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Peregrine Travel Centre

Japanese Shores (Le Laperouse)

Japanese Shores (Le Laperouse)

From AUD $13,250

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Description

PONANT takes you to the heart of the Land of the Rising Sun to discover its many traditions and emblematic sites.

In Otaru, you will board for a 12-day cruise that promises exceptional discoveries as you visit places such as Hiroshima and our new port of call in Ogi.

First of all, you will discover the northern point of the island of Honshu. You will then sail to Ogi, on the small island of Sado, renowned for its magnificent coastline, wild landscapes and rich history, which blends maritime and artistic traditions with vestiges of the gold rush.

An essential part of your trip will be the stop in Kanazawa. From there, you will be able to visit Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. These villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites particularly famous for their traditional houses in the gassho-zukuri style.

From Sakaiminato, you will set off to discover medieval Japan and the ancient dwellings of the samurai, who built lavish homes and castles.

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.

You will call at Miyajima, the gateway to the majestic Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion Torii.

You will disembark in Osaka, a modern, forward-looking city, in the heart of the Japanese archipelago.

Trip Name
Japanese Shores (Le Laperouse)
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 OTARU, HOKKAIDO
Boasting an outstanding setting of natural beauty, bordered by the Sea of Japan on one side and Mt Tengu on the other, Otaru is a lively harbour town. This old industrial capital has kept from its past glory buildings in 19th-century brick as well as its canals, formerly the main means of transportation. They give this Japanese town a striking appearance, especially when covered in snow. Magnificent vistas abound - itﾒs up to you to put them in order of preference. Shukutsu Observatory, overlooking out over the vast Bay of Ishikari, is just one of them.
Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 AOMORI & NOSHIRO
The ultra-modern port city of Aomori, in the far north of Japanﾒs main island of Honshu, stretches around Mutsu Bay and is the gateway to the Aomori prefectureﾒs many stunning natural attractions. Every summer it hosts the colourful Nebuta Festival, one of the countryﾒs most popular events, and a custom that has lasted well over 300 years. A few kilometres from the city centre is the fascinating Sannai Maruyama site, where you can see ruins of one of Japanﾒs oldest settlements. Further afield, Towada-Hachimantai National Park, near the southern border, has hot springs, autumn foliage in Oirase Gorge, skiing at Mount Hakkõda and lava domes around Lake Towada.Located in the north-west of Honshu Island, Noshiro is a pleasant, modern stopover, ideal for getting a view of contemporary Japanese life. You can to stroll around its gardens, in particular Energium Park which shelters an arboretum and a museum dedicated to the town’s famous kites. Kazenomatsubura forest offers many walking opportunities along the little paths among the trees. You can also see some very lovely temples here, or do some cycling along the river Yoneshiro.
Day 4 - Day 4 OGI, NIIGATA
The small town of Ogi on Sado Island,ﾒs south coast is best-known for its taraibune, small round boats that were originally used for harvesting seaweed and shells. You can take a trip in one at Ogi Port and nearby nearby Yajima and Kyojima. Shukunegi village, about four kilometres from Ogi, is a fascinating place to visit some of the houses in the former shipbuilding centre were built with wood salvaged from boats. Other points of interest include Sado History Museum and the old gold mines; and every year the island hosts Earth Celebration, a music festival.
Day 5 - Day 5 KANAZAWA
Located on the island of Honshu and bathed by the waters of the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is a port marked by history. Under the predominance of the Maeda clan in the Meiji era, the city came under multiple political and cultural influences that shaped its landscape. Throughout the town, you'll discover many signs of its rich past: Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en, one of the most beautiful and famous gardens in Japan, and the old geisha district, Higashi-Chayagai. Õmicho Ichiba market in the town centre is well worth a visit, particularly for freshly cooked seafood.
Day 6 - Day 6 SAKAIMINATO
Located on the south-west coast of Honshu Island, the busy fishing port of Sakaiminato celebrates the comic writer and artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. As well as a museum a dedicated tourist route leads through streets and squares that feature 134 bronze statues representing his beloved characters. This isn't the only thing Sakaiminato has to offer; try some local seafood specialities and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Daisen and the Yumigahama peninsula.
Day 7 - Day 7 BUSAN
With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second largest metropolis on South Korea, after Seoul. This dynamic harbour city, located in the south-east, surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, benefits from a mild, pleasant climate. You’ll find delightful simply to stroll around the lively streets and explore the city’s outstanding cultural heritage of art galleries, museums, and Buddhist sites, such as the Haedong Yonggungsa temple, which elegantly sits on the waterfront. Rich too in magnificent beaches and superlative natural landscapes, Busan’s peaceful atmosphere will win you over, as will its inhabitants, whom you’ll have the pleasure of meeting.
Day 8 - Day 8 KARATSU
Karatsu Bay is edged with long sandy beaches and a huge pine forest that was planted over 350 years ago to protect the coast from the winds and tides of the Genkai Sea. From the top of the donjon of Karatsu Castle or Mount Kagami, you will be able to admire magnificent panoramas. In the north of the Higashi-Matsuura Peninsula, the waves have eroded the lava plateau and carved a magnificent natural site, the seven Nanatsugama Caves, out of the basalt. The city of Karatsu is famous for the quality of its pottery, which is influenced by the craftsmanship of nearby Korea. Very fine pieces are displayed in the city’s galleries and at Karatsu Castle, alongside magnificent samurai armour.
Day 9 - Day 9 BEPPU, OITA
A favourite destination for the Japanese, Beppu is now famous throughout the Japanese archipelago thanks to its onsen – volcanic hot springs in which people immerse themselves to relax with family or friends. From Beppu, you will set off to discover a lush, peaceful valley in which sit 60 majestic stone Buddhas carved out of the cliff face between the 12th and 14th centuries. Exuding a soothing air of serenity, the Mangetsuji site seems to have drifted off to sleep in the heart of a dense bamboo forest surrounded by rice fields. Recognised as a National Treasure of Japan, this set of sacred sculptures offers travellers a unique, wonderful experience.
Day 10 - Day 10 HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA ISLAND
Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesn't forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. You'll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the town's historic garden.At the heart of the Inland Sea, Miyajima, the “island sanctuary” will reveal its treasures. In the background you will see the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion “Torii“. Considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the Japanese islands, you will be transported by the unique character and the serenity of this sacred site.
Day 11 - Day 11 TAKAMATSU
A former fortified city, ruled over by the Matsudaira clan from the Tamamo castle with its seawater moats, the city is home to one of the most beautiful classic gardens in Japan, the Ritsurin. It was created by the barons of the city at the start of the Edo period, during which time gardening became a profession in its own right. Its landscape incorporates Mount Shiun in the background, an example of what is known as the shakkei technique, which uses the surrounding landscapes to increase the beauty of the gardens.
Day 12 - Day 12 OSAKA
Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity. The main historic landmark is the 16th-century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $13,250Deluxe Stateroom
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $14,950Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $15,730Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $16,560Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $23,530Deluxe Suite
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $32,340Prestige Suite Deck 5
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $34,010Prestige Suite Deck 6
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $35,750Privilege Suite
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $39,410Grand Deluxe Suite
07-04-202118-04-2021AUD $41,420Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover the ‘Empire of the Rising Sun’, its traditions and iconic sites.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama from Kanazawa, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Shinto sanctuary of Itsukushima from Miyajima.
    • In South Korea, discover Busan, its old centre and its Buddhist temples.
    • Sakaiminato, medieval Japan and the former homes of the Samurai.
    • Beppu, its hot springs and the stone Buddhas in Mangetsuji (National Treasure).
    • After your cruise: possibility of discovering Osaka, one of the biggest Japanese metropolises, and its famous castle, and the ancient imperial capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

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