walls of the many museums and Hagi-yaki ceramics workshops.
Arrival 19/4/2023
Departure 19/4/2023
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.
Arrival 20/4/2023
Departure 20/4/2023
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.
Arrival 21/4/2023
Departure 21/4/2023
A charming fishing village nestling in the east of Osaki Shimojima Island, on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, Mitarai is appreciated for its traditional charm and authentic character. A trip back in time to the Edo Period, where the hustle and bustle of modern cities is replaced by the gentle sound of fishing boats. Thanks to its 19th century wooden dwellings lining the small, narrow streets, its great causeway, its centuries-old sanctuaries and its gangi stairs, a stone structure giving on to the sea, the old town was classed as a Preservation District by the Japanese state in 1994.
Arrival 21/4/2023
Departure 21/4/2023
Anchored to the south-eastern end of the Nunakama Peninsula, facing the calm and clear waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Tomonoura is a destination particularly appreciated for its authentic and old-fashioned atmosphere that gives it an incomparable charm. In the past used as a port where boats would moor while waiting for a favourable wind, the charming and picturesque village now serves to inspire many filmmakers and artists. With good reason, since its craggy landscapes, its cherry trees in blossom, its gentle way of life, its traditional wooden houses and its port, preserved since the Edo era, notably enabled the artist Hayao Miyazaki to make the animated film Ponyo.
Arrival 22/4/2023
Disembarkation 22/4/2023 at 8:00 am
Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity. The main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of three unforgettable days between Tokyo and Hokkaido. Immerse yourself in both traditional and modern Japan, between skylines, shopping streets, temples and gardens. This programme rich in visits, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - From Haneda Airport to Tokyo
Meet at Haneda International airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign.
You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will depart the airport by coach for the capital city of Japan.
Unique blend of the tranquil past and the bustling present, Tokyo has in the past 30 years become steadily bigger, busier and more crowded, completely changing the skyline as well as the appearance of the streets. The capital of Japan is the city where East and West blend most harmoniously.
You will be transferred to your hotel, the Okura Tokyo Hotel 5*, for checking in.
Afternoon and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Tokyo
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Tokyo, centre of the national administration, education, culture and economy as well as a thriving industrial city.
You will first visit the superb National Museum of Tokyo which houses the world's largest collection of Japanese art, as well as ancient pottery, religious sculptures, Samurai swords, kimonos and many other objects.
After lunch, you will go to Asakusa, a traditional and very popular district in Tokyo to visit the famous Sensoji Buddhist temple. The main hall was first built in 645 to house a tiny golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, that had been repeatedly hauled up in fishing nets despite being thrown back into the river. The statue was enshrined in the main hall where it remains today - a sight too holy to be seen. Entering the area through the monumental Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), you will go down a shopping street lined with shops selling Japanese souvenirs and local snacks. At the end of the street stands a five-story pagoda. It is visible to the left of the temple's main hall and is the second highest after Toji temple south of Kyoto. The lesser known Shinto Asakusa Shrine to the right of the main hall is the venue for one of the country's most famous Shinto festivals, the Sanja Matsuri. As the original temple was largely destroyed by bombings during the Second World War, the current buildings are post-war reconstructions.
Next, you will visit Roppongi Hills. Opened in spring 2003 in the centre of Tokyo, Roppongi Hills is the largest city redevelopment area with luxury housing and over 200 boutiques and restaurants. A panoramic view from the observatory on the 52nd floor, which is called Tokyo City View, is superb. Take in the massive 360-degree view of Tokyo, one of the world's most dynamic and spectacular cities, and totally unlike any other.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 3 - Tokyo
At the beginning of the day, you will be driven to the Imperial Palace Plaza for a photo stop. The Imperial Palace is built on the site of Edo castle which, at its peak, was the largest in the world, although only the moat and ramparts remain today. The main building is well tucked up in the small forest and not visible.
You will visit Shinjuku-gyoen Garden. Completed in 1906 as a garden for the Imperial family and then opened to the public as a national garden following World War II, Shinjuku Gyoen spreads across 144 acres in Shinjuku in downtown Tokyo. The garden includes over 20,000 trees, 1,500 of which are cherry trees that burst into bloom each spring. Located in the shadows of Shinjuku's skyscrapers, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a perfect oasis from the hectic city life.
Our next stop is Meijijingu Shrine. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken, in 1914. The shrine, built in 1920, comprises three areas: the Naien, Inner Precincts, centered on the shrine buildings; the Gaien, or Outer Precincts, which include sports facilities, the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and the Meiji Memorial Hall. The shrine spreads over 700,000 square meters covered by a forest of 120,000 trees of 365 species donated by people from all over Japan. Sumo wrestlers, upon rising to the rank of Grand Champion, give a demonstration at Meiji Jingu. For many Japanese the shrine is both a spiritual home and an oasis in Tokyo.
Then, if time permits, you will have some time to stroll around Omotesando Street. This avenue, "the front approach", originally served Meiji Shrine. It is one of the most fashionable areas of Tokyo with numerous high-endly qualified brand shops and sophisticated restaurants.
After having a Japanese meal at a local restaurant, you will have an afternoon at leisure.
At the end of the afternoon, you will be transferred to a local restaurant for dinner.
Enjoy a Japanese Shabu-shabu dinner served in a local restaurant. For your meal, a pot of boiling water to cook food will be placed on your table. You will dip thin slices of beef and fresh vegetables into a pot of broth several times for few seconds. “Shabu-shabu” is the sound of the meat swished in the broth.
Day 4 - From Tokyo to the port of Otaru
Check-out. You will be transferred by coach to the airport for your domestic flight to Sapporo.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative.
You will depart the airport for a local restaurant where a western style lunch will be served. After lunch, you will visit the Historic Village of Hokkaido during a walking tour. The Historic Village of Hokkaido is an open-air museum in the suburbs of Sapporo. It showcases the trades, lifestyles and culture of the past through authentic recreations of a city and several villages dating from the Meiji and Taisho Periods (1868 to 1926) when the development of Hokkaido took place on a large scale. There are four different sections: a town, a fishing village, a farm village and a mountain village.
If time permits, you will also enjoy a photo stop by the Otaru Canal. This canal was created by a sea reclamation project beginning in 1914 and is lined with stone warehouses from that time. Once the capital of Hokkaido during Japan's Meiji Period, Otaru was known as the "Sakhalin of Japan" for its busy maritime trade with Russia. The shipping warehouses have been preserved and the canal is always photogenic whatever the season.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Otaru to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Ideally located in the Toranomon district, the Okura Tokyo Hotel is a ten-minute walk to the Okura Shukokan Museum of Fine Arts and the imposing National Diet Building. The rooms are located in the recent building called Prestige Tower. The hotel has five restaurants, two lounge bars, a covered pool and a fitness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
The Okura Tokyo Hotel
2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
105-0001, Japan
Telephone: +81- (0)-3-3582-0111
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$4,190
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Sapporo
Meet at Shin-Chitose Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel JR Tower Nikko Sapporo 5*.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Sapporo/Otaru
After breakfast and check-out, you will leave the hotel and start your tour of Sapporo and Otaru.
Sapporo is the prefectural capital of Hokkaido and the island’s largest city. The mountains surrounding this northern metropolis form a semicircle in which the city lies.
Your first stop will be the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market. The market, known for supplying the restaurants and kitchens of Sapporo, has become famous among tourists. Freshly-caught seafood and fresh produce are displayed in rows, and buyers and sellers negotiate energetically. This market gives visitors a glimpse into how the locals live and do business.
Next, you will visit the Sapporo Beer Museum. The red-brick Sapporo Beer Brewery includes the Sapporo Beer Museum, where visitors are walked through beer brewing methods and their importance in the development of Hokkaido. Sapporo is the oldest of Japan's four major beer brands and the brewery building is a historical site.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will continue on to Otaru and enjoy some free time at the Otaru Canal. The symbol of Otaru City, the historic Otaru Canal spans 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) and offers both a nostalgic look at the Otaru of yesteryear and unique shopping and dining experiences. The canal was created by a sea reclamation project started in 1914 and is lined with old stone warehouses from that time. Once the capital of Hokkaido, during Japan's Meiji era, Otaru was known as the "Sakhalin of Japan" for its busy maritime trade with Russia. The shipping warehouses have been preserved and the canal is photogenic in all seasons. Along the canal’s promenade, illuminated by a series of gaslights, you will find a host of fancy shops and fine restaurants to discover.
After your time at the canal, you will be transferred to the pier of Otaru to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Rising to 173 metres (568 feet) above ground, the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo is the tallest building in Hokkaido. The rooms, located on floors 23 to 34, were designed to give a sense of spaciousness and freedom and offer magnificent views of a green cityscape. The hotel features four restaurant and bar facilities. Its spa, highly popular among the Japanese, uses genuine natural hot spring water originating from 1,000 metres (3,281 feet) underground.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
JR Tower Nikko Sapporo
5 Nishi 2, Kita 5,
Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi,
Hokkaido 060-0005,
Japan
Telephone number: +81-11-251-2222
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$1,340
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of one unforgettable day to discover the historical and cultural heritage of Osaka, Japan’s first capital. This programme will be a pleasant conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 - Osaka
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will board the coach for a full day sightseeing tour of Osaka, the second largest city in Japan and the biggest merchant city in Western Japan.
You will start your exploration with a visit of the Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle was a monumental fortification constructed, upon the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to be the strongest and enclosed by stone walls 12 kilometres in length. The castle took three and a half years to complete and required 30,000 to 40, 000 men. It played a major role in the unification of Japan. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The entire Osaka Castle Park covers about two square kilometers.
Located directly across the street is Osaka Museum of History. You will visit this museum and learn about the history of the city starting from ancient periods when Osaka was the country’s first capital, until the years of the early Showa Period (early 20th century).
Enjoy a Japanese style lunch in a local restaurant. Following lunch, you will appreciate a stroll in the streets of Osaka.
You will then proceed to Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. The entire Sumiyoshi Taisha, dating from the third century and rebuilt from the nineteenth century, classified “National Treasure” is dedicated to the four kami gods, of the sea and sea voyage, agriculture, diplomacy and waka poetry. The Empress Jingu (169-269), known for her conquest of Korea, is also worshiped. In the past, sea merchants would stop in Osaka to pray to Sumiyoshi Taisha, before returning to their ships.
After this visit, reach the tallest building in the country, built on March 2014, the Abeno Harukas. Of the 60 floors of the Building, 14 levels are dedicated to shopping, restaurants, art galleries, offices, and a hotel. At the top, there is an observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city (entrance fee included). Enjoy time at leisure to purchase items.
After this visit, you will be transferred to the hotel Imperial Osaka 5*. Check-in.
The evening and dinner are at leisure.
Day 2 - Osaka
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will be transferred to Kansai International Airport (a one-hour drive) in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Located in Osaka (Kita), along the Okawa River, Imperial Osaka Hotel is a prestigious five-star hotel with elegant and comfortable guest rooms, an indoor pool, a health club and a sauna, as well as various fine dining options. The hotel's location is excellent as it is walking-distance of Kema Sakuranomiya Park and close to Osaka Castle.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Imperial Osaka Hotel
8-50, Temmabashi1-chome, Kita-ku,
Osaka 530-0042, Japan
Telephone: +81-6-6881-1111
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$1,190
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of three unforgettable days between Kyoto and Nara to discover the ancient imperial capitals. Immerse yourself in traditional Japan, between temples, meditation, Geisha dances and tea ceremony. This programme will be the perfect conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 - From the port of Osaka to Nara and then Kyoto
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart the airport by coach for Nara, approximately two-hour drive.
For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan's capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. First you will visit Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building, and home to Japan's largest Buddha. The temple is approached through an imposing gate supported by eighteen 75 feet-high pillars. Walk to Isuien Garden, the only walking garden in Nara, which covers roughly 3,34 acres (1,3 ha), divided into two sections.
A Japanese style lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, visit Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns which have been donated by worshippers.
After this visit, you will be transferred to Kyoto, approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive. Upon arrival, enjoy a stroll in Gion district, a historical place known as Kyoto's most famous Geiko district with beautiful traditional houses.
Then proceed to the Kyoto Okura Hotel 5* for check-in.
A western style dinner will be served at your hotel.
Day 2 - Kyoto
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto, Japan's Imperial Capital City for more than ten centuries, from 794 to 1868, Kyoto occupies a unique position among the great cities of the world.
The tour will take you first to Kiyomizu Temple ; kiyoi mizu means "pure water" or "spring water". Kiyomizu Temple is noted for its cliff top Main Hall with a broad wooden veranda offering a panoramic view of Kyoto and environs. The veranda is supported on a towering scaffold of wood. The Main Hall has been designated a National Treasure. Enjoy some time at leisure to purchase souvenirs in the nearby shopping streets.
Next, you will take part in Zazen, seated Zen meditation. Zazen is a way of training for monks to obtain enlightenment. It is considered the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. You will sit in the silent room separated from the ordinary life. Also, you will have a chance to experience Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of the most representative forms of Japanese beauty, and participating in a ceremony is one of the best ways to come into contact with the Japanese sense of spirituality.
After lunch (western style lunch), you will proceed to Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site. Nijo Castle was built by leyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, in 1603. Ieyasu built the castle as his Kyoto residence. Look at its Ninomaru Palace designated a National Treasure on account of its splendid architecture and magnificent interior decoration. The floorboards of corridors, called « bush warbler boards », creak underfoot.
Return to your hotel to freshen up.
You will then be transferred to a dinner venue. Enjoy a Kaiseki dinner which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, with a Maiko (an apprentice geisha in Kyoto) and a Geiko (a full-fledged artist known as Geisha outside of Japan) who will performe. The performance consists of singing and dancing.
Day 3 - Kyoto
Enjoy a second full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto, birthplace of the country's traditional arts and crafts, rich of a glorious past and religious traditions.
The tour will take you first to Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third of the Ashikaga Shoguns, built a retirement estate there in 1398. After his death in 1419, the grounds were turned into a Buddhist temple for the Rinzai sect. The only building to remain standing of Yoshimitsu's estate was the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories are covered in gold leaf and the roof is topped by a bronze phoenix. It was listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994.
Continue your visit to Ryoanji Temple, a temple famous for its rock garden, perhaps the best dry Japanese garden and certainly a masterpiece by the Zen-inspired artist Soami.
A Japanese style lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will proceed to the Tenryuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Godaigo, the temple is held in high esteem. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto ». The garden created by Muso Soseki, features a circular promenade around Sogen Pond. You may appreciate to stroll along a bamboo path admiring the beauty of the area.
Transfer back to your hotel.
The evening and dinner are at leisure.
Day 4 - From Kyoto to Kansai Airport in Osaka Bay
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will be transferred to Kansai International Airport (a two-hour drive) in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
The Kyoto Okura Hotel's elegant and sophisticated rooms offer a relaxing decor and spectacular views of the city. Many of Kyoto's renowned places of interest are to be found within a short distance of the hotel. An assortment of pleasant restaurants offer local fare as well as a variety of other cuisine.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Kyoto Okura Hotel
Kawaramachi-Oike, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
604-8558 - Japan
Telephone: +81 - (0) 75 211 5111
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$3,380