Sail through Japan aboard Le Jacques‑Cartier, a PONANT expedition ship
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Sail through Japan aboard Le Jacques‑Cartier, a PONANT expedition ship

This intimate voyage blends art, history, and nature, exploring Japan’s coastline through the Setouchi region, Kyushu, and a selection of carefully chosen ports of call. Designed to access destinations not served by larger cruise ships, the itinerary highlights charming islands, sacred sites, and coastal towns, offering a distinctive way to experience Japan.

With expert naturalists, attentive service, and curated Japanese cultural experiences on board, this charter voyage presents a refined perspective of Japan during one of its most celebrated seasons.

Your voyage at a glance

Itinerary and sailing dates Key regions Selected ports
Kobe à Yokohama  | 13 – 25 March 2027 Setouchi Region, Western & Central Honshu Kobe, Inujima, Mitarai, Miyajima, Hagi, Busan, South Korea, Shimonseki, Katsuura, Toba, Yaizu, Tagonoura, Yokohama
Yokohama à Kobe | 25 March – 6 April  2027 Central & Western Japan, Setouchi Region Yokohama, Tagonoura, Yaizu, Toba, Katsuura, Hagi, Busan, South Korea, Shimonoseki, Miyajima, Mitarai, Inujima, Kobe
Kobe à Kumamoto | 6 – 18 April 2027 Western Japan & Kyushu Kobe, Inujima, Mitarai, Hagi, Tsushima, Busan, South Korea, Nagasaki, Yakushima, Koshikijima, Iki, Amakusa, Kumamoto
Itinerary may change due to operational or weather conditions. All experiences are arranged exclusively for guests on this journey.

Highlights of your voyage

Exclusive charter itinerary

Exclusive charter itinerary

An exclusive charter cruise of Japan, fully reserved for this voyage and not offered on regular PONANT sailings. Designed for a limited number of guests, it offers a refined and distinctive way to explore Japan.

Hidden ports & rare access

Hidden ports & rare access

From the Seto Inland Sea to Kyushu, the itinerary includes a selection of main cities, islands, and lesser‑visited ports such as Inujima, Mitarai, Miyajima, Hagi, and Katsuura. Thanks to the ship’s size, the voyage accesses destinations not reachable by larger vessels.

Experience Japan during a celebrated season

Experience Japan during a celebrated season

Sailing in March and April, the journey takes place during one of Japan’s most celebrated periods, including cherry blossom season. Guests experience Japan’s landscapes, culture, and traditions during this seasonal sailing.

Highlights of your voyage

What’s included

  • 13‑day cruise aboard Le Jacques‑Cartier, a PONANT expedition ship
  • All onboard meals throughout the voyage
  • Alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages(excluding certain premium alcoholic beverages)
  • Carefully selected shore excursions at ports of call
  • Expert naturalists on board sharing insights into Japan’s nature, history, and culture
  • Multilingual onboard staff (English, French, and German)

What makes this voyage special:

  • A special itinerary designed exclusively for this charter, not offered on regular PONANT sailings
  • Ports of call combining main cities and lesser‑visited islands and coastal towns, made possible by a small expedition ship
  • Access to destinations inaccessible to larger vessels, offering a distinctive way to explore Japan
  • Sailing during Japan’s most celebrated season, including the cherry blossom period
  • Zodiac landings, allowing exploration of remote islands and coastal areas
  • Onboard Japanese cultural experiences, including tea ceremonies, traditional kimonos, and elements of Japanese culture

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