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Ancestral Japan (Le Laperouse)

Ancestral Japan (Le Laperouse)

From AUD $7,850

Description

PONANT takes you to the crossroads of three cultures and religions during an exceptional sea voyage between the Philippines, Taïwan and Japan.

Aboard Le Lapérouse from Manila to Osaka, this 13-day cruise will have you discovering stunning scenery, places which have significant history as well as traditional villages and crafts.

From Manila, a city full of contrasts, you will join Hualien on the lush island of Taiwan, before heading towards the Japanese islands in the country’s south.

Okinawa, famous for having been the theatre of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, is also known for its centenarians, who may just reveal to you the secret of their longevity!

Le Lapérouse will then sail to Hiroshima, now proclaimed “City of Peace”: Facing the Inland Sea, only the Hiroshima Peace Memorial stands as a reminder of past events. You will also be able to admire the remarkable Shukkeien Garden, which stretches out over some 4 hectares.

Miyajima, the island where people and gods live together, is also accessible from Hiroshima. The Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto sanctuary listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of exceptional artistic and technical ability.

You will then cruise to Osaka, the second largest city in Japan which is home to a fortified castle dating back to the 16th century.

Trip Name
Ancestral Japan (Le Laperouse)
Days
13
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 MANILA
On first sight, the Philippines' capital shows its highly Americanised Asian megalopolis side, with ultramodern skyscrapers set all along the waterfront. But when you stroll through the cobbled streets of the Intramuros district, you'll discover a different side of Manila, one that's full of old-world charm. An enchanted pause in the middle of urban bustle, Rizal Park's 60 hectares of magnificent green parkland is perfect for recharging your batteries. To see the city from a different angle, take a walk along Roxas boulevard, a popular seaside promenade.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 3 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 4 HUALIEN
Nicknamed “the beautiful island” by Portuguese sailors, 70% of the island of Taiwan is covered in lush, subtropical vegetation. When your ship stops in Hualien discover the stunning Taroko Gorge, one of the island’s must-see sites. This natural masterpiece, sculpted by the pure waters of the Liwu River, is known for its 1,200 metre-high marble cliffs, from which a unique panorama unfolds. During your stop here, discover the Eternal Spring Shrine, a complex clinging to the side of a mountain, made up of several small temples and overlooking a glistening waterfall. Then, along the Tunnel of Nine Turns, you will be able to admire the spectacular gorges which wind their way through deep canyons over some twenty kilometres.
Day 4 - Day 5 ISHIGAKI
Located to the south of the main island of the Yaeyama archipelago, Ishigaki boasts all the aspects of an authentic piece of paradise. Youメve guessed it, you donメt come here for its skyscrapers but for its pure emerald waters and idyllic beaches. Explore pristine coral reefs on a scuba-dive or snorkelling session,ᅠyou may witness the 'flight' of a manta ray. The waters off Shiraho, on the island's south-west coast, have one of the largest areas of blue coral in the world.
Day 5 - Day 6 MIYAKOJIMA
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Day 6 - Day 7 NAHA, OKINAWA
Capital of Okinawa Prefecture, the town of Naha is located on the south-west of the island. You'll love its lively atmosphere, particularly along Kokusai Dori, otherwise known as 'international street'. The picturesque Makishi Public Market, nicknamed 'Naha's kitchen' offers a profusion of colourful fish, Okinawan foodstuffs and local spices and you can sample delicacies cooked on the spot . For an insight into the island's heritage, which combines Japanese and Taiwanese influences, visit Shuri Castle, a medieval building protected by UNESCO and surrounded by lovely gardens.
Day 7 - Day 8 AMAMIOSHIMA
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Day 8 - Day 9 MIYANOURA, YAKUSHIMA
Yakushima is a striking island in the South of Japan, covered in forest and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers are very fond of this destination because of the lush vegetation, Mount Miyanoura, the waterfalls and cascades. But without a doubt, the symbol of the island remains its many age-old cedar trees which is said to have inspired some of the scenes in the animated film Princess Mononoke. On this island, you will also find wildlife including the Japanese macaque, the sika deer, and green sea turtles which lay their eggs on the magnificent sandy beaches here.
Day 9 - Day 10 UWAJIMA
Located on the west coast of Shikoku island, Uwajima will delight lovers of history and traditional customs. The magnificent Uwajima Castle was built in the 17th-century by the powerful Date clan and has a beautiful ornamental garden and bridge. The much-visited Taga Shrine is dedicated to fertility and is full of phalluses. Another interesting tradition is togyu, a Japanese variant of bull-fighting where two bulls are pitted against each other without a toreador. As for eating, you must taste jakoten, a local delicacy based on fried fish.
Day 10 - Day 11 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 12 TAMANO
Located on the island of Honshu, hugging the banks of the Sento Inland Sea, Tamano is a popular destination thanks to its sun-drenched climate. Upon arrival, marvel at the way in which the city has been built along the coast at the foot of a deep, dark forest. In the area surrounding Tamano, stroll down the streets of Kurashiki, known as the 'white-walled city' in a nod to the pretty façades of the houses that line the streets of this ancient Edo-period trading town. Another major regional attraction is the Seto Ohashi bridge. Its 12.5 kilometres make it the world's longest double-decker bridge.
Day 12 - Day 13 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.ᅠ 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
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $7,850Deluxe Stateroom
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $24,150Grand Deluxe Suite
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $25,400Owner's Suite
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $8,900Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $9,400Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $9,920Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $14,260Deluxe Suite
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $19,750Prestige Suite Deck 5
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $20,790Prestige Suite Deck 6
23-09-202005-10-2020AUD $21,870Privilege Suite

Inclusions

    • Discovering the Japanese islands in the country’s south, with a specialised lecturer on board.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the island of Yakushima and its thousand-year cedar forests, Shuri Castle in Naha, the Shinto sanctuary of Itsukushima in Miyajima from Hiroshima.
    • Hualien on the lush island of Taiwan, and the Taroko National Park and its breathtaking gorges.
    • From Osaka (the disembarkation port), there is the possibility of discovering the ancient imperial capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

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