Le Jacques Cartier, 8 Night Japan, natural archipelago and secular heritage ex Osaka, Japan to Kagoshima, Japan

With this itinerary, PONANT is inviting you aboard Le Jacques-Cartier for a unique expedition cruise between Osaka et Kagoshima. A magical 9-day trip to discover some of the natural gems and ancestral heritage of western Kyushu, as well as picturesque villages in the Seto Inland Sea, the theatre of many battles and historic events that have shaped its myth and grandeur over time and with the ebb and flow of the tides.

Departing from Osaka, Le Jacques Cartier will set sail towards Tomonoura, at the heart of the Seto Inland Sea. This port town is known for its gentle way of life and its craggy landscapes which inspired the director Hayao Miyazaki for the film Ponyo.

After a trip aboard one of our Zodiac dinghies, in the pretty fishing villages of Shimokamagari and Mitarai, you will set out to discover Moji, on the northern tip of the island of Kyushu. In the past a strategic site for maritime trade with China, this stunning city of picturesque little streets will enthral you with its preserved architectural heritage evoking the traditional Japan of the Meiji era and the end of the 19th century. From the top of the Mojiko Retro Observation Room, you will be able to enjoy an exceptional panorama, a poetic combination of shinto sanctuaries and captivating maritime landscapes.

Then you will sail to South Korea, a small peninsula that juts out into the Sea of Japan, and discover Busan, South Korea’s second city. This richly contrasting city will unveil its port and the old district of Chalgachi.

Back in Japan, you will sail to the emblematic Nagasaki. A symbol of nuclear horror, in the same way as Hiroshima, Nagasaki has become one of the archipelago’s most peaceful cities and one of its most attractive. Warm and cosmopolitan, it reveals its religious heritage along its narrow streets: the Oura Catholic Church and its gardens, the Suwa Shrine, and the sumptuous Buddhist temples.

Between the Yatsushiro and Ariake seas, succumb to the charms of the island region of Amakusa, once the refuge of Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the 17th century during the Edo period.

Before this unique cruise draws to an end in the bustling city of Kagoshima, Le Jacques Cartier will travel westward to reach the fascinating Koshikijima Islands. Aboard one of our Zodiacs, you will be fascinated by the raw and authentic beauty of the monumental cliffs and huge rock formations dating back to the Cretaceous periodnearly 80 million years ago.

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

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.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...