Japan and South Korea: Hiroshima and Miyajima
In the Heart of Authentic Japan
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Osaka to Busan
Twelve nights aboard Le Soléal trace the Seto Inland Sea from Osaka past the sacred gates of Miyajima to Busan. The 184-guest Ponant Classic vessel calls at quiet harbours along Kyushu and Honshu that remain closed to larger ships. Her marina platform and Zodiacs open access to shrines, castles and pottery villages that define old Japan.
Route highlights
- Toba: home of Mikimoto pearl culture and starting point for the Ise shrines, Japan's spiritual heart.
- Himeji: the white heron castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country's finest surviving wooden fortress.
- Hiroshima and Miyajima: the Peace Park and the famous red torii of Itsukushima Shrine that appears to float at high tide.
- Beppu: onsen town with steaming hell springs at the foot of the Kyushu mountains.
- Kagoshima: harbour city facing the smoking Sakurajima volcano, often called the Naples of Japan.
- Karatsu: ancient castle town on the Genkai Sea, known for its rustic Karatsu pottery.
- Nagasaki: hilly harbour with the Glover Garden, Peace Park and visible Portuguese and Dutch heritage.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 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
Osaka
12 nights
Busan
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Osaka · Embarkation
Osaka is the gateway to Nara (45 minutes) with free-roaming deer and the Todai-ji temple with the largest bronze Buddha in Japan, as well as to Kyoto. Osaka itself is Japan's kitchen capital - takoyaki, okonomiyaki and the Dotonbori canal form the liveliest food quarter in Japan.
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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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Shingu
On the south-east coast of Japan's Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture lies Shingu. The town is the starting point for the Kumano pilgrimage trails and the sacred Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Himeji (Honshu)
In Japan's Hyōgo Prefecture on Honshū rises Himeji with Japan's most famous castle above the city. The UNESCO World Heritage Himeji-jō from the 17th century is called the White Heron for its snow-white walls and elegant silhouette, regarded as the country's best-preserved original castle with complex defensive structures.
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Takamatsu
Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku is known for Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's finest landscape gardens. The port city is also the gateway to the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
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Itozaki
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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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Insel Miyajima
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Beppu, Oita
Beppu lies on the east coast of Japan's Kyushu island and is famed for its more than 2,000 hot springs. The steaming onsen baths and the colourful Jigoku hells are unique in the world.
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Miyazaki
On the south-eastern coast of the Japanese island of Kyūshū lies Miyazaki with a mild, almost subtropical climate on the Pacific. The surf of the Hyūga-nada, the Aoshima Shrine on a tiny island surrounded by the Devil's Washboard sandstone formations and the phoenix palms define the port town as a popular holiday destination.
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Kagoshima
Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushu. The active volcano Sakurajima across the bay smokes constantly and at times dusts the city with ash. The Senganen Gardens, the samurai tradition and the bold local cuisine define the cityscape.
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Karatsu (Kyushu)
Castle town in the north of Japan's Kyushu Island, set picturesquely on a shallow bay along the Genkai Sea. The reconstructed Karatsu Castle overlooks the harbour, and the town is famed for its pottery and autumn Kunchi festival.
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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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Busan · Disembarkation
Destination
Le Soléal
Le Soléal has sailed as the third ship of the Odyssée class since 2013. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French hospitality. Her name refers to the solar wind - and indeed Le Soléal has her finest moments in light: midnight sun, southern lights, sunsets over the sea.
In Asia, Le Soléal opens up coastlines and islands between Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia - cultural voyages with scientific accompaniment from 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 Soléal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 12.870 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 13.920 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 15.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 16.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 17.060 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 23.640 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 31.860 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 33.510 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 40.420 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
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 12.430 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Soléal?
A maximum of 264 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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
