Japan and South Korea: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Japan's ancient traditions and legendary shrines
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Osaka to Busan
Eight nights aboard Le Soléal lead from Osaka along the Seto Inland Sea and the northern Honshu coast to Busan. The focus rests on shrines, castles and onsen towns that shape spiritual Japan. The 184-guest, 142-metre Ponant Classic ship combines quiet ports with French cuisine and premium all-inclusive service.
Route highlights
- Osaka: Kansai metropolis and gateway to Kyoto and Nara.
- Takamtsu: harbour town on Shikoku with the Ritsurin landscape garden.
- Hiroshima and Miyajima: the Peace Park and the floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine.
- Beppu: onsen town with its steaming hell springs.
- Hagi: old Edo-period samurai town with its own pottery tradition.
- Tottori: harbour city beside Japan's famous sand dunes.
- Sakaiminato: gateway to the sacred Izumo Taisha shrine and the Adachi gardens.
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
8 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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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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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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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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Hagi (Honshu)
On the Sea of Japan in western Honshū lies the port town of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The former castle town of the Mōri clan preserves an intact samurai quarter with historic mud walls and is the birthplace of the famous Hagi pottery, as well as the cradle of the 19th-century Meiji Restoration.
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Tottori (Honshu)
Tottori on the west coast of Japan's main island of Honshū faces the Sea of Japan. It is famous for the Tottori sand dunes, the only large desert dunes in Japan, and the nearby Uradome coast with its rugged rock formations.
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Ine (Honshu)
Ine sits on a sheltered bay on the Tango Peninsula in the north of Kyoto Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan. The town is famous for its funaya, traditional boat houses that line the shore directly above the water and have earned this coast the nickname Venice of the North. The ensemble is seen at its finest from the water.
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Miyazu (Honshu)
Miyazu on the Sea of Japan is the gateway to Amanohashidate, the Bridge of Heaven, a pine-clad sandbar around three kilometres long that ranks among the three most celebrated views in Japan. Tradition holds that its magic is best appreciated when viewed upside down, from between one's legs.
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Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato lies on Japan's western coast in Tottori Prefecture and is known as an important fishing port on the Sea of Japan. The town is famous for Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with bronze yokai figures from the manga artist's work.
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Busan · 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 | € 7.250 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 7.830 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 8.650 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 9.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 9.560 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 13.200 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 17.740 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 18.640 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 28.270 | Available | 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. 8 nights from EUR 6.510 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.
