Essence of Japan, with Ponant
An exclusive cruise with Ponant
13 days from $28,990 Per Person, Share Twin
Sales from 16 March 2026 to 30 June 2026
Embark on an expertly curated charter cruise from Yokohama to Kobe with Ponant during cherry blossom season.
Small-ship, expedition-style cruising with Ponant explores Japan’s cultural treasures, scenic coastlines and lesser visited gems, with special experiences designed to reveal an authentic Japan.
Discover bustling seafood markets and tranquil tea plantations, ancient Zen Buddhist shrines, and the stunning Setouchi Islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Stroll the Old Town streets of some of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and visit the vibrant port city of Busan for a taste of South Korea.
Visit places not found in guidebooks, stopping in to ports not accessible to larger vessels – these cruises are the only in Japan to offer Zodiac craft access to small rural villages and towns.
Onboard naturalists enhance your experience with their expert knowledge during shore excursions, while onboard you may enjoy Japanese traditions such as a tea ceremony, a kimono dressing experience, and delicious creations from an onboard Japanese chef.
Exclusive Experiences:
At select ports of call, guests can engage in cultural experiences, connect with residents, and savour dishes made from local ingredients. Examples include:
• A Sake Relay brings premium sake from local breweries onboard to be enjoyed at the ship’s bar, allowing guests to taste renowned regional sakes without visiting the breweries.
• A demonstration of the carving of freshly caught tuna, which is then served to guests at peak freshness – an unforgettable culinary moment.
• Live performances of Japanese folk music is performed at select seaside spots and inside historical old residences.
Cruise |Yokohama to Kobe (13 March sailing) and Kobe to Yokohama (26 March sailing)
13 Days | 12 Nights
Set Sail | 13 or 26 March 2027
Style | Special Charter Luxury Expedition
| Cabin Category | Pricing per person share twin |
| Deluxe Stateroom | $28,990* |
| Prestige Stateroom | $33,660* |
| Deluxe Suite | $49,910* |
Note: Single pricing is available on request
Important Note: Prices are NZD per person twin share and subject to availability & currency fluctuations.
Your Ship: Le Jacques-CartierLaunched in 2020, Le Jacques-Cartier is the latest addition to the PONANT Explorers range of vessels, combining modern design and innovative technologies for an intimate and refined cruise experience. With a maximum of 184 guests, Le Jacques-Cartier is able to visit smaller ports inaccessible to large ships, and is able to anchor offshore. The ship’s hydraulic platform allows the use of Zodiac craft for landings.
Two restaurants offer a selection of French, International and of course Japanese cuisines, with 24-hour room service also available. Public spaces include the Main Lounge where you can often enjoy live music, the Panoramic Lounge for spectacular views; and the world’s only underwater lounge – the Blue Eye. Daily briefings and talks are given in the the theatre, along with various entertainment options.
Cabins: With elegant and modern décor, all cabins feature balconies, ensuite bathroom with shower, air-conditioning, wi-fi, TV, safe, minibar, toiletries and 24-hour room service. Enjoy the views from the panoramic windows or make the most of your balcony, depending on the cabin of your choice.
Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom: 19 sqm. Private 4 sqm balcony. Porthole and glass door. King bed, or two singles. 2 guests.
Upper Deck Balcony Stateroom: 19 sqm. Private 4 sqm balcony. Either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door. Chaise lounge. King bed, or two singles. 2 guests.
Deluxe Suite: 27 sqm. Private balcony from 3 to 6 sqm. Panoramic glass door and porthole OR a sliding panoramic window. King bed, or two singles. Armchair and sofa. Up to 3 guests.
Prestige Suite: 38 sqm. Private balcony 8 sqm. Two sliding panoramic windows. Priority boarding, welcome champagne, daily fruit basket and butler service (Prestige Suite deck 6 only). One bedroom with King bed or two singles. Living room with convertible sofa, armchair. Two bathrooms. Up to 4 guests.
Itinerary:
Day 1 : Yokohama – Embarkation
Day 2 : Tagonoura
Day 3 : Yaizu
Day 4 : Toba
Day 5 : Katsuura
Day 6 : At sea
Day 7 : Hagi
Day 8 : Busan (South Korea)
Day 9 : Shimonoseki
Day 10 : Miyajima
Day 11 : Mitarai
Day 12 : Inujima
Day 13 : Kobe
Inclusions
- 12 nights’ accommodation onboard your cabin category of choice
- All onboard meals on board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Open Bar with a wide selection of beverages (wine, beer, champagne, spirits, soft drinks, coffee/tea). Premium beverages are available at additional cost.
- Experienced Expedition Team and naturalists onboard
- Zodiac transfers and shore landings as per itinerary
- Shared sightseeing and exclusive activities as per the itinerary
- Wi-Fi internet access (subject to local availability)
- Access to the spa and fitness room (services and treatments are at additional cost)
- Port taxes
Not Included:
- Gratuities. Recommended at €12 per person per day.
- Pre- and post-cruise touring and accommodation
- Port transfers
- Premium alcohol
- Laundry
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visas (if applicable)
Terms and Conditions: Prices are per person, in NZD, based on share twin occupancy, subject to availability, and currency fluctuations. Offers valid on new bookings made up to 30 June 2026 unless sold out prior. General Conditions: Correct as at 16 March 2026, subject to availability, currency fluctuation & may be amended or withdrawn at any time without notice. Valid for new bookings only & not combinable with any other offer. All offers are capacity controlled & may not be available on all departure dates & stateroom categories. Higher fares may apply to other dates & categories. Due to the popularity of cruising, fares detailed cannot be guaranteed, they are subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice up until full payment is received. Prices are based on cash or Eftpos payment only. We welcome ALL major credit cards; a credit card processing fee will apply. A deposit of 25% of the total cruise fare is required at the time of booking. The final balance is due 90 days prior to sailing. Cancellation fees - After deposit and up to 365 days before the cruise departure: $500 per person, from 364 days to 211 days before the cruise departure: 10% of the cruise cost, from 210 days to 91 days before the cruise departure: 25% of the cruise cost As this is a private charter, and less than 91 days before the cruise departure: 100% of the cost of the service. As this is a private charter, The PONANT Yacht Club program does not apply to this cruise Strict amendment & cancellation conditions apply. Itinerary routings are also subject to change at the discretion of the cruise company. All cruises are subject to the full booking & passage conditions of the respective cruise line, which passengers are bound by. Travel agent services fees will apply. Whilst every care is taken to accurately present the information & pricing we reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions. Further terms & conditions apply. For full terms & conditions visit your local YOU Travel & Cruise Specialist.