Japan and South Korea: Hiroshima and Tokyo
Into the heart of timeless Japan
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Busan to Tokyo
This 12-night voyage aboard Le Jacques-Cartier follows an arc through traditional Japan between Busan and Tokyo. The Explorer-class ship for 184 guests offers the Blue Eye underwater lounge, 16 Zodiacs and a marina, with premium all-inclusive Ponant service. The route ties the South Korean gateway to the classic stations of Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific coast. UNESCO World Heritage sites in Hiroshima and Miyajima count among the cultural highlights.
Route highlights
- Busan: South Korea's second-largest city on the Pacific as the starting point, with a harbour market and temples.
- Nagasaki: Japanese port city with Dutch-Portuguese heritage and Peace Park.
- Kumamoto and Aburatsu: A harbour on Kyushu with a castle and view of Mount Aso, and rural southern Kyushu.
- Hiroshima and Miyajima: The UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial and the floating Itsukushima torii.
- Kobe: Japan's port city on the Inland Sea with an internationally shaped atmosphere.
- Toba: A harbour on Ise Bay with the Mikimoto pearl island and a Shinto shrine.
- Shimizu Ward and Tokyo: A harbour with a view of Mount Fuji and Japan's capital as the destination.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Busan
12 nights
Tokyo
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Busan · Embarkation
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and its most important port. Jagalchi Fish Market, the colourful Gamcheon district (Korea's "Machu Picchu") and the Beomeosa temple complex in the Geumjeongsan mountains showcase its maritime and Buddhist heritage.
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Nagasaki
Nagasaki, with its Atomic Bomb Park and Peace Museum, recalls 9 August 1945 - the second atomic bomb in history. At the same time, Nagasaki has the longest western history of any Japanese city: the Dutch trading post of Dejima was for 200 years the only European gateway to isolated Japan.
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Unzen, Unzen-Amakusa National Park
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Sakitsu, Unzen-Amakusa National Park
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Kumamoto (Kyushu)
Historic city on the Japanese island of Kyushu, dominated by the mighty black Kumamoto Castle from the early 17th century. The Suizenji garden recreates the historic Tokaido road in a miniature landscape.
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Ibusuki, Kagoshima
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Aburatsu (Kyushu)
Aburatsu is the harbour of Nichinan town on the Pacific coast of Kyushu in southern Japan's Miyazaki Prefecture. From here visitors reach the cave shrine of Udo-Jingu, built directly into a seaside cliff.
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Insel Miyajima
The sacred island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Bay is famous for the great red torii of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the water and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tame sika deer roam the lanes, and Mount Misen offers sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea.
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Hiroshima
Hiroshima is both a memorial and a modern metropolis. The Peace Memorial Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome (UNESCO) and the sacred island of Miyajima opposite, with its floating torii gate, make Hiroshima the most culturally important port of western Japan.
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Tomonoura
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Kobe
Kobe is the gateway to one of the finest day trips in Japan: Kyoto lies just 35 minutes away by Shinkansen - with the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of orange torii. Kobe itself is Japan's Wagyu beef capital.
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Katsuura
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Toba
Toba sits on the Pacific coast of Japan's Mie Prefecture on the Shima Peninsula. Here Mikimoto Kōkichi launched the world's first cultured pearl production in 1893, a story now told in a dedicated museum.
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Shimizu
As the port district of Shizuoka city in the prefecture of the same name, Shimizu sits on Suruga Bay on the Pacific. On clear days Mount Fuji rises impressively above the harbour.
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Tokio · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 10 | 11 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 12 |
| Sea °C | 17 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 21 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 56 | 118 | 125 | 138 | 168 | 154 | 168 | 210 | 198 | 93 | 51 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: East Asia (Tokyo)
Le Jacques Cartier
Le Jacques Cartier entered service in 2020 as the fifth ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, state-of-the-art environmental technology. The ship benefits from all improvements Ponant has built into the class since 2018.
In Asia, Le Jacques Cartier links the Indonesian island world with the coasts of Japan and Vietnam - cultural diversity, accompanied by the expedition team.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Jacques Cartier
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom | € 11.090 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 12.300 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 12.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 13.650 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 18.990 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 18.990 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 18.990 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 18.990 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 25.680 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 27.020 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 28.350 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 28.350 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 31.150 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 43.450 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.06.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 12 nights from EUR 10.390 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Jacques Cartier?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is March to May (cherry blossom) and October to November (autumn foliage).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
