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Day by Day Summary and Map
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Thursday - May 7, 2026
Day 1
Osaka, Japan
Depart: 18:00:00
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 Dotombori 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. ... Read More
Friday - May 8, 2026
Day 2
Toba, Japan
Toba is a coastal city located in Japan's Mie Prefecture, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Situated in the Ise-Shima National Park, Toba has given its name to majestic bay sheltering a string of small islands, famous for the beauty of their forests and the production of cultured pearls. You will have the possibility of discovering the Ise Shrine, residence of the Imperial family and venerated by the Japanese people as the "soul of Japan". ... Read More
Saturday - May 9, 2026
Day 3
Shingu, Japan
To the south-west of the Japanese archipelago, Shingu is a port town in the Kansai region. Founded in 1933, it belongs to the peninsula of Kii, the country's largest. Take a trip around the Kumano Sanzan religious complex dedicated to three sacred mountains and home to two Shinto temples, Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. The latter features the famous sacred nagi tree, said to have been planted around 1159. Pilgrims flock to these two sanctuaries that feature on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Hop on a boat and journey to the Dorokyo Gorge, a natural beauty spot carved out by the emerald waters of the Kitayama River. ... Read More
Sunday - May 10, 2026
Day 4
Himeji, Japan
You may get the impression that you've already seen Himeji Castle, as it has been featured many times on the big screen. The feudal edifice seems to spread its wings over the town like a white heron; in fact, its nickname is 'the castle of the white heron'. Originally started in the 15th century and then rebuilt in the 17th-century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its feet lies the gorgeous Koko-en Garden, which has nine different gardens designed to flourish in each of the four seasons. ... Read More
Monday - May 11, 2026
Day 5
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
Tuesday - May 12, 2026
Day 6
Onomichi-Itozaki Port, Japan
Wednesday - May 13, 2026
Day 7
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
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
Thursday - May 14, 2026
Day 8
Beppu, Japan
Bus Travel
Usuki Stone Buddhas, Japan
Bus Travel
Beppu, Japan
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 Mangatsuji 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. ... Read More
Friday - May 15, 2026
Day 9
Miyazaki, Japan
The cradle of Japanese mythology, Miyazaki is a hidden treasure on the southern coast of Kyushu. Known for its climate, its golden beaches, and its spectacular rocky formations, it is an invitation to exploration and contemplation. In the heart of the city, the Miyazaki-jingu Shinto shrine stands majestically, surrounded by ancient forests and peaceful gardens, in which an atmosphere of serenity reigns. Make the most of the authenticity of this city with fascinating local culture and, during the visit of the Miyazaki Shrine, fall under the spell of the kagura, a dance and song performance by the shrine's priests and helpers. ... Read More
Saturday - May 16, 2026
Day 10
Kagoshima, Japan
The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis will remind you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitants' everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three metres that was "swallowed up" by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature will send a shiver down your spine. ... Read More
Sunday - May 17, 2026
Day 11
Nagasaki, Japan
Located on the north-west coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki will impress you by its rich heritage. Despite the destruction in 1945, you can visit several ancient sites, including the beautiful 19th-century Catholic Church of Oura and its garden, the sanctuary of Suwa Shrine, or several Buddhist temples. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum gives you insight into the extent of the damage caused by the nuclear attack. Close by, a walk in the Memorial Peace Park leads you to a collection of objets d'art offered as a gift from Japan to the world. ... Read More
Monday - May 18, 2026
Day 12
Karatsu, Japan, Japan
Karatsu Bay is edged with long sandy beaches and a huge pine forest that was planted over 350 years ago to protect the coast from the winds and tides of the Genkai Sea. From the top of the donjon of Karatsu Castle or Mount Kagami, you will be able to admire magnificent panoramas. In the north of the Higashimatsuura Peninsula, the waves have eroded the lava plateau and carved a magnificent natural site, the seven Nanatsugama Caves, out of the basalt. The city of Karatsu is famous for the quality of its pottery, which is influenced by the craftsmanship of nearby Korea. Very fine pieces are displayed in the city's galleries and at Karatsu Castle alongside magnificent samurai armour. ... Read More
Tuesday - May 19, 2026
Day 13
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
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.