Study Voyage: South Korea and Japan
With the French elegance and pioneering spirit of Le Soléal
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Busan → Osaka
Eight nights aboard Le Soléal link Busan and Osaka along the Seto Inland Sea, accompanied by Smithsonian Journeys experts. Lectures on board deepen the understanding of Japanese and Korean history, culture and the arts. The 184-guest, 142-metre Ponant Classic ship pairs this scholarly depth with French cuisine and premium all-inclusive service.
Route highlights
- Busan: South Korea's dynamic port and gateway to temples and beach districts.
- Sakaiminato: gateway to the sacred Izumo Taisha shrine and the Adachi gardens.
- Hagi: old Edo-period samurai town with its own pottery tradition.
- Moji Ward (Kitakyushu): well-preserved Meiji-era port quarter of brick warehouses.
- Beppu: steaming hell springs at the foot of the Kyushu mountains.
- Hiroshima and Miyajima: the Peace Park and the floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine.
- Tamano: gateway to Okayama, the Korakuen gardens and the art island of Naoshima.
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
8 nights
Osaka
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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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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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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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Fajrt durch die Kammon-Strasse
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Moji, Kitakyushu
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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
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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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Tamano
Tamano sits on the northern shore of Japan's Seto Inland Sea in Okayama Prefecture, facing the island of Shikoku. The port town is the gateway to Naoshima art island, famed for its Tadao Ando and Yayoi Kusama museums.
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Osaka · 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 | € 8.000 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 8.610 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 9.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 9.920 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 10.440 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 14.280 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 19.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 20.030 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 32.280 | 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 7.700 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.
