Secular treasures in the Land of the Rising Sun
Recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, traditional Japanese cuisine is like the country: captivating in its contrasts and beauty. From Osaka, let yourself be carried away on a veritable sensorial and culinary exploration of the Empire of the Rising Sun, in partnership with Ducasse Paris and with featured guest Alessandro Guardiani, the Executive Chef of the MUNI KYOTO Hotel, from 5 to 7 April and Chef Shinichiro Takagi of the Zeniya Restaurant, from 8 to 11 April.
Gala dinner, 4-hands menu, culinary demonstrations, tea ceremony, sake tasting… Set off aboard Le Soléal for a brand-new 8-day gastronomic cruise during which a love of good food punctuates the scenery, where the history of the samurai rubs shoulders with the delicacy of the geisha, and where the fragrances of the tea plantations mingle with the perfumes of the cherry blossoms.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, visit the Peace Memorial from Hiroshima, discover the Itsukushima Shrine from Miyajima Island, or take in the natural treasures of Uwajima. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
After first calling at Uno, Le Soléal will sail towards the western part of the Seto Inland Sea. Hiroshima remains in the world’s imagination as the symbol of the nuclear disaster. Fortunately, like Nagasaki, the city has become one of the archipelago’s most peaceful towns and one of its most attractive. Only the Hiroshima Peace Memorial bears witness to the events that occurred in what is now known as “the City of Peace”. The jagged coastlines of the captivating Miyajima Island, also known as Itsukushima, come into view, and the vermillion Torii of the from Miyajima, Shinto Shrine of Itsukushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds before you in a lush forest setting.
Le Soléal will set sail, on the island of Honshu, to Hagi, the cradle of the samurai and Hagi ware. This town will win you over with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and the former residences of Japanese warriors from this feudal town, whose mythical Shizuki Castle, erected in the 17th century, emerges as a symbol.
Then you will sail to South Korea, a small peninsula that juts out into the Sea of Japan, and discover Busan, South Korea’s second city. A place of great contrasts, Busan offers a spectacular view over its port, as well as over the ancient district of Chalgachi.
Back in Japan, you will sail towards the eastern part of the island of Shikoku. After calling at Uwajima, Le Soléal will set a course for the city of Kochi. Succumb to the charms of this city’s treasures, including lush vegetation, spellbinding caves, an emblematic castle, and ancestral arts and crafts.
Finally, for a grand finale, your journey will end in Kobe, your disembarkation port.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
Like Le Boréal and L’Austral, the two sister ships that preceded it, Le Soléal further reaffirms PONANT's signature approach: to take passengers to the farthest reaches of the planet onboard five-star ships offering top-of-the-range services.
