13-night Cruising the Land of the Rising Sun Cruise/Land Package
travel and relax in luxurious amenities and the finest service
Osaka to Tokyo
Tauck - Cruise Division
/ Le Soléal for Tauck
May 10, 2024
1482209
Call For Pricing
Overview
Cruise Itinerary
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Give us a call or email us. Let us personalize your experience!
This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.
This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.
If you can visit only one city in Japan, Kyoto is the one. This ancient city, 30 mi/50 km northeast of Osaka, was the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years and still is considered the country's spiritual capital. Thousands of shrines and temples dot the city, including more than a dozen on the UNESCO World Heritage list. That list is far from all-inclusive, and many excellent places that might be the star attractions of other cities crowd the streets of Kyoto. It is a center of Japanese Zen and has several huge monastery complexes where serious students still sit in meditation.
Kyoto is also the nation's capital of traditional arts. Whether your interest be in pottery, textiles, dance, the tea ceremony or any of the other innumerable arts, Kyoto has excellent galleries, museums, shops and tea houses. Japanese people from the countryside and foreign students flock there to learn under the great masters. Much of what is considered Japanese haute cuisine was developed there too, as an offshoot of the tea ceremony.
Kyoto is Japan's heartland of history. With 1,300 years of tumultuous existence, the city's past intrudes upon the present day as in few other Japanese cities. In Gion, you can spot a geisha (or geiko, as they are called in Kyoto), one of the last hundred or so in Japan, slipping down a side-street to entertain rich guests with witty conversation, dance or music. A shopping arcade may suddenly fill with discordant clanging music as a shrine festival passes among the shoppers, or you may hear the long chant as Zen monks pass through the neighborhood, calling for alms.
Kyoto is an understated city that might disappoint visitors at first (at first glance, it is a large city with modern buildings that might not align with one's original perception); its charm lies in small details, pocket gardens, tiny traditional restaurants and refined artwork.
This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.
Nara was Japan’s imperial capital during the 8th-century, and now is a peaceful provincial town. Visit the lovely Deer Park, surrounding the magnificent Todaiji Temple, and enjoy feeding the deer in the park. Todaiji Temple is famous for its high bronze Buddha housed in the largest wooden structure in the world.
This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.
This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.
Uno Ko features Koraku-en, one of Japan's finest gardens. The gardens have beautifully landscaped lawns, attractive ponds, and rice paddies. The Hayashibara Museum is a place of interest with a collection of oriental furniture, swords, and costumes.
Kurashiki means the “warehouse village.” During the feudal era, the warehouses were used to store rice from the surrounding area. Many of the warehouses have now been converted into museums. Explore the traditional architecture and beautiful canals of this picturesque city. White-walled houses with traditional black tile roofs line the streets, while mansions with lattice windows and weeping willows along the canal complete the peaceful picture of a Japanese town as it existed centuries ago.
Hiroshima in southwestern Honshu has grown rapidly as a commercial city, and after 1868 it was developed as a military base. Every August 6 since 1947, thousands participate in multidenominational services in the Peace Memorial Park built on the site where the bomb exploded. After the war the city was largely rebuilt, and commercial activity gradually resumed. Visit the Peace Park but also explore Miyajima Island and its colourful shrines and mysterious forests.
Miyajima Island, perhaps best known for the floating torii gateway to the Itsukushima Shrine, stunningly reflected in Hiroshima Bay. This is one of the most photographed spots in all of Japan.
The town of Uwajima is located 60km north of Sukumo. It is surrounded by the beautiful Uma-Sea and steep mountains. Uwajima is famous for its sumo-style bullfights and the Uwajima Castle which is the symbol of the city. The town boasts peaceful backstreets with old wooden houses and temples. The Tenshaen Garden is over 280 years old and is famous for spring and Japanese wistarias.
Kagoshima, a seaport on Kyushu Island, Japan, is sheltered within Kagoshima Bay and is the commercial and cultural center of southern Kyushu. Products manufactured here include a famous type of earthenware known as Satsumaware. Sights of interest include the Iso Garden and the local Theatre.
One of Japan's most historic cities, Nagasaki was a major port, trading with the Portuguese and Dutch in the 16th century. You can still see this colonial legacy in the brick buildings, old forts, canals and curving cobblestone streets. On a hill overlooking the bay, beautiful Glover Mansion, the setting of Madame Butterfly, is typical of the fine homes built by wealthy foreign residents. But Nagasaki's ties with Korea and China are equally apparent in the famous Chinese temple, a large Chinese colony and the numerous fine Korean and Chinese restaurants.
Korea's "museum without walls" is akin only to China in its depth and cultural wonder. From Pusan, you can journey to the ancient Silla capital of Kyongju, a dynasty which reigned in Korea for almost a thousand years. Today this small provincial town is virtually a museum without walls, dotted with many splendid ruins. Nearby, the forested mountains and valleys shelter hundreds of beautiful Buddhist shrines including the renowned Sokkuram Grotto, and Tongdosa and Pulguksa Temples. Pusan is also a shopper's mecca and Korea's vital southern link to Japanese and American trade.
Sakaiminato is a city in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Sakaiminato is well-known for being one of the biggest fishing towns in Japan, it specializes in fresh sea food and tourists love to try out their famous and delicious king crab. The city has a multitude of tourist attractions which include visiting museums, a famous wooden lighthouse, or you can simply enjoying an ocean view picnic at the beautiful Sakai Dabai Park
Matsue's major draw is its Matsue Castle, which is one of the original castles of twelve castles left in Japan. Built in 1611, it features artifacts from the Matsudaira warrior tribe, including their armor and swords. Climb to the top of the castle to experience sweeping views of both the city and the nearby Lake Shinji. Visit the largest greenhouse in the world at Vogel Park and its aviary, or strll through the Yuushien Japanese Garden's year-round blooming House of Peony. For art, view the rotating exhibitions at the Shimane Art Museum. Shrines, temples and gardens are laced throughout the city. Venture to Lake Shinji to watch the sunset, or take a boat ride in the network of canals near the castle.
If you can visit only one city in Japan, Kyoto is the one. This ancient city, 30 mi/50 km northeast of Osaka, was the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years and still is considered the country's spiritual capital. Thousands of shrines and temples dot the city, including more than a dozen on the UNESCO World Heritage list. That list is far from all-inclusive, and many excellent places that might be the star attractions of other cities crowd the streets of Kyoto. It is a center of Japanese Zen and has several huge monastery complexes where serious students still sit in meditation.
Kyoto is also the nation's capital of traditional arts. Whether your interest be in pottery, textiles, dance, the tea ceremony or any of the other innumerable arts, Kyoto has excellent galleries, museums, shops and tea houses. Japanese people from the countryside and foreign students flock there to learn under the great masters. Much of what is considered Japanese haute cuisine was developed there too, as an offshoot of the tea ceremony.
Kyoto is Japan's heartland of history. With 1,300 years of tumultuous existence, the city's past intrudes upon the present day as in few other Japanese cities. In Gion, you can spot a geisha (or geiko, as they are called in Kyoto), one of the last hundred or so in Japan, slipping down a side-street to entertain rich guests with witty conversation, dance or music. A shopping arcade may suddenly fill with discordant clanging music as a shrine festival passes among the shoppers, or you may hear the long chant as Zen monks pass through the neighborhood, calling for alms.
Kyoto is an understated city that might disappoint visitors at first (at first glance, it is a large city with modern buildings that might not align with one's original perception); its charm lies in small details, pocket gardens, tiny traditional restaurants and refined artwork.
Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.
Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.
The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.
Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.
Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.
Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.
The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.
Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.
Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.
Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.
The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.
Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.
Stateroom
& Price
Aboard ship, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included throughout the day.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Prestige Suite PS5
Size: 36 sq. m. (387 sq. ft.). Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning; separate living & sleeping areas; closet; flat-screen satellite TV; video on demand; satellite direct-line telephone; iPod player; 110/220 volt outlets; electronic safe; minibar; alarm clock; WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Deluxe Suite DS6
Size: 27 sq. m. (290.6 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning; separate living & sleeping areas; closet; flat-screen satellite TV; video on demand; satellite direct-line telephone; iPod player; 110/220 volt outlets; electronic safe; minibar; alarm clock; WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Prestige Suite PS6
Size: 36 sq. m. (387 sq. ft.). Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning; separate living & sleeping areas; closet; flat-screen satellite TV; video on demand; satellite direct-line telephone; iPod player; 110/220 volt outlets; electronic safe; minibar; alarm clock; WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Owners Suite SA
Size: 54 sq. m. Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually-controlled air-conditioning, (2) Flat-screen, Satellite TVs, Minibar, video on demand, iPod player, Satellite direct line telephone, 110/220-volt outlet, 24-hour room service, Wifi.PRICE call for pricing
Deluxe Suite DS
Size: 27 sq. m. (290.6 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning; separate living & sleeping areas; closet; flat-screen satellite TV; video on demand; satellite direct-line telephone; iPod player; 110/220 volt outlets; electronic safe; minibar; alarm clock; WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Prestige Suite PS
Size: 36 sq. m. (387 sq. ft.). Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning; separate living & sleeping areas; closet; flat-screen satellite TV; video on demand; satellite direct-line telephone; iPod player; 110/220 volt outlets; electronic safe; minibar; alarm clock; WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Deluxe Stateroom DC3
Size: 18 sq. m. (193.7 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning, closet, flat-screen satellite TV, video on demand, satellite direct-line telephone, iPod player, 110/220 volt outlets, electronic safe, minibar, alarm clock, WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Prestige Stateroom PR4
Size: 18 sq. m. (193.7 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning, closet, flat-screen satellite TV, video on demand, satellite direct-line telephone, iPod player, 110/220 volt outlets, electronic safe, minibar, alarm clock, WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Superior Stateroom SC3
Size: 19.5 sq. m. (210 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: No. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning; closet; flat-screen satellite TV; video on demand; satellite direct-line telephone; iPod player; 110/220 volt outlets; electronic safe; minibar; alarm clock; WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Prestige Stateroom PR5
Size: 18 sq. m. (193.7 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning, closet, flat-screen satellite TV, video on demand, satellite direct-line telephone, iPod player, 110/220 volt outlets, electronic safe, minibar, alarm clock, WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Prestige Stateroom PR6
Size: 18 sq. m. (193.7 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning, closet, flat-screen satellite TV, video on demand, satellite direct-line telephone, iPod player, 110/220 volt outlets, electronic safe, minibar, alarm clock, WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Prestige Stateroom PC
Size: 18 sq. m. (193.7 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning; closet; flat-screen satellite TV; video on demand; satellite direct-line telephone; iPod player; 110/220 volt outlets; electronic safe; minibar; alarm clock; WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Superior Stateroom SC
Size: 19.5 sq. m. (210 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: No. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning; closet; flat-screen satellite TV; video on demand; satellite direct-line telephone; iPod player; 110/220 volt outlets; electronic safe; minibar; alarm clock; WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Deluxe Stateroom DC
Size: 18 sq. m. (193.7 sq. ft.) Private Balcony: Yes. Stateroom Amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning, closet, flat-screen satellite TV, video on demand, satellite direct-line telephone, iPod player, 110/220 volt outlets, electronic safe, minibar, alarm clock, WiFi internet access.PRICE call for pricing
Cruise
Inclusions
EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK
You have a choice of hotel accommodation for nights 1, 2 & 3 and 12 & 13 – The St. Regis Osaka nights 1, 2 & 3 and The Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo nights 12 & 13 or The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka nights 1, 2 & 3 and The Palace Hotel, Tokyo nights 12 & 13 or The Conrad Osaka nights 1, 2 & 3 and The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo nights 12 & 13
An eight-night cruise through the fascinating Japanese archipelago takes you from the port of Maizuru to Osaka and includes a stop in Busan, South Korea; it is bookended by three nights in Osaka and two nights in Tokyo – daily shore excursions provide a wide-ranging look at Japan's icons of religious, historic, and royal life
Board a ferry bound for the volcanic landscapes of Sakurajima, known as "Cherry Blossom Island." A choice of excursions includes a visit to revered Sengan-en Garden and a stately home in Kagoshima, or a poignant visit to the Chiran Peace Museum, built in memory of WWII Kamikaze pilots
Learn about traditional Japanese cultural entertainment, including a lecture on the life of a Geiko / Geisha, a dramatic sumo wrestling demonstration, and a fascinating Taiko drumming performance as athletic as it is rhythmic
TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES
- Private Tauck Shore Excursions – $6,741 Value
- All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff, local guides and drivers
- 8-night cruise aboard a Ponant ship
- 3 nights in Osaka and 2 nights in Tokyo at premier hotels
- Your cruise may be a shared ship experience with non-Tauck guests onboard as well; all Tauck guests will be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests, and your itinerary will always be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day aboard ship including house wines and spirits; premium spirits and wines are available at extra cost.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
- 36 meals on land and at sea; service charges, applicable fuel surcharges, taxes, and porterage
About the Ship
Sophisticated styling, cutting-edge “green” technology and service that is welcoming and attentive combined for unsurpassed small ship cruising when Le Soléal joined her sister ships, Le Boréal and L’Austral, in 2013. Like the award-winning Le Boréal, this luxe mega-yacht features six decks, a choice of two dining venues and all-included bar and restaurant beverages throughout the day aboard ship, including house wines and spirits. Le Soléal’s facilities and observation areas make your time at sea a pleasure; they include three lounges, bars with access to the open decks and evening entertainment. A state-of-the-art theatre provides an intimate space for lectures and entertainment, while a fitness and beauty complex and medical center provide for travel with ease. 132 staterooms (200 to 226 sq. ft.) and suites (290 to 398 sq. ft.) have sea views; 95% have private balconies. Staterooms offer individually controlled air conditioning, two twin beds that convert to a king-size bed or, a sofa converting to a queen-size bed. Amenities include video on demand, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, electronic safe, hair dryer, iPod Dock and minibar. Superior staterooms and Prestige suites can accommodate triples.
Deck Plan
Statistics
Year Built | 2013 |
Year Refurbished | |
Year entered present fleet | 2013 |
Previous name | - |
Country of registry | France |
Tonnage (GRT) | 10,700 |
Guests (Lowers) | |
Total guests | 264 |
Passenger Decks | 6 |
Number of crew | 139 |
officer’s nationality | French/International |
cruise/hotel staff nationality | French/International |
Stateroom Counts
Suites | 0 |
Balconies | 0 |
ocean/river view | 0 |
interior | 0 |
Accessible | 0 |
Plan with an Expert
Contact one of our cruise specialists and let them personalize your cruise vacation the way you want it. We'll help tailor your experience with customized shore excursions and special requests onboard, complimentary private car and driver on select voyages, arrange pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, your best airfare options, and more.
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1482209
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