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Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Maizuru - Hakodate

Dates:
5/21/2024
to  5/28/2024

8
days
7
nights on board
Starting from*
$7,580
25% Ponant Bonus

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included


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.

This 8-day voyage along Japan's northern coast from Maizuru offers a superb introduction to its traditions and customs through a wide variety of carefully curated shore excursions in each port of call—an opportunity for you to sample widely among feudal castles, Buddhist temples, modern art, tea ceremonies, artisanal crafts, landscape gardens, and the wonders of nature.

The richness from which to choose is immediately apparent in your first port of call, 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.

A day at sea brings you to Kanazawa and a chance to explore world famous Kenroku-en Garden, recognized as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan because it possesses 'the six qualities of a perfect garden'. Kanazawa is also known for its impeccably-preserved samurai and geisha districts, and for its handicrafts, especially its lacquer, pottery, gold, and silk—all of which you will be invited to experience and enjoy.

The final two ports of call — Ogi, on Sado Island, and the small town of Sakata — are where Japan's natural beauty takes center stage.  An excursion to Senkaku-wan Bay Ageshima Yuen Park on Sado Island is a landscape photographer's dream, as are Mt. Haguro, part of the trinity of sacred mountains known as the Dewa Sanzan, and Mt. Chokai and Tamasudare Falls outside of Sakata. But as always on this cruise, alternatives abound, this time in the form of a Folk Museum and Sake Brewery in Ogi and a photography museum and aquarium featuring jellyfish in Sakata.

Your cruise ends in Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido.


Ref : MH1245US - SO210524


Your itinerary

Your itinerary - Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...


View detailed itinerary

Your trip in detail

Call

O4 91 16 16 27
or contact your travel advisor

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Partner - Smithsonian Journeys

Our partner

Partner - Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

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Choose your stateroom

Choose your stateroom

Superior Stateroom Deck 3
 

(226 ft²)

From $7,580
25% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
 

(193 ft²)

From $8,090
25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
 

(193 ft²)

From $8,840
25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
 

(193 ft²)

From $9,210
25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
 

(193 ft²)

From $9,660
25% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Suite Deck 6
 

(290 ft²)

Fully booked
25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Suite Deck 5
 

(398 ft²)

From $17,050
25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Suite Deck 6
 

(398 ft²)

From $17,870
25% Ponant Bonus

Owner's Suite Deck 6
 

(484 ft²)

From $26,540



Complete your trip

Complete your trip

Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.


Included in your cruise


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Call

O4 91 16 16 27
or contact your travel advisor

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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.