JAPANESE SHORES (LE SOLEAL) - small cruise ships

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JAPANESE SHORES (LE SOLEAL)

PONANT takes you to the heart of the Land of the Rising Sun todiscover its many traditions and emblematic sites.

In Otaru, you will board for a 12-day cruise that promisesexceptional discoveries as you visit places such as Hiroshimaand our new port of call in Ogi.

First of all, you will discover the northern point of the island ofHonshu. You will then sail to Ogi, on the small island of Sado,renowned for its magnificent coastline, wild landscapes and richhistory, which blends maritime and artistic traditions withvestiges of the gold rush.

An essential part of your trip will be the stop in Kanazawa. Fromthere, you will be able to visit Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.These villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites particularlyfamous for their traditional houses in the gassho-zukuri style.

From Sakaiminato, you will set off to discover medieval Japanand the ancient dwellings of the samurai, who built lavishhomes and

castles. 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. You will call at Miyajima, the gateway to the majestic Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage

01432 507 280 (within UK)


Site, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillionTorii. You will disembark in Kobe, a modern, forward-looking city, inthe heart of the Japanese archipelago.

ITINERARY

Day 1 OTARU, HOKKAIDO

Boasting an outstanding setting of natural beauty, bordered bythe Sea of Japan on one side and Mt Tengu on the other, Otaruis a lively harbour town. This old industrial capital has kept fromits past glory buildings in 19th-century brick as well as itscanals, formerly the main means of transportation. They givethis Japanese town a striking appearance, especially whencovered in snow. Magnificent vistas abound - itﾒs up to you toput them in order of preference. Shukutsu Observatory,overlooking out over the vast Bay of Ishikari, is just one of them.

Day 2 AT SEA

During your day at sea, make the most of the many servicesand activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxationin the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending onthe season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or aspot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also bean opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed onboard, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet thePONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers ofthe open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck toadmire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be luckyenough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude,combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 3 AOMORI & NOSHIRO

The ultra-modern port city of Aomori, in the far north of Japanﾒsmain island of Honshu, stretches around Mutsu Bay and is thegateway to the Aomori prefectureﾒs many stunning naturalattractions. Every summer it hosts the colourful Nebuta Festival,one of the countryﾒs most popular events, and a custom thathas lasted well over 300 years. A few kilometres from the citycentre is the fascinating Sannai Maruyama site, where you cansee ruins of one of Japanﾒs oldest settlements. Further afield,Towada-Hachimantai National Park, near the southern border,has hot springs, autumn foliage in Oirase Gorge, skiing at MountHakkõda and lava domes around Lake Towada. Located in thenorth-west of Honshu Island, Noshiro is a pleasant, modernstopover, ideal for getting a view of contemporary Japanese life.You can to stroll around its gardens, in particular Energium Parkwhich shelters an arboretum and a museum dedicated to thetown’s famous kites. Kazenomatsubura forest offers manywalking opportunities along the little paths among the trees. Youcan also see some very lovely temples here, or do some cyclingalong the river Yoneshiro.

Day 4 OGI, NIIGATA

The small town of Ogi on Sado Island,ﾒs south coast isbest-known for its taraibune, small round boats that wereoriginally used for harvesting seaweed and shells. You can takea trip in one at Ogi Port and nearby nearby Yajima and Kyojima.Shukunegi village, about four kilometres from Ogi, is afascinating place to visit some of the houses in the formershipbuilding centre were built with wood salvaged from boats.Other points of interest include Sado History Museum and theold gold mines; and every year the island hosts EarthCelebration, a music festival.

Day 5 KANAZAWA

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Located on the island of Honshu and bathed by the waters ofthe Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is a port marked by history. Underthe predominance of the Maeda clan in the Meiji era, the citycame under multiple political and cultural influences thatshaped its landscape. Throughout the town, you'll discovermany signs of its rich past: Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en, oneof the most beautiful and famous gardens in Japan, and the oldgeisha district, Higashi-Chayagai. Õmicho Ichiba market in thetown centre is well worth a visit, particularly for freshly cookedseafood.

Day 6 SAKAIMINATO

Located on the south-west coast of Honshu Island, the busyfishing port of Sakaiminato celebrates the comic writer andartist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. As well as a museuma dedicated tourist route leads through streets and squares thatfeature 134 bronze statues representing his beloved characters.This isn't the only thing Sakaiminato has to offer; try some localseafood specialities and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Daisenand the Yumigahama peninsula.

Day 7 BUSAN

With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the secondlargest metropolis on South Korea, after Seoul. This dynamicharbour city, located in the south-east, surrounded by the warmwaters of the Sea of Japan, benefits from a mild, pleasantclimate. You’ll find delightful simply to stroll around the livelystreets and explore the city’s outstanding cultural heritage of artgalleries, museums, and Buddhist sites, such as the HaedongYonggungsa temple, which elegantly sits on the waterfront. Richtoo in magnificent beaches and superlative natural landscapes,Busan’s peaceful atmosphere will win you over, as will itsinhabitants, whom you’ll have the pleasure of meeting.

Day 8 KARATSU

Karatsu Bay is edged with long sandy beaches and a huge pineforest that was planted over 350 years ago to protect the coastfrom the winds and tides of the Genkai Sea. From the top of thedonjon of Karatsu Castle or Mount Kagami, you will be able toadmire magnificent panoramas. In the north of theHigashi-Matsuura Peninsula, the waves have eroded the lavaplateau and carved a magnificent natural site, the sevenNanatsugama Caves, out of the basalt. The city of Karatsu isfamous for the quality of its pottery, which is influenced by thecraftsmanship of nearby Korea. Very fine pieces are displayed inthe city’s galleries and at Karatsu Castle, alongside magnificentsamurai armour.

Day 9 BEPPU, OITA

A favourite destination for the Japanese, Beppu is now famousthroughout the Japanese archipelago thanks to its onsen –volcanic hot springs in which people immerse themselves torelax with family or friends. From Beppu, you will set off todiscover a lush, peaceful valley in which sit 60 majestic stoneBuddhas carved out of the cliff face between the 12th and 14thcenturies. Exuding a soothing air of serenity, the Mangetsuji siteseems to have drifted off to sleep in the heart of a densebamboo forest surrounded by rice fields. Recognised as aNational Treasure of Japan, this set of sacred sculptures offerstravellers a unique, wonderful experience.

Day 10 HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA ISLAND

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

01432 507 280 (within UK)


and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillnessof its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, thetown's historic garden. At the heart of the Inland Sea, Miyajima,the “island sanctuary” will reveal its treasures. In thebackground you will see the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whoseentrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion “Torii“.Considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in theJapanese islands, you will be transported by the uniquecharacter and the serenity of this sacred site.

Day 11 TAKAMATSU

A former fortified city, ruled over by the Matsudaira clan fromthe Tamamo castle with its seawater moats, the city is home toone of the most beautiful classic gardens in Japan, the Ritsurin.It was created by the barons of the city at the start of the Edoperiod, during which time gardening became a profession in itsown right. Its landscape incorporates Mount Shiun in thebackground, an example of what is known as the shakkeitechnique, which uses the surrounding landscapes to increasethe beauty of the gardens.

Day 12 Kobe

Disembark in Kobe

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

01432 507 280 (within UK)


YOUR SHIP: LE SOLEAL

YOUR SHIP: Le Soleal

VESSEL TYPE:

LENGTH:

PASSENGER CAPACITY:

BUILT/REFURBISHED:

Luxury Small ShipA sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, and thesame philosophy that has made her sister ships, L'Austral, Lyrialand Le Boreal, such a success.This magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, allwith balconies, has contemporary decor inspired by the luxuryyachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour schemecombining natural wood with shades of grey and white. WhiteCorian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leatherto recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelledpieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the lounge bar, thecarpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain ideaof cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chicseaside spirit.Wheelchairs3 specially adapted wheelchair cabins (Deck 3 = Superior cabinno. 307, no balcony, Deck 4 = Prestige Cabin no. 407 - withbalcony

and Deck 5 = Prestige Cabin no 509, with balcony) and lifts toall decks/areas.Read about our recent Ponant cruise to AntarcticaPlease click the following links to read more about Ponant andthe other Ponant cruise ships.

01432 507 280 (within UK)


INSIDE YOUR SHIP

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PRICING

ADDITIONAL CHARGES: Port Taxes 810 AUD pp

JAPANESE SHORES (LE SOLEAL) - small cruise ships

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