Authentic Japan - Luxury Cruise

Whether you’ve been there or not, Tokyo is a dream place and always will be. Seated on the east coast of Honshu island, it is one of the largest cities in the world - with more than 13 million inhabitants intramural –, and one of the most active. With its 23 districts, the Japanese capital breathes life into a unique and motley universe: from the high-tech Akihabara district to the quiet, historical streets of Asakusa, through the night-time effervescence of Shinjuku and the trendy boutiques of Harajuku, Tokyo and its inhabitants will surprise you for sure. Everything seems somehow planned to make you want to stay. And it’s not Tokyo’s tradition of fine food that will make you change your mind.

The former city of Shimizu is located on Japan’s Pacific coast, to the south-west of Tokyo. In 2003, it was incorporated into the neighbouring city of Shizuoka, hence the “former” status. From its port, considered one of the three most beautiful in Japan, the panorama over Suruga Bay is unique. You will be able to visit Kunozan Toshogu, a Shinto shrine located south-east of Shizuoka. Miho no Matsubara Beach, lined with a magnificent pine grove, offers breathtaking views of the UNESCO-listed Mount Fuji on clear days.

Toba is a coastal city located in Japan’s Mie Prefecture, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Situated in the Ise-Shima National Park, Toba has given its name to majestic bay sheltering a string of small islands, famous for the beauty of their forests and the production of cultured pearls. You will have the possibility of discovering the Ise Shrine, residence of the Imperial family and venerated by the Japanese people as the “soul of Japan”.

Located in a peaceful cove overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Katsuura is a true coastal paradise home to the largest number of natural open-air hot springs in the entire Wakayama Prefecture. Numerous rocky islets are scattered across the calm waters of this secluded bay, providing delicious local seafood for you to enjoy as you savour the fresh air of this timeless place. Katsuura is part of Japan’s largest peninsula, the Kii Peninsula, and home to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, one of the Kumano Sanzan, a religious complex dedicated to the three sacred mountains of Kumano. 

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.

Anchored to the south-eastern end of the Nunakama Peninsula, facing the calm and clear waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Tomonoura is a destination particularly appreciated for its authentic and old-fashioned atmosphere that gives it an incomparable charm. In the past used as a port where boats would moor while waiting for a favourable wind, the charming and picturesque village now serves to inspire many filmmakers and artists. With good reason, since its craggy landscapes, its cherry trees in blossom, its gentle way of life, its traditional wooden houses and its port, preserved since the Edo era, notably enabled the artist Hayao Miyazaki to make the animated film Ponyo.

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.

Located on the south-east coast of Kyushu island in scenic Miyazaki Prefecture, Aburatsu is a natural port, linked to the town of Nichinan. Because of its position Aburatsu has become a major maritime passage into the numerous regions of Asia. It has a serene atmosphere, typical to southern Japan, with a gentle landscape of rolling hills. On the outskirts of Nichinan, you can visit Obi Castle, dating from the Edo period. Slightly to the north of the old town, the Udo-Jingu shrine also features among the regionﾒs wonders.

Located in the heart of Kagoshima Prefecture, Ibusuki is a coastal town renowned for its many hot springs and hot sand baths on the seashore. A true seaside resort, the town stretches across the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, with its main centre extending along the coast and overlooking Kagoshima Bay. It offers spectacular views of Mount Kaimon, also called Satsuma Fuji due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji. You will discover Chiran, a historic village in Kagoshima where you will find a preserved samurai district with houses and gardens dating back around 250 years. The town is also home to the Chiran Peace Museum. Located on the site of the former Chiran Army Air Base, it serves as a memorial to the young men who sacrificed their lives as kamikaze pilots during the Second World War.

In the heart of Kyūshū, Kumamoto embodies the understated elegance of traditional Japan. Its majestic castle dominates a city steeped in history, surrounded by serene gardens and spectacular volcanic landscapes. Just outside the city, Mount Aso offers unforgettable experiences: hikes along smoking volcanic ridges, panoramic vistas, and hot-spring villages nestling in lush greenery. Kumamoto reveals another side of Japan, both intimate and grandiose, where culture, nature and lifestyle converge.

Facing the mythical island of Kyushu, between the Yatsushiro and Ariake seas, the island region of Amakusa both surprises and captivates. Composed of some one hundred verdant islets surrounded by stunning seabeds, the Japanese archipelago was once a refuge for many Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the 17th century during the Edo period. Nestled on the shore of a cove opening onto the calm waters of Yôkaku Bay, Sakitsu is a charming fishing port. Immerse yourself in its Christian heritage, notably through a visit to its emblematic church blending Western and Japanese cultures. Rebuilt in 1934, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in the north of the Shimabara Peninsula, the town of Unzen lies at the heart of Unzen-Amakusa National Park, Japan’s first national park, founded in 1934. Created to preserve the region’s culture and nature, this natural haven covering more than 280 km² (108 sq. miles) combines a spectacular volcanic environment with the landscapes of the Amakusa Islands. During this enchanting interlude, you will be able to discover the park’s legendary high-temperature hot springs, volcanic gas vents, and highly diverse wildlife. With impressive natural phenomena and open views over the sea, this stop offers an elegant immersion in one of the most emblematic environments of southern Japan.

Located on the north-west coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki will impress you by its rich heritage. Despite the destruction in 1945, you can visit several ancient sites, including the beautiful 19^th-century Catholic Church of Oura and its garden, the sanctuary of Suwa Shrine or several Buddhist temples. A visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum gives you insight into the extent of the damage caused by the nuclear attack. Close by, a walk in the Memorial Peace Park leads you to a collection of objets d'art offered as a gift from Japan to the world.

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.

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Vessel Type: Luxury

Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins

Built: 2018/2019

Le Jacques Cartier is the newest vessel in the PONANT Explorers series, blending contemporary French elegance with cutting-edge design and technology. Accommodating just 184 guests across 92 stylish staterooms and suites, the ship offers an intimate and refined cruising experience. Its sophisticated interiors feature open spaces filled with natural light, seamlessly connecting guests to the sea and surrounding landscapes. Expansive lounges, a theatre, and a swimming pool create inviting social areas, while the marina platform allows effortless access to Zodiac excursions and water activities.

On board, Le Jacques Cartier embodies the essence of French art de vivre through exceptional gastronomy, fine wines, and attentive service. Wellness facilities provide a sanctuary for relaxation, complementing days of discovery and exploration. Built with the latest environmental innovations, the ship reflects PONANT’s commitment to responsible and sustainable cruising. Whether sailing through tropical islands, ancient coastlines, or polar waters, Le Jacques Cartier delivers a journey defined by comfort, culture, and connection to the natural world.

Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship

Length: 142 metres

Passenger Capacity: 264

Built: 2013

Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, with balconies, joined in 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white.

A refined ambience is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea.  In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.