Ponant Cruise of Japan

Depart UK

Meet & greet at London Heathrow, Fly Overnight to Osaka.

KOBE

Today, board the Ponant Cruise at Kobe Port. Our rare expedition style, small ship allows visits to scenic Japanese ports that large vessels cannot access, places that retain the country’s nostalgic and natural beauty.

MITARAI

Cruise moves on to Mitarai.

Mitarai: A Port Town Echoing with Edo Elegance and Traditional Music, and A Moment of History and Grace Mitarai is a Seto Inland Sea village that retains the streetscape of the Edo period (1603-1868), when it flourished as a port town awaiting favorable winds. It has been designated as a National Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings, with each structure telling stories of the past and everyday life.

Mitarai is wrapped in Traditional Music and History

As you stroll through this town rich with Edo atmosphere, enjoy live performances of gagaku(Japanese court music) and koto(Japanese harp)
music at seaside spots and inside old residences. It’s a place where music and history intertwine, offering a deep dive into the richness of Japanese culture.

A Timeless Walk Through a Port Town

Wander along roads lined with old merchant houses and experience the formerprosperity and lifestyle culture of the port town. The tranquil beauty unique to a
preserved historic district provides a soothing escape.

Heartwarming Encounters with Locals and A Journey into History

Local stalls dot the streets, where residents explain the historical background of traditional souvenirs with care. During your walk, you may receive fresh-cut flowers, experiencing the special warmth and hospitality of the locals.

HAGI

Today the cruise docks in Haji:

Hagi：The town where samurais once walked
The city of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture flourished as a castle town of the Mori clan during the Edo period, and even today, the original town layout and
samurai residences remain intact, making it a historical and cultural town.It is known as the birthplace of many patriots who supported the Meiji Restoration at the end of the Edo period, such as Shoin Yoshida and Shinsaku Takasugi.

The hometown of heroes who led and shaped the Meiji Restoration and the end of the samurai era.
We offer a walking tour that takes you through the history of Japan, from the era when it was closed off from the world to its opening up and emergence
onto the world stage. At Meirin Gakusha, which utilizes the site of a historic domain school, you can learn about the education of the Hagi clan and the
history of the patriots of the late Edo period. By visiting Hagi Castle Ruins, Shigetsu Park, and the townscape of the castle town, which retain the
atmosphere of the Edo period. Enjoy a sense of traveling through time.

Roadside Station Hagi Seamart.
The scenery of the town remains unchanged, and seafood continues to be loved as ever. Adjacent to Hagi Fishing Port, Roadside Station Hagi Seamart is
well-known for its fresh fish, and experiences with local ingredients and events with residents are also planned.

SHIMONOSEKI

Shimonoseki：Feel the flow of history and the blessings of the sea

Located at the westernmost tip of Honshu, Shimonoseki is a port town that has prospered since olden times as a key maritime transportation hub facing the Kanmon Strait. It was the stage for numerous historical events, such as the Genpei War and the end of the Edo period, and even today, traces of its rich history remain. Another attraction is the many historical buildings scattered throughout the city, as well as the seafood represented by fugu cuisine.

KATSUURA

Encounter Japan’s Spiritual Heritage and Scenic Traditions in Nachikatsuura
Exclusive Ponant Port Experience Program

Located at the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, Nachikatsuura is a sacred area believed since ancient times to be inhabited by gods. It remains a living tableau of Japan’s original landscape, where sea, mountains, prayer, and cuisine converge. As the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, it offers a uniquely moving experience.

Morning: Touch the Bounty of the Sea and Artisan Skill
The journey begins at the lively Katsuura Port, one of Japan’s top fresh tuna landing sites. Witness powerful scenes of tuna being offloaded and enjoy a tuna filleting show by skilled artisans. Savor the exquisite taste of fresh tuna while watching masterful knife techniques.

Afternoon: Find Inner Peace at the Sacred Sites of Kumano
In the afternoon, a private bus will take you to the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” First, visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three Kumano Grand Shrines nestled in a deep forest with vivid vermilion buildings. Next, at Seiganto-ji Temple nearby, experience a unique spiritual practice based on Shugendo (mountain asceticism), guided by monks. The journey ends at Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest at 133 meters. A mystical place believed to be inhabited by gods, this awe-inspiring waterfall will leave a deep impression.

Walk the Pilgrimage Path Recognized by the World
The Kumano Kodo, once walked by emperors and ascetics, is one of only a few pilgrimage routes in the world recognized by UNESCO alongside Spain’s Santiago de Compostela. This is more than tourism, it’s a journey into the soul of Japan’s spiritual and natural heritage. Your time in Nachikatsuura will be an unforgettable memory.

YAIZU

Wake up in Yaizu.

Yaizu: One of Japan’s premier fishing ports and tea fields – A port town of food and culture.
The city of Yaizu in Shizuoka Prefecture is a port town that has prospered as a fishing center since ancient times. Around Yaizu Port is known for its lively market and traditional bonito flake manufacturing culture and is one of Japan’s leading ports in terms of fish catch. You can also experience Shizuoka’s unique Japanese tea culture in the beautiful tea fields surrounding Yaizu.

Feel the bustle of local industry at one of Japan’s premier fishing ports.
At Yaizu Port, you can see the hustle and bustle of the auction up close. Experience the power of the scene that supports Japanese food culture and the pride of the fishing industry by seeing the fishermen at work in the port.

Leading Japanese tea culture from the vast tea fields 
Take a stroll through Shizuoka’s magnificent tea fields and feel the breath of green life in the rich natural landscape. Discover Japan’s tea industry and culture, which have been built up with an emphasis on harmony with nature.

YOKOHAMA

Your final stop in Yokohama. Yokohama makes a wonderful final stop on a cruise, blending modern energy with rich history. As Japan’s first port opened to the world, the city offers a fitting farewell with its scenic waterfront, vibrant Chinatown, and elegant Minato Mirai skyline. Strolling along the harbour or enjoying a last taste of Japanese cuisine feels both relaxing and celebratory, providing a memorable and satisfying conclusion to the journey.

Overnight: Hotel in Yokohama