Treasure of Japan and South Korea

   
Destination:
Osaka, South Korea
Duration:
8 Nights
Offer ends:
12 September 2025
Valid for travel:
Itinerary starts 1 May 2027

Details

Discover the soul of East Asia aboard PONANT Explorations Le Soléal on a 9-day luxury expedition with PONANT, designed for culturally curious travellers.

This exclusive voyage in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys offering curated, educational travel experiences around the world, featuring expert guides, historians, scientists, and scholars. These journeys are designed for culturally curious travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and dive deep into the history, nature, and meaning of a destination.

Sail from Busan, South Korea, where your journey begins with an overnight in port to explore historic temples, vibrant art, and a traditional tea ceremony. Cross the Sea of Japan to uncover the treasures of Sakaiminato, Hagi, Moji, Beppu, Miyajima, Hiroshima, and Tamano, each port offering an immersive INCLUDED shore excursion highlighting the region’s unique art, architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Onboard Le Soléal, discover a refined atmosphere, French-inspired cuisine, open bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a personalised experience for just 264 guests.

Superior Stateroom Deck 3 - $11,465* per person twin share

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3 - $12,369* per person twin share

In partnership with:

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers from airport to Ship and vice versa
  • 8 night Luxury expedition cruise from Busan to Osaka on Le Soléal
  • All-inclusive fine dining and open bar≈
  • Wi-Fi#, onboard lectures, and world-class service
  • Expert-led Zodiac® shore excursions
  • One included shore excursion in each port**
  • Onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
  • All port charges & gratuities

Itinerary

Embarkation 1/5/2027 - from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Overnight onboard ship
Departure 2/5/2027 - at 5:00 pm the ship departs

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 3/5/2027 - midday
Departure 3/5/2027 - early evening

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.

Arrival 4/5/2027 - early morning
Departure 4/5/2027 - evening

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 5/5/2027 - at night
Departure 5/5/2027 - late 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.

Arrival 5/5/2027 - late afternoon
Departure 5/5/2027 - late afternoon

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.

Arrival 6/5/2027 - early morning
Departure 6/5/2027 - 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.

Arrival 7/5/2027 - early morning
Departure 7/5/2027 - late morning

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.

 

Arrival 7/5/2027 - midday
Departure 7/5/2027 - early 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.

Arrival 8/5/2027 - early morning
Departure 8/5/2027 - 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.

Arrival 9/5/2027 - early morning
Disembarkation 9/5/2027 - 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.

Terms & Conditions

*Conditions apply. Prices correct as at 25th August 2025 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Payments by credit card will incur a surcharge. Airfare not included unless otherwise stated. All savings and bonus nights (if applicable) are included in the advertised price.  A deposit of 25% of total booking value is due at the time of booking. All air is ticketed upon receipt of the deposit. ≈Open Bar: Excludes premium alcohol drinks served à la carte. This also applies to drinks from the minibar and those served by room service. ** One included excursion per day and per guest*. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call. #Wi-Fi connection may be discontinued depending on the navigation area and landscapes. Please check all prices, availability and other information before booking. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. Offer is valid until 12 September 2025, unless sold prior. Ponant, Cruiseco and Helloworld Travel booking terms and conditions apply, see in website for details. Images courtesy of Studio Ponant.

All Prices are correct and available at date of content preparation (6th August 2025) and is subject to availability at time of booking. PONANT Bonus & Free Solo Supplement is yield managed and subject to change without prior notice. FREE Solo supplement on PONANT is available for all cabin categories except Superior Stateroom and Owners Suite.

Full Booking conditions are available with your Travel Advisor and PONANT. https://au.ponant.com/terms-conditions

From

$11,465* | per person twin share
Destination:
Osaka, South Korea
Duration:
8 Nights
Offer ends:
12 September 2025
Valid for travel:
Itinerary starts 1 May 2027