Cherished by those who seek the pinnacle of unparalleled luxury and intellectual exploration, this exclusive sailing is specially chartered to showcase the hidden corners of Japan and carefully timed to coincide with the cherry blossom. These hidden coastal towns are steeped in history and heritage, yet typically inaccessible by other luxury cruises. While onboard, you will indulge your senses with a masterpiece of dining, led by Michelin-starred excellence of the legendary Alain Ducasse paired with the bespoke creations from master Japanese chefs. You will witness live tuna cutting and enjoy curated local sake delivered from the port to your plate.<\/p>\n
This is more than a cruise. It is a pilgrimage for the epicurean soul, a rare opportunity to taste the pure, untouched heart of Japan.<\/p>\n
Please note that individual itineraries may vary depending on the selected sailing, departure date, weather and sea conditions.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 13-25 Mar 2027: Kobe to Yokohama<\/p>\n 25 Mar-6 Apr 2027: Yokohama to Kobe<\/p>\n 6-18 Apr 2027: Kobe to Kumamoto<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cherished by those who seek the pinnacle of unparalleled luxury and intellectual exploration, this exclusive sailing is specially chartered to showcase the hidden corners of Japan and carefully timed to coincide with the cherry blossom. These hidden coastal towns are steeped in history and heritage, yet typically inaccessible by other luxury cruises. While onboard, you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":15984,"template":"","itinerary-tags":[],"sub-region":[175,291],"region":[69],"experience-level":[570],"language":[],"interest":[47],"journey-type":[34,320],"country":[28],"class_list":["post-12443","itinerary","type-itinerary","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","sub-region-honshu","sub-region-kyushu","region-north-east-asia","experience-level-gourmet-wine","interest-gourmet-wine","journey-type-cruises","journey-type-ocean-cruise","country-japan"],"meta_box":{"popularity_score":"","select_brands":[7661],"hotels_section_title":"","select_hotel":[],"faq_content_block":[],"hotel_tour_tiers_title":"Hotels & Tour Price","tiers":[{"price_currency":"JPY","price_amount":"2500000","price_unit":"Indicative Cost Per Person (JPY)"}],"intriq_note":" Please note that individual itineraries may vary depending on the selected sailing, departure date, weather and sea condition. Please note that all prices provided are indicative and may be adjusted based on your travel dates, party size, and any specific. requirements you may have.<\/em><\/p>\n","intriq_inquire_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/contact-us\/","itinerary_banner":[{"width":150,"height":150,"file":"2026\/04\/Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner.jpg","filesize":184341,"sizes":{"medium":{"file":"Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-300x111.jpg","width":300,"height":111,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":13877,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-300x111.jpg"},"large":{"file":"Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-1024x378.jpg","width":1024,"height":378,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":109926,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-1024x378.jpg"},"thumbnail":{"file":"Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":11458,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-150x150.jpg"},"medium_large":{"file":"Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-768x283.jpg","width":768,"height":283,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":67774,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-768x283.jpg"},"1536x1536":{"file":"Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-1536x566.jpg","width":1536,"height":566,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":205247,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-1536x566.jpg"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]},"ID":"12444","name":"Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner.jpg","path":"\/var\/www\/html\/intriq\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner-150x150.jpg","full_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner.jpg","title":"Hankyu-Ponant-Japan-Hero-Banner","caption":"","description":"","alt":"","srcset":false}],"start_date":"","end_date":"","duration_days":"13","duration_nights":"12","pricing_options":[{"price_label":"Price From","price_currency":"JPY","price_amount":"2500000","price_unit":"Per Person"}],"promotions_grp":{"promo_title":"Complementary"},"download_itinerary_label":"","download_itinerary_attachment":[],"intro_content":" Cherished by those who seek the pinnacle of unparalleled luxury and intellectual exploration, this exclusive sailing is specially chartered to showcase the hidden corners of Japan and carefully timed to coincide with the cherry blossom. 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A Sojourn at Le Jacques-Cartier<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nWelcome onboard Le Jacques-Cartier, the beautiful vessel that marries the art of exploration and luxury.\r\n\r\nAs you build your anticipation towards your unforgettable exploration of Japan, you will enjoy the pampering of delicious dining led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, as well as the exclusive \u201cSAKE Relay\u201d which brings premium sake from local breweries into the ship\u2019s bar. At select ports, you will also enjoy exclusive live tuna cutting demonstration which will then be served onboard at peak freshness!\r\n\r\nAs the only exploration voyage in Japan with zodiacs, your journey is carefully crafted to bring you through the untouched landscapes of Japan which are inaccessible to large cruise ships. You will also be accompanied by expert naturalists to uncover priceless insights throughout the journey.","meals_included_list":["dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12447"],"day_title":"Tagonoura","itinerary_content":"
A Portrait of Mount Fuji<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nAt Tagonoura, stand the sacred ground where Mount Fuji unveils its full, uninterrupted majesty that has inspired centuries of poets and artists, including the great haiku master Matsuo Bash\u014d. Let your feet wander the historic port, feel the spiritual bond of local shrines, or explore the nearby historical sites.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12448"],"day_title":"Yaizu","itinerary_content":"
A Taste of Ocean\u2019s Bounty<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nA powerhouse among Japan\u2019s top fishing harbours, Yaizu is synonymous with the Japan\u2019s finest seafood offerings, especially the highly coveted bonito (katsuo) and and tuna. This is a truly authentic experience far from the hurried clamor of tourist trails.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12449"],"day_title":"Toba","itinerary_content":"
Origin of the Pearls<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nA glittering jewel of the Pacific Ocean, Toba is renowned for its natural beauty and the luminous secret it holds: the cultivation of cultured pearls (home to the famed Mikimoto). Beyond the coast\u2019s splendor, Toba offers passage to profound spirituality at the Ise Grand Shrine. This hallowed residence of the Imperial family is not just a landmark, but a sacred heart that is venerated by the locals as the very \u201csoul of Japan\u201d.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["8839"],"day_title":"Katsuura","itinerary_content":"
Spirit of Kumano Kodo<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nLet us whisk you into the ancient trail that has drawn pilgrims through the ages. Visit the famed Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, perched dramatically over the mountainside while preserving the nation\u2019s Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Nearby, the serene Seiganto-ji Temple is beautifully silhouetted against the cascading curtain of Nachi Falls, forming one of Japan\u2019s most iconic landscapes.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12452"],"day_title":"Day at Sea","itinerary_content":"
At the Rhythm of the Ocean<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nToday, the journey becomes the destination. Enjoy free time at leisure to unwind and enjoy the ship facilities.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12453"],"day_title":"Hagi","itinerary_content":"
Cradle of Meiji Revolution<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nOn the southern reaches of Honshu lies Hagi, inextricably woven into the delta of the Abu-gawa river. The history here is tangible, with the original 17th<\/sup> century Hagi Castle now represented by its magnificent outer walls within the lovely Shizuki Park. The streets are a gallery of its past, lined with traditional homes ad stately samurai manors. Its deep cultural legacy awaits your explorations in the many museums and celebrated Hagi-yaki ceramic workshops.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12454"],"day_title":"Busan","itinerary_content":"
A Pulse of Busan<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nAs South Korea\u2019s vibrant second metropolis, Busan pulses with a dynamic energy. Delight in its lively streets filled with sleek art galleries, museums and ancient Buddhist sanctuaries. Marvel at the breathtaking Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched elegantly on the water\u2019s edge.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12455"],"day_title":"Shimonoseki","itinerary_content":"
Echoes of the Samurai<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nKyushu\u2019s discreet port city of Shimonoseki holds a deep history rooted in seven centuries of samurai power. Beneath its veneer, Shimonoseki set the stage for ancient battles. Within its lively alleyways, you can find traditional market celebrated for its rewowned pufferfish (fugu).","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12456"],"day_title":"Miyajima","itinerary_content":"
Splendour of Miyajima<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nOur journey continues into the Seto Inland Sea. At its heart is the revered island sanctuary of Miyajiima, dominated by the majestic Shinto Grand Sanctuary. This unforgettable spectacle\u2014the gate appearing to float on the water\u2014earns Miyajima its place as one of the most iconic sites in Japan.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12457"],"day_title":"Mitarai","itinerary_content":"
A Glimpse of the Edo Past<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nNestled on the eastern edge of \u014csaki Shimojima Island, the fishing village of Mitarai is a quiet time capsule that transports you back into the Edo Period. Its narrow streets are lined with quaint 19th<\/sup> century wooden dwellings, distinctive \u201cgangi\u201d stairs and ancient sanctuaries. This unique landscape, steeped in history, earned the old town official designation as a Preservation District in 1994.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12458"],"day_title":"Inujima","itinerary_content":"
From Industrial Past to Contemporary Art<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nA jewel of the Setouchi region, Inujima beckons with its traditional wooden village once known as the engine of the quarrying and smelting industry. Its high-quality granite was high in demand from the Edo period onwards, used for monumental projects including the Osaka Castle and the Okayama Castle. Inujima faced decline before underdoing a profound artistic rebirth as a hub for contemporary art.","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["12459"],"day_title":"Disembarkation in Kobe","itinerary_content":"
A Farewell to Le Jacques-Cartier<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nAwake from your restful slumber as your sojourn concludes at the port city of Kobe, carrying with you the indelible memories of your extraordinary journey across Japan. We are happy to tailor-make your post-cruise extension to explore Kobe (known for its mouth-watering beef) or the surrounding region. Speak to one of our friendly Travel Specialists for more information.","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]}],"promo_pay_terms":"","book_now_url":"","inquire_now_url":"","includes_title":"Includes","excludes_title":"Excludes","includes_content":"
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