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From Yokohama (Tokyo) to Kobe

Ponant & Hankyu Travel's Essence of Japan

Dates:
25 Mar - 6 Apr 2027
Duration:
12 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
8
Ship:
Le Jacques Cartier
Cruise Line:
Ponant Explorations
Call us for prices - you'll never pay more than the price advertised by the cruise line.

From Yokohama (Tokyo) to Kobe

Ponant & Hankyu Travel's Essence of Japan

Dates:
25 Mar - 6 Apr 2027
Duration:
12 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
8
Ship:
Le Jacques Cartier
Cruise Line:
Ponant Explorations
Call us for prices - you'll never pay more than the price advertised by the cruise line.

Voyage Itinerary

25 March

Setting sail from Yokohama (Tokyo)

Tokyo is a dazzling introduction to Japan and its utterly unique culture. With more neon than Las Vegas and more Michelin stars than Paris, it's a real assault on the senses, but an efficient public transport system means it's easy to explore. Asakusa is an atmospheric district where you'll find Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Akihibara spills over with shops selling electronic gadgets, and Harajuku is the place to marvel at the latest colourful Japanese fashions. It's also easy to escape the crowds and find a spot of peace and quiet, with tranquil parks, shrines and lotus ponds dotted around the city.

Tokyo skyline at sunset
Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

Don't miss

The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing at Shibuya. Take the metro to the station of the same name and watch as thousands cross simultaneously when the traffic lights turn red.

26 March to 27 March - At sea

28 March

Japan: Toba

29 March to 30 March - At sea

31 March

Japan: Hagi

Hagi is a former castle town in western Honshu, with one of the best preserved former samurai districts in Japan. This was the seat of the Mori, one of the most powerful clans during the feudal era, and you can still see the ruins of their castle, built in the early 17th century.
Streets in Hagi, Japan

1 April

South Korea: Busan

Busan is South Korea’s second biggest city and one of the world’s busiest container ports, but it’s an easygoing place with a discernibly different character to Seoul. Haeundae beach is a popular summer holiday destination for Koreans, while the pungent Jagalchi market sells every type of fish and sea creature imaginable.
Busan, South Korea

2 April

Japan: Shimonoseki

3 April

Japan: Miyajima

Miyajima island, officially known as Itsukushima, is famous for its incredibly photogenic torii (shrine gates) which seem to float above the water. Renovation work beginning in June 2019 means that the gates will be obscured by scaffolding for a couple of years, but the shrine itself will remain open.
Miyajima shrine gates, Japan

4 April

Japan: Mitarai

5 April - At sea

6 April

Arriving in Kobe

Small in size and cosmopolitan in its outlook, Kobe is a thoroughly pleasant city with a long and distinguished history as one of Japan’s main trading ports. Kobe’s past as a commercial hub is reflected in its architecture, with a number of unusually European-looking houses, as well as a charming, if slightly touristy, Chinatown.
Kobe, Japan at night
Mount Maya, Japan

Our tip

Kobe’s nearby Rokko mountains mean it is easy to get up high for great views, with lots of cable cars and ropeways to choose from.

The ship

Le Jacques Cartier

Capacity:
184 Guests
Crew:
118 Staff
Style:
Refined with a wonderful mix of a modern super yacht and nautical tradition, all with a French flair.

Sleek and stylish, Ponant's wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.

What we love

Named after six of France's most famous explorers, Le Champlain, Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d'Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant's trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.

Learn more about Le Jacques Cartier
Ponant Explorers - Le Bougainville in Norway

inclusions

  • All meals in all venues
  • Tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • All onboard entertainment
  • Unlimited use of the Fitness Centre
  • Zodiac outings and landings on expedition sailings
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • One complimentary excursion per port

Tailor-make your trip

Ways to make it better
    • Park Hotel Tokyo

      Extend your stay in Tokyo

      The Park Hotel at Shimbashi in the Shiodome Media Tower offers premium rooms with great views from the 25th floor up!

    • Cycle lane in Tokyo

      Get on your bike

      The 25km Tokyo Great Cycling Tour is one of the city’s greatest trips. See both secret back streets and landmark attractions on this full day extravaganza.

    • Hotel La Suite, Kobe

      Where to stay in Kobe

      We like Hotel La Suite right on the waterfront.

    • Japanese sake

      Around Kobe

      Go to the Sake breweries in the Nada district – much of the best sake comes from this region.

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