Superior Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
The best of Japan
Osaka - Busan
Dates:
9/5/2027
to
17/5/2027
days
nights on board
Ponant has an ideal introduction to this captivating archipelago, inviting you on a timeless journey around the fascinating and surprising Empire of the Rising Sun, where unbridled modernism and ancestral traditions form a delightful blend, where the history of the samurai rubs shoulders with the delicateness of the geisha, and where the aromas of the tea plantations intermingle with the fragrances of cherry blossom. Dive into the heart of ancestral Japan, where each port of call unveils unsuspected treasures and unique moments.
Between temples imbued with spirituality, majestic volcanic landscapes and mystical forests, nature unveils all of its splendour. Fall under the spell of the local handicrafts, the refined flavours of thousand-year-old gastronomy, and a warm welcome that is deeply rooted in tradition. Explore sites steeped in serenity, witnesses to rich and poignant history, where each detail inspires contemplation.
Ref : SO090527
Your itinerary
Travel to the heart of Japan to discover its many facets: its history and ancestral traditions, its unbridled modernism, its magnificent landscapes. Exceptional heritage with numerous UNESCO World Heritage...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
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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L'AUSTRAL
LE LAPÉROUSE
2/4/2026 to the 12/4/2026
LE CHAMPLAIN
3/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
LE BORÉAL
14/5/2026 to the 24/5/2026
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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
Highlights
- Travel to the heart of Japan to discover its many facets: its history and ancestral traditions, its unbridled modernism, its magnificent landscapes.
- Exceptional heritage with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Itsukushima Shrine from Miyajima Island, the mountainous island of Yakushima, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
- Among your included excursions*: visit the city of Chiran from Kagoshima, the historic city of Kurashiki, experience the cultural heritage of Nagasaki.
*Included excursions must be pre-booked approximately two months prior to departure and are subject to availability
Ports of Call & Excursions
9 May 2027 - Osaka
Embarkation 9/5/2027 From 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Departure 9/5/2027 at 8:00 pm
Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity. The main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.
10 May 2027 - Tamano
Arrival 10/5/2027 early morning
Departure 10/5/2027 evening
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 kilometres make it the world's longest double-decker bridge.
11 May 2027 - Miyajima Island
Arrival 11/5/2027 early morning
Departure 11/5/2027 midday
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.
11 May 2027 - Hiroshima
Arrival 11/5/2027 early afternoon
Departure 11/5/2027 evening
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.
12 May 2027 - Beppu, Oita
Arrival 12/5/2027 early morning
Departure 12/5/2027 evening
A favourite destination for the Japanese, Beppu is now famous throughout the Japanese archipelago thanks to its onsen – volcanic hot springs in which people immerse themselves to relax with family or friends. From Beppu, you will set off to discover a lush, peaceful valley in which sit 60 majestic stone Buddhas carved out of the cliff face between the 12th and 14th centuries. Exuding a soothing air of serenity, the Mangetsuji site seems to have drifted off to sleep in the heart of a dense bamboo forest surrounded by rice fields. Recognised as a National Treasure of Japan, this set of sacred sculptures offers travellers a unique, wonderful experience.
13 May 2027 - Uwajima
Arrival 13/5/2027 early morning
Departure 13/5/2027 late afternoon
Located on the west coast of Shikoku island, Uwajima will delight 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. As for eating, you must taste jakoten, a local delicacy based on fried fish.
14 May 2027 - Miyanoura, Yakushima
Arrival 14/5/2027 midday
Departure 14/5/2027 evening
Yakushima is a striking island in the South of Japan, covered in forest and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers are very fond of this destination because of the lush vegetation, Mount Miyanoura, the waterfalls and cascades. But without a doubt, the symbol of the island remains its many age-old cedar trees which is said to have inspired some of the scenes in the animated film Princess Mononoke. On this island, you will also find wildlife including the Japanese macaque, the sika deer, and green sea turtles which lay their eggs on the magnificent sandy beaches here.
15 May 2027 - Kagoshima
Arrival 15/5/2027 early morning
Departure 15/5/2027 late afternoon
The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, ﾠis best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis will remind you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitants' everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three metres that was 'swallowed up' by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature will send a shiver down your spine.
16 May 2027 - Nagasaki
Arrival 16/5/2027 early morning
Departure 16/5/2027 mid afternoon
Located on the north-west coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki will impress you by its rich heritage. Despite the destruction in 1945, you can visit several ancient sites, including the beautiful 19th-century Catholic Church of Oura and its garden, the sanctuary of Suwa Shrine or several Buddhist temples. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum gives you insight into the extent of the damage caused by the nuclear attack. Close by, a walk in the Memorial Peace Park leads you to a collection of objets d'art offered as a gift from Japan to the world.
17 May 2027 - Busan
Arrival 17/5/2027 early morning
Disembarkation 17/5/2027 at 6:30 am
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.
Le Soléal
Like Le Boréal and L’Austral, the two sister ships that preceded it, Le Soléal further reaffirms PONANT's signature approach: to take passengers to the farthest reaches of the planet onboard modern ships offering top-of-the-range services.
An elegant appearance and refined interior design combine with cutting-edge technology to offer a new type of cruising: adventure in a luxury setting.
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest*, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
*Excluding Paul Gauguin
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
DISCOVER OSAKA (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Osaka
Meet at Kansai International airport – Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Transfer from the airport located in Osaka to the 5* hotel selected by PONANT.
Day and meals at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Osaka
After breakfast and check-out, you will start your full day sightseeing tour of Osaka.
You will discover the vibrant energy and the inviting spirit of Osaka. As the third-largest city in Japan, Osaka is a city of undeniable allure, where the timeless beauty of Japanese history seamlessly intertwines with modern vitality. In the third century, under the reign of Emperor Kotoku, the city emerged as Japan's first capital, laying the foundations for an empire on the rise. Throughout the centuries, its flourishing port and prosperous marketplace established Osaka as the true "granary of Japan", a pivotal crossroads where the most influential merchants exchanged both wealth and wisdom. In the 1970s, propelled by an economic renaissance, the city transformed, harmoniously blending tradition with innovation.
You will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
Your day will continue with a visit to the 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.
You will then be transferred to the port of Osaka to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Standard room at the 5* hotel selected by PONANT, local standards, including breakfast.
- Meal as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meal (mineral water + a glass of local alcohol + a Japanese tea or coffee).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Lunch and dinner on day 1.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Visa if necessary.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Early check-in upon your arrival at the hotel.
Please note:
- A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
- Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.
- Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
- The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).
- During visits, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).
- There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved.
- Please be aware that a double room with a king size bed is not common in Japan. Most of the hotels do offer double rooms with twin beds. The double room king size bed is not guaranteed at the hotel.
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$1,510
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.DISCOVER BUSAN (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Busan
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will explore Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea.
Surrounded by mountains, Busan perfectly embodies the harmony between urban modernity and nature, blending ancient traditions with contemporary culture. It is a vibrant destination offering panoramic views of both the sea and the city. You will wander through its lively streets, discovering neighborhoods where modern architecture lights up the city.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
In the late afternoon, you will check-in to the 4* hotel selected by PONANT.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Busan
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Standard room at the hotel 4* selected by PONANT (local standard), breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme with beverage package (mineral water + a glass of local alcohol + a tea or a coffee).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- A minimum number of participants is required in order to operate. Rate and itinerary may be subject to change based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum required number not be obtained, an alternative option may be offered.
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
- Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.
- Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
- The local currency is the Won. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip.
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$1,530
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.