Le Laperouse, Ancestral Japan ex Manila to Osaka

Details

12 Night cruise departing from Manila to Osaka onboard Le Laperouse.

12 Night cruise departing from Manila to Osaka onboard Le Laperouse.

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.

Highlights of the cruise:

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ﾒ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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hiroshima
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.

Miyajima Island
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.

Tamano
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.

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.