A NEW cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Trace the coast of Honshu, exploring lesser-known towns and villages that harbor the hallmarks of Japan’s rich culture: from traditional crafts and Japanese gardens to historic castles and shrines.
Treasures of Japan by Sea
Aboard the 264-guest Le Soléal
9 days from $9,410
A NEW cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Trace the coast of Honshu, exploring lesser-known towns and villages that harbor the hallmarks of Japan’s rich culture: from traditional crafts and Japanese gardens to historic castles and shrines.
Overview

Sail the coast of Honshu from Osaka Bay to the Sea of Japan, discovering historic towns and cities that harbor a wealth of Japanese art, handicrafts, gardens, and shrines. Catch the sunset on the iconic 'floating' torii gate on Miyajima Island, and spend time at the poignant Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial. Cross to South Korea for a day among the temples and markets of Busan or a visit to the ancient Silla capital of Gyeongju, a World Heritage site. Tour world-renowned art museums and some of the best classical gardens in Japan, and visit artisans in their workshops to learn how timeless crafts are made.
The Smithsonian Journeys / PONANT Experience: Each cruise will be accompanied by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts. An excursion or activity is included in each port of call. You may have a choice of excursions in many ports, so that you can delve more deeply into subjects that interest you.
Highlights Include:
- Hiroshima and Miyajima Island: Hear moving stories of survival and resilience on a visit to the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima and see Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic torii gate on Miyajima Island.
- Japanese Gardens: Visit three remarkable traditional Japanese gardens—Korakuen, Ritsurin, and Yushien—and discover how the spiritual and the natural are woven together in Japanese landscaping.
- Hagi: Delve into the history of the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration in this castle town, visiting merchant houses and samurai districts and learning about traditional crafts practiced here over the centuries.
- Matsue and Yasugi: Admire a phenomenal collection of Japanese modern art and stunning gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art. Explore Matsue Castle and witness the Japanese art of papermaking known as washi; or take a boat ride through the canals and rivers of Matsue.
- South Korea: Spend a day in the port city of Busan, exploring an outdoor sculpture garden, the lively fish market, historic temples, and more. Or travel to World Heritage-listed Gyeongju to see the glorious sites of the cradle of the eighth-century Silla Kingdom.
- Traditional Cuisine: Try your hand at making—and eating—traditional Japanese udon noodles, and a chance to sample sake in a traditional sake-making village.
- Special Guest Musician (2025 departure): Onboard performances by Hiroe Morikawa, a master player of the koto (traditional stringed instrument). See Tour Details tab for Hiroe Morikawa's bio.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
2025 Itinerary
Day 1 — Osaka, Japan/Kobe
Arrive into Osaka airport and transfer to the port at nearby Kobe. Embark the ship late this afternoon. Set sail on the Seto Inland Sea, the waterway that separates the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. (D)
Day 2 — Takamatsu
A vibrant port city on the island of Shikoku, Takamatsu was once the fortified stronghold of the Matsudaira clan. It is home to Ritsurin Garden, one of the most beautiful classic gardens in Japan. Created by feudal lords at the start of the Edo period, the garden uses the shakkei technique, which draws in the surrounding landscapes. On a morning visit, discover koi ponds, graceful bridges and pavilions, and ancient trees. Then explore the Shikokumura, an open-air museum that includes 27 traditional structures—including a kabuki theater and artisan workshops—recreating life on Shikoku in an earlier era. Also visit a bonsai garden, examining a collection of bonsai masterpieces. Alternately, visit the Nakano Udon School for a lesson in making udon, the noodles for which this region is famous and learn how traditional Japanese sweets are made at the teahouse in Ritsurin Garden. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Spend the morning in Hiroshima, a city that embodies resilience and healing. Take a walk through the Peace Memorial Park, a World Heritage site, and see the Genbaku Dome, the only structure to survive the explosion of the atomic bomb. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum and, at the Children’s Peace Monument, learn the moving story of the young survivor who inspired a national movement. Alternatively, head to the Saijo district, the heart of the sake industry since the turn of the 20th century. Take a walking tour of Sakagura-dori, or Sake Brewery Street, and visit two breweries for a tour and tasting. Stop to see Hiroshima Castle before returning to the ship. On Miyajima Island, tour the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine. The Shinto shrine was originally established in 593, and is guarded by a vermillion torii gate that seems to float on the water at high tide. Enjoy free time on the island this afternoon and watch this stunning shrine light up at sunset. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Hagi
Round the southern coast of Honshu and enter the Sea of Japan on our way to Hagi. Once the seat of the powerful Môri clan during Japan's Edo Period, Hagi was active in the Meiji Restoration, which returned the country to imperial rule. Visit the 17th-century Toko-ji temple and see its 500 moss-covered stone lanterns honoring the Môri clan lords. Then take a walking tour of Hagi Castle Town, where original roads and samurai dwellings of have survived intact. Examine everyday ceramics, utensils, and clothing on a visit to the Kikuya Residence, one of the best-preserved examples of merchant-style architecture from the Edo Period. Alternatively, learn about the city’s signature pottery (Hagiyaki) during a visit of the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum as well as Hagi Castle Town. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Matsue and Yasugi
Go ashore in Sakaiminato and explore the region on one of three excursions. Visit the exquisite Adachi Museum of Art, set amid Japanese gardens considered some of the most beautiful in the country and home to a world-class collection of Japanese modern art. Witness the evolution of artistic styles from the Meiji Period through the 20th century, and admire works by prominent artists such as Yokoyama Taikan. Continue to Daikonshima Island, in the middle of Lake Nakaumi, for a visit to Yushien Garden, known for its abundance of blooming peonies in the spring.
Or choose to travel to Matsue Castle, built in 1611 and one of the few original castles that remain in Japan. See a collection of samurai swords and armor and take in sweeping views from the donjon. Then delve into the art of Japanese papermaking, or washi. Visit a museum dedicated to a master craftsman and try your hand at this ancient art, now recognized as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
Alternatively, see Matsue from another perspective during a Horikawa boat ride, sailing along the river and canals of Matsue on a small boat, then visit Matsue Castle. On your return to the ship, see the bronze statues of manga characters that line Mizuki Shigeru Road. This afternoon, set sail for the Korean Peninsula. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Busan, South Korea
Arrive in the port city of Busan, a former colony of Japan that is now South Korea’s second-largest city. Take in the view from Gwangan Grand Bridge, Korea’s longest suspension bridge, on your way to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a colorful temple originally built in the 14th century that sits picturesquely atop seaside rocks. Alternatively, travel to Hongbeopsa Temple, home to the largest Buddha statue in Asia. Or choose a full-day excursion to the historic city of Gyeongju, cradle of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC to AD 935), and its glorious World Heritage-designated Bulguksa Temple. Continue to the royal burial mounds at Tumuli Park and venture into the fifth-century Cheonmachong, or “Flying Horse” tomb. Our final stop is the Gyeongju National Museum, which houses a treasure trove of Silla artifacts. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Moji, Kitakyushu
Navigate the narrow Kanmon Straits, which separate the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Perched on this active waterway is picturesque Mojiko, a flourishing center of commerce until 1945. Choose one of two excursions today. Travel to the samurai stronghold of Chofu, the center of the uprising against Tokugawa rule that led to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Take a walking tour of this virtual museum of samurai history and culture, visiting the elegant Chofu Mori residence and the Kozan-ji temple, the oldest Zen temple in Japan; then see the beautiful Akama Shrine. Or explore 17th-century Kokura Castle and its authentic teahouse and stylized gardens. On your return, stop in Mojiko Retro, a trendy area of repurposed buildings in the old port. Take in the view from a high-rise designed by one of Japan’s leading architects, and enjoy time to meander through this district on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Fukiya Furusato Village or Kurashiki
Dock in Uno, and spend today in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area, where 18th-century storehouses recall the area’s heyday as a commerce hub during the Edo period. Stop in at the Museum of Folk Craft to see an impressive collection of centuries-old household goods that provides an intriguing look into everyday life during the Edo period. Continue to the Ohashi Family House, the 200-year-old home of a wealthy merchant. Alternately, visit the town of Imbe and stop at a traditional kiln to see Bizen-yaki pottery being made, then continue to nearby Osafune and the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum. Or spend today at the Bikan Historical Area, the Ohara Museum, and Korakuen Garden, considered one of the three great gardens of Japan. (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Kobe
Disembark in Kobe after an early breakfast and extend your stay or transfer to the airport in Osaka for your flight home. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
2026 Itinerary
Day 1 — Osaka, Japan
Arrive into Osaka airport and embark the ship late this afternoon. Set sail on the Seto Inland Sea, the waterway that separates the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. (D)
Day 2 — Tamano, Japan
Dock in Uno, and spend today in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area, where 18th-century storehouses recall the area’s heyday as a commerce hub during the Edo period. Stop in at the Gangukan Japanese Folk Toy Museum to see a collection of toys from all over Japan, dating from the Edo to the Showa periods. Continue to the Ohashi Family House, the 200-year-old home of a wealthy merchant. Following lunch, enjoy an afternoon at Korakuen Garden, considered one of the three great gardens of Japan. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Spend the morning in Hiroshima, a city that embodies resilience and healing. Take a walk through the Peace Memorial Park, a World Heritage site, and see the Genbaku Dome, the only structure to survive the explosion of the atomic bomb. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum and, at the Children’s Peace Monument, learn the moving story of the young survivor who inspired a national movement. Alternatively, head to the Saijo district, the heart of the sake industry since the turn of the 20th century. Take a walking tour of Sakagura-dori, or Sake Brewery Street, and visit two breweries for a tour and tasting. Stop to see Hiroshima Castle before returning to the ship. On Miyajima Island, tour the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine. The Shinto shrine was originally established in 593, and is guarded by a vermillion torii gate that seems to float on the water at high tide. Enjoy free time on the island this afternoon and watch this stunning shrine light up at sunset. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Beppu, Japan
Sails next to Beppu, renowned for its extensive system of hot springs or onsen. Choose to visit Chinoike Jigoku, one of the oldest natural hot springs in Japan and unique for its deep red color due to its iron oxide content. Or opt to discover a beautiful steaming blue pond and bubbling mud pond at Kamado Jigoku, also known as "Cooking Pot Hell.” (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Moji, Kitakyushu
Navigate the narrow Kanmon Straits, which separate the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Perched on this active waterway is picturesque Mojiko, a flourishing center of commerce until 1945. Choose one of two excursions today. Travel to the samurai stronghold of Chofu, the center of the uprising against Tokugawa rule that led to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Take a walking tour of this virtual museum of samurai history and culture, visiting the elegant Chofu Mori residence and the Kozan-ji temple, the oldest Zen temple in Japan; then see the beautiful Akama Shrine. Or explore 17th-century Kokura Castle and its authentic teahouse and stylized gardens. On your return, stop in Mojiko Retro, a trendy area of repurposed buildings in the old port. Take in the view from a high-rise designed by one of Japan’s leading architects, and enjoy time to meander through this district on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Hagi
Round the southern coast of Honshu and enter the Sea of Japan on our way to Hagi. Once the seat of the powerful Môri clan during Japan's Edo Period, Hagi was active in the Meiji Restoration, which returned the country to imperial rule. Visit the 17th-century Toko-ji temple and see its 500 moss-covered stone lanterns honoring the Môri clan lords. Then take a walking tour of Hagi Castle Town, where original roads and samurai dwellings of have survived intact. Examine everyday ceramics, utensils, and clothing on a visit to the Kikuya Residence, one of the best-preserved examples of merchant-style architecture from the Edo Period. Alternatively, learn about the city’s signature pottery (Hagiyaki) during a visit of the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum, as well as Hagi Castle Town. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Matsue and Yasugi
Go ashore in Sakaiminato and explore the region on one of three excursions. Visit the exquisite Adachi Museum of Art, set amid Japanese gardens considered some of the most beautiful in the country and home to a world-class collection of Japanese modern art. Witness the evolution of artistic styles from the Meiji Period through the 20th century, and admire works by prominent artists such as Yokoyama Taikan. Continue to Daikonshima Island, in the middle of Lake Nakaumi, for a visit to Yushien Garden, known for its abundance of blooming peonies in the spring.
Or choose to travel to Matsue Castle, built in 1611 and one of the few original castles that remain in Japan. See a collection of samurai swords and armor and take in sweeping views from the donjon. Then delve into the art of Japanese papermaking, or washi. Visit a museum dedicated to a master craftsman and try your hand at this ancient art, now recognized as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
Alternatively, see Matsue from another perspective during a Horikawa boat ride, sailing along the river and canals of Matsue on a small boat, then visit Matsue Castle. On your return to the ship, see the bronze statues of manga characters that line Mizuki Shigeru Road. This afternoon, set sail for the Korean Peninsula. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Busan, South Korea
Arrive in the port city of Busan, a former colony of Japan that is now South Korea’s second-largest city. Take in the view from Gwangan Grand Bridge, Korea’s longest suspension bridge, on your way to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a colorful temple originally built in the 14th century that sits picturesquely atop seaside rocks. Return to Busan to visit the an outdoor sculpture garden, then head to the Jagalchi Fish Market for a glimpse into everyday life in Busan. Alternatively, travel to Hongbeopsa Temple, home to the largest Buddha statue in Asia. Or choose a full-day excursion to the historic city of Gyeongju, cradle of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC to AD 935), and its glorious World Heritage-designated Bulguksa Temple. Continue to the royal burial mounds at Tumuli Park and venture into the fifth-century Cheonmachong, or “Flying Horse” tomb. Our final stop is the Gyeongju National Museum, which houses a treasure trove of Silla artifacts. (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Depart
Disembark in Busan after an early breakfast and transfer to the airport in Seoul for your flight home. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)