South Korea and Japan: Hiroshima and Miyajima
In the Heart of Authentic Japan
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Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Busan to Kobe
Le Soléal reverses course and traces twelve nights from Busan back to Kobe. The route follows the Seto Inland Sea, brushes the sacred sites of Hiroshima and Miyajima and ends in the elegant port city at the foot of the Rokko range. On board (184 guests, 142 metres) French cuisine, discreet service and marina landings shape the character of the voyage.
Route highlights
- Busan: South Korea's second city, with the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa temple and the lively Jagalchi fish market.
- Nagasaki: once Japan's only window on the world, with its Peace Park and Glover Garden.
- Kagoshima: views across the bay to the active Sakurajima volcano.
- Beppu: celebrated onsen town with its steaming hell springs.
- Hiroshima and Miyajima: the Peace Memorial and the floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine.
- Himeji: the white castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site and emblem of Japanese timber architecture.
- Toba: pearl town close to the great Ise shrines.
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
Busan
12 nights
Kobe
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Itozaki
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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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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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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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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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Kobe · 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)
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 | € 12.250 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 13.250 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 14.660 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 15.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 16.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 22.460 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 30.240 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 31.810 | 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
- 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 11.810 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.
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.
