Cultural and Natural Treasures of

Japan by Sea

From Maizuru to Hakodate Aboard the 264-guest Le Soléal A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

8 days from $7,580* May 21–28, 2024

Sail the Sea of Japan along the coast of Honshu, discovering lesserknown towns and villages that harbor the hallmarks of Japan’s rich culture: from traditional arts and gardens to historic castles and shrines. Visit intimate art museums and stroll through world-renowned Japanese gardens. Venture into lush mountains to find revered shrines and timeless thatched villages. Participate in a gold leaf or a washi papermaking workshop, and witness fishing traditions on Sato Island. Spend a day in South Korea visiting the temples and markets of Busan or the World Heritage site of Gyeongju.

Highlights Include

Matsue and Yasugi: Admire a phenomenal collection of Japanese modern art, including many works by Yokoyama Taikan, at the Adachi Museum of Art, then visit the lovely Yushien Garden; explore Matsue Castle and learn about washi, the Japanese art of papermaking; or surround yourself with blossoms at the Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park before a visit to a castle where traditional sweets are sold.

South Korea: Spend a day in the dynamic port city of Busan, exploring the Busan Museum of Art, the lively fish market, historic temples, and more. Or travel to World Heritage-listed Gyeongju and see the glorious sites of the cradle of the eighth-century Silla Kingdom.

Kanazawa: Explore the Edo-period Higashi Chayagai geisha district, and choose to visit a gold leaf workshop or tour the breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden and a samurai home. Alternatively, travel to the World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama to discover timeless thatched-roof villages and a unique way of life.

Sado Island: Encounter age-old fishing traditions and an interesting history on Sato Island, where political prisoners were once exiled. Visit the charming village of Shukunegi and the Ogi Folk Museum, or explore the beautiful coast and venture into a once-prolific gold mine.

Sakata and Yamagata: Admire lacquerware and ceramics at the stunning Honma Museum of Art, set in an Edo-period home, and see post-war images at the Ken Domon Museum of Photography. Visit the Sankyo Rice Storehouse, gaze at hundreds of ethereal jellyfish at the Kamo Aquarium, or explore the serene mountains of Yamagata and the shrines they shelter.

Add a four-night extension in Tokyo and Kyoto.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings.

The Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT Experience

Each cruise will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Our experts on this cruise are John Freedman, an Asian studies expert, and Timon Screech, a Japanese art historian.

Eternal Japan

13 days from $8,284

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 13–25, Sept. 18–30, 2023 & Apr. 1–13, Apr. 20–May 2, May 4–16, May 15–27, Sept. 16–28, Oct. 7–19, Oct. 26–Nov. 7, 2024

From the neon lights of Tokyo to the misty peak of Mt. Fuji, and from the winding lanes of Kanazawa to the shimmering temples of Kyoto, delve into the essence of Japan. Step into spectacular temples and stroll world-renowned gardens, explore the palaces of shoguns and thatched homes of remote farmers, and encounter artisans of gold leaf and ceramics. Along the way, meet local people, stay in a ryokan (traditional inn), and experience age-old traditions, including a tea ceremony and a sake tasting.

Highlights Include

Tokyo: Visit the Shinto Meiji Shrine; stroll the gardens of the Imperial Palace; and venture into Tokyo’s oldest temple, the Asakusa Kannon, or Senso-ji.

Mt. Fuji: Take in majestic views of Mt. Fuji, learn about local conservation efforts, and enjoy a relaxing cruise on nearby Ashi Lake. Japanese Alps: Go off the beaten path in lovely Takayama, nestled among high mountain peaks. Spend a day exploring the World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, where farming families in thatched-roof villages maintain a unique lifestyle adapted to their remote setting.

Kanazawa: Tour the breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden, visit a museum celebrating the art and craft of gold leaf technology; and meander through the Edo-period Higashi Chayagai tea house and geisha area.

Kyoto and Nara: Enjoy two days to explore Kyoto’s many temples, shrines, gardens, and well-preserved architecture. Highlights include visits to the gold-covered Kinkaku-ji temple and Nijo-jo Castle, the lavish seat of the shoguns. During a day trip to nearby Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, take a walking tour that features Todai-ji temple, the Kasuga Taisha shrine, Nara National Museum, and the treasures of the eighth-century Kofuku-ji temple.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Carol Morland (Apr. 20)–Japanese art historian. Constantine Vaporis (May 4)–expert in Japanese history. Jonathan Hall (May 15/Oct. 26)–expert in Japanese history, culture, film, and literature. Geeta Mehta (Sept. 16/Oct. 7)–expert in Japanese architecture.