Back
Menu
Menu

8 Night Treasures of Japan by Sea with Smithsonian Journeys

From Kobe to Kobe

Le Soleal

Ponant Cruises
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 13932791
  • Departs: Sat, Apr 12, 2025
  • Returns: Sun, Apr 20, 2025
    Track this Cruise and Get Price Alerts.
    Oceanview
    Call to Book1-800-543-1915
    Balcony $13,298
    Suite $20,298
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "Send Quote" button to get a quote include unadvertised prices including Senior, Military and Resident promotions.
    Send Quote

    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Saturday - Apr 12, 2025
    Day
    1
    Kobe, Japan
    • Kobe, Japan
    • Depart: 21:30:00
    A coastal city on the main island of Honshu, Kobe is a vital Japanese port. You will be inspired by the authenticity, way of life, and heritage of the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, which is bordered by the sea. Its beef is internationally renowned, but there is much more to the city's attractions than this delicate speciality. As soon as you arrive, you will be welcomed by the Kobe Port Tower, located, along with the Maritime Museum, in the much appreciated Meriken Park. The Mount Rokko National Park is a real island of greenery in the very heart of the vibrant city. Long frequented by Shinto monks, then popular with the expatriates who flocked to Kobe during the second half of the 19th century, it is one of the symbols of the city. ...
    Read More
    Sunday - Apr 13, 2025
    Day
    2
    Takamatsu, Japan
    • Takamatsu, Japan
    A former fortified city, ruled over by the Matsudaira clan from the Tamamo Castle with its seawater moats, the city is home to one of the most beautiful classic gardens in Japan, the Ritsurin. It was created by the barons of the city at the start of the Edo period, during which time gardening became a profession in its own right. Its landscape incorporates Mount Shiun in the background, an example of what is known as the shakkei technique, which uses the surrounding landscapes to increase the beauty of the gardens. ...
    Read More
    • Kurushima Strait, Japan, Japan
    Between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, in the very heart of the emblematic Seto Inland Sea, the Kurushima Strait will unveil a traditional and picturesque Japan. This 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) maritime route, with swift currents, will give you the opportunity to discover certain great feats of engineering, such as the mythical Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. This colossal construction is the first triple bridge and the longest set of suspension bridges in the world, with a total length of 4,105 meters (almost 13,500 feet). In the footsteps of the Japanese traders from the middle of the 18th century, fall under the spell of the charming picturesque fishing ports that line this historic maritime route. ...
    Read More
    Monday - Apr 14, 2025
    Day
    3
    Hiroshima, Japan
    • Hiroshima, Japan
    Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto Inland Sea. 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. ...
    Read More
    • Miyajima, Japan
    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. ...
    Read More
    Tuesday - Apr 15, 2025
    Day
    4
    Cruising the Kanmon Strait, Japan
    • Cruising the Kanmon Strait, Japan
    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. ...
    Read More
    • Hagi, Japan
    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. ...
    Read More
    Wednesday - Apr 16, 2025
    Day
    5
    Sakaiminato, Japan
    • Sakaiminato, Japan
    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. ...
    Read More
    Thursday - Apr 17, 2025
    Day
    6
    Busan (Pusan), South Korea
    • Busan (Pusan), South Korea
    With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second-largest metropolis in 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. ...
    Read More
    Friday - Apr 18, 2025
    Day
    7
    • Moji-ko, Japan
    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 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. ...
    Read More
    Saturday - Apr 19, 2025
    Day
    8
    • Uno Ko, Japan
    Sunday - Apr 20, 2025
    Day
    9
    Kobe, Japan
    • Kobe, Japan
    A coastal city on the main island of Honshu, Kobe is a vital Japanese port. You will be inspired by the authenticity, way of life, and heritage of the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, which is bordered by the sea. Its beef is internationally renowned, but there is much more to the city's attractions than this delicate speciality. As soon as you arrive, you will be welcomed by the Kobe Port Tower, located, along with the Maritime Museum, in the much appreciated Meriken Park. The Mount Rokko National Park is a real island of greenery in the very heart of the vibrant city. Long frequented by Shinto monks, then popular with the expatriates who flocked to Kobe during the second half of the 19th century, it is one of the symbols of the city. ...
    Read More


    Get FREE Price Alerts

    Subscribe to our weekly cruise deals email and enjoy FREE price change alerts and updates for this cruise and others like it.

    Track this Cruise

    We promise to protect your privacy and personal data. You can review our privacy policy here.

    Complete the form below and we will send this cruise and a message to your friends on your behalf.

    Enter up to 5 emails separated by commas:

    Your First Name

    Your Last Name

    Your Email Address:

    Optional Message to Your Friend(s):

    Send Email

    Please enter your email address to Add to Favorites. You can then access this cruise from other devices.


    Email Address:

    Save to Favorites

    This cruise line does not offer live online pricing. Please complete the form below for a quote on this cruise or call for rates.


    How many are traveling
    Adults (Age 18 and over)
    Kids (6 months to 17 years)
    First NameLast NameState of Residence

    Phone NumberEmail AddressAny special request or comments?

    Submit Request >