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Le Soleal, 8 Night Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys ex Osaka, Japan to Busan, (Pusan) South Korea
Cruise Le Soleal, 8 Night Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys ex Osaka, Japan to Busan, (Pusan) South Korea
Cruise Line Ponant
Ship Le Soleal
Destination Asia
Brief Description 8 Night Cruise sailing from Osaka, Japan onboard Le Soleal
Type of Cruise Luxury
Departure Date 05 Apr 2026
Cruise Description 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 Osaka, a modern city in the heart of the Japanese archipelago.

Arrive first in the port 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.

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. From here, visit 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.

Le Soléal sails next to Beppu, renowned for its extensive system of hot springs or onsen. Choose to visit Chinoike Jigoku, one of the oldest natural hot springs in Japan and unique for its deep red color due to its iron oxide content. Or opt to discover a beautiful steaming blue pond and bubbling mud pond at Kamado Jigoku, also known as "Cooking Pot Hell.”

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.

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; the Busan Museum of Art, featuring 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. Your voyage ends here after an overnight in port.
Sailing Dates
05 Apr 2026
Category Single Twin Triple Quad
SP3 AU $22,100 AU $11,550 AU $6,280 ‐
DEL AU $23,970 AU $12,490 ‐ ‐
PR4 AU $26,610 AU $13,810 ‐ ‐
PR5 AU $27,930 AU $14,470 ‐ ‐
PR6 AU $29,520 AU $15,260 ‐ ‐
DS6 AU $41,190 AU $21,100 ‐ ‐
PS5 AU $55,750 AU $28,380 AU $14,690 ‐
PS6 AU $58,660 AU $29,830 AU $15,420 ‐
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
5 Apr 2026 Osaka, Japan 8:00 PM
6 Apr 2026 Tamano, Japan 6:00 AM 8:00 PM
7 Apr 2026 Miyajima Japan 6:30 AM 10:30 PM
8 Apr 2026 Beppu, Japan 8:30 AM 8:00 PM
9 Apr 2026 Kitakyushu, Japan 7:00 AM 3:00 PM
9 Apr 2026 Kanmon Straight Japan 4:30 PM 4:30 PM
10 Apr 2026 Hagi, Japan 7:00 AM 5:00 PM
11 Apr 2026 Sakaiminato, Japan 6:30 AM 1:30 PM
12 Apr 2026 Busan, (Pusan) South Korea 8:15 AM 11:00 PM
13 Apr 2026 Busan, (Pusan) South Korea 7:00 AM
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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