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 $7,180* 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 and 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 Shikunegi 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 Homma 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 or a two-night extension in Hokkaido.

*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 $7,984

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 13–25, Sept. 18–30, Oct. 2–14, Oct. 25–Nov. 6, 2023 & Apr. 1–13, Apr. 20–May 2, 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

Barry Till (Sept. 13) and Carol Morland (Oct. 2)–art historians with expertise in Asian art. Jonathan Hall (Oct. 25/May 15/Oct. 26)–expert in Japanese history, culture, film, and literature.

Treasures of Southeast Asia

Featuring Bali, Singapore, Thailand, and Angkor Wat

16 days from $7,690

Includes $250 special savings / Special air rates & services available Oct. 17– Nov. 1, 2023 & Feb. 6–21, 2024

Take an exotic journey to East Asia that showcases a vast array of ancient histories, diverse cultures, and many World Heritage sites. Fly between four countries, enjoying unforgettable experiences such as listening to an Indonesian gamelan to exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat.

Highlights Include

Bali: Enjoy a variety of options to experience traditional Balinese life that include visiting a local school or learning about the traditional irrigation system used in rice fields. Travel inland to the artist community of Ubud and discover Balinese painting, listen to an Indonesian gamelan, and visit the colorful local market.

Singapore: Explore the fascinating medley of Chinese, Indian, and Malay culture, architecture, and cuisine in this historic city-state. An introductory tour takes you from the iconic Merlion Park to the city’s oldest Chinese temple. Discover the landmark Gardens by the Bay, featuring vertical “Supertree” gardens, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, and aerial walkways. You’ll also enjoy visits to the Malay enclave of Kampong Glam, bustling Chinatown, and Little India’s exotic flower and spice market.

Bangkok: During two full days of excursions, highlights include the Grand Palace with its Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the famous Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and the World Heritage site of Ayutthaya—Thailand’s ancient capital. You’ll also enjoy a cruise along the Chao Phraya River, a tuk-tuk ride through the city, a sampling of Thai cuisine, and a captivating Thai dance performance.

Angkor Wat: Fly to Cambodia’s Siem Reap for a threenight stay to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, a World Heritage site. Enjoy time for in-depth visits to the enthralling temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Thommanon, each site a unique and fascinating experience. Traditional performances and a visit with local artisans complement your stay.

Local Cuisine: Throughout your journey, indulge in the culinary specialties of each country you visit. Browse the spice-laden markets of Bali, learn the secrets of making Chinese dumplings in Singapore, savor an array of flavors and textures during a Thai feast, and learn to make noodles in a Cambodian family home. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert Sandra Cate (Oct.)–anthropologist and folklorist with expertise in Southeast Asia.

Discovering Vietnam

15 days from $5,497

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees Oct. 19–Nov. 2, Nov. 27–Dec. 11, 2023 & Jan. 11–25, Feb. 17–Mar. 2, 2024

Travel the length of Vietnam, uncovering centuries of history and culture in Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An; and witnessing everyday life in spectacular places from Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta.

Highlights Include

Hanoi and Ha Long Bay: On a guided tour, discover the ancient Temple of Literature and the One-Pillar Pagoda, as well as more recent sites such as the “Hanoi Hilton” prison. Cruise breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage site known for its mystical karst cliffs and islands.

Da Nang and Hoi An: Delve into ancient Cham culture in Da Nang, and spend a full day exploring the medieval trading port of Hoi An.

Hue: Experience the grandeur of imperial Hué, cruising the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda and visiting the palatial tombs of the Nguyen emperors.

Mekong River: Spend two days on the Mekong, riding local boats along small tributaries to traditional villages and the floating market at Cai Rang.

Ho Chi Minh City: Visit Reunification Palace, kept as it was when Saigon fell in 1975, and tour the city’s renowned museums. Venture into the Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war.

Cultural Experiences: Enjoy a private cooking lesson, visit a farming settlement, and sit down to lunch in the home of a local historian.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Dana Sachs (Jan.)–writer. Elvira Masson (Feb.)–professor of Asian history.

Exploring Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia

17 days from $8,495

Sept. 13–29, Oct. 4–20, 2023

Wedged between the Caspian and Black Seas, the less visited countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan showcase a wealth of cultural and historical treasures. Discover these special gems on this unique journey.

Highlights Include

Azerbaijan: Explore Baku, the burgeoning capital on the Caspian Sea with its ancient and modern architecture. Venture outside the city to discover the archaeological sites of Gobustan and the Atashgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple. Spend a night in Sheki, one of the country’s oldest cities, and enjoy a performance of traditional Azeri music.

Georgia: Cross into eastern Georgia’s Kakheti region, renowned for its vineyards and some of the country’s most impressive religious architecture. Discover Georgian cuisine during a traditional feast complemented by polyphonic singing. Stop at the Stalin Museum in Gori, the impressive 12th-century Vardzia cave complex, and the Phoka Nunnery. In Tbilisi, Georgia’s famed capital, explore the Old Town, see the National Museum’s archaeological collection, learn about modern politics, and enjoy a classical music concert.

Armenia: With input from Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, you’ll enjoy the best of Armenia. In the Lori region, stop in at the Nurik Center, an NGO supporting women through cultural tourism, and learn to make traditional Armenian dishes with a local family. Enjoy day trips to Geghard Monastery and Noravank. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Bob Smolik (Sept.)–former diplomat with expertise in Central Asia. Veronica Kalas (Oct.)–art historian and field archaeologist.