Essence of Japan, with Ponant

Day 1 : Yokohama – Embarkation

Your journey starts in the port city of Yokohama, just over 30 km from Tokyo. Once a small fishing village, this port opened in 1859, marking the beginning of Japan’s modernization. With the arrival of foreign trade, it quickly transformed into an international hub, embracing Western culture while maintaining its Japanese heritage. Boarding will take place in the afternoon (time to be confirmed).

Day 2 : Tagonoura

Your first port of call is Tagonoura, one of the best places to enjoy unobstructed views of Mount Fuji. The iconic scenery here has inspired Japanese poets and artists for centuries, including the famous haiku master Matsuo Basho. Whether at sunrise or sunset, the sight of Mount Fuji reflected in the ocean surface is simply unforgettable.
A stroll around the fishing port brings opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood such as local whitebait.

Day 3 : Yaizu

Known for its rich maritime culture and stunning coastal scenery, Yaizu offers an authentic experience well away from the crowded tourist spots. Fishing here focuses on bonito and tuna, caught using traditional and sustainable methods. This region is also known for its tea plantations, dating back to the 13th century, and the Shizuoka area now supplies about 40% of the country’s green tea.

Day 4 : Toba

This coastal city is located in the Mie Prefecture, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Situated in the Ise-Shima National Park, Toba has given its name to a majestic bay sheltering a string of small islands, famed for their beautiful forests and the production of cultured pearls. You may visit the the Ise Shrine, a place venerated by the Japanese people. Leading to the shrine is Okage Yokocho, an area of recreated historical architecture where you can buy traditional crafts.

Day 5 : Katsuura

This morning disembark on a Zodiac excursion to the lively port of Katsuura and watch a tuna filleting demonstration by the local fishermen. Sample the exquisite flavour of fresh tuna while watching masterful knife techniques. This is a very rare experience, as more than 99% of the tuna available in the world is frozen.

This afternoon visit the sacred sites of UNESCO World Heritage listed Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage routes with fascinating spiritual heritage. First, visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, an ancient spiritual site with over 1,000 years of history, nestled in a deep forest with vivid vermilion buildings. The journey ends at Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall at 133 meters, a mystical place believed to be inhabited by gods.

Day 6 : At sea

Relax onboard today, as you sail southwest to the Seto Inland Sea which separates the islands of Shikoku, Kyushu and Honshu.

Day 7 : Hagi

In the south of Honshu island, surrounded by mountains, Hagi was built on the delta of the Abu-gawa river. The old town here was one of the cradles of the Meiji revolution. Like a step back in time – a 400 year-old map of Hagi can still be used to get around the streets of the town today!

Embark by Zodiac to visit Hagi Meirin Gakusha, once a clan school, and the largest wooden school building in Japan. Later stroll through the remains of the 17th century Hagi Castle, Shigetsu Park, and the Old Town streets with their well-preserved samurai residences, enjoying an exclusive visit inside the residence of the ancestors of samurai.

Day 8 : Busan (South Korea)

With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second largest metropolis in South Korea, after Seoul. This dynamic harbour city is surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, with a mild, pleasant climate. Taste ultra-fresh seafood and sample street food while strolling the local markets. Spicy local foods and a down-to-earth energy make these markets an ideal place to experience authentic Korean flavours.

Day 9 : Shimonoseki

Back in Japan on the western tip of the island of Honshu, Shimonoseki faces the Kanmon Straits. A crossing point to the island of Kyushu and to Korea, this historic port town has a unique heritage – the result of 700 years of samurai rule. Shimonoseki is also known for its fugu (pufferfish).

Visit the Kozanji temple which features Japan’s oldest Zen Buddhist Hall and explore a samurai residence and its well-kept garden for a glimpse of the Chofu Mori clan’s elegant lifestyle.

Day 10 : Miyajima

At the heart of the Seto Inland Sea is Miyajima, home to the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent torii (gate). Considered one of the most beautiful sights in the Japanese islands, you will be transported by the unique character and the serenity of this sacred site.

Arrive at Miyajima early this morning before other cruise ships arrive to explore the 6th century Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its scenery changing with the tides. You will have time to enjoy the serenity of this island woven from divinity, Buddhism, the sea and mountains. Also visit the island’s oldest temple and try meditation, with stunning views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Day 11 : Mitarai

A charming fishing village nestled in the east of Osaki Shimojima Island, Mitarai offers an authentic character – where the hustle and bustle of modern cities is replaced by the gentle sound of fishing boats. With 19th century wooden dwellings lining the narrow streets, a great causeway, centuries-old sanctuaries and gangi stairs, the Old Town was classed as a Preservation District by the Japanese state in 1994.

Land on the island by Zodiac to enjoy a walk through Edo-period history in the traditional part of town with its old merchant houses and shops. Experience live performances of gagaku (court music) and traditional music (koto, Japanese harp) – this is a place where music and history intertwine.

Day 12 : Inujima

This small island in the Seto Inland Sea is known for its rich industrial history and artistic transformation. Once thriving in the stone and smelting industries, Inujima was famed for its high-quality granite, used in castle construction. The island later faced decline, only to be reborn as a hub for contemporary art.

A Zodiac excursion takes you to the charming village of Inujima with its traditional wooden houses. Visit the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum, built within the preserved ruins of a Meiji-era copper smelter. Next tour the Inujima Art project where vacant houses and old buildings have been transformed into fascinating art installations.

Day 13 : Kobe

Your journey ends today in the port city of Kobe on the main island of Honshu. Famed for its internationally renowned Kobe beef, the city also features a Maritime Museum, Meriken Park and the forests of Mount Rokko National Park.

Note

Sightseeing activities may change due to weather and sea conditions.