Le Soleal’s 12-night voyage visits Japan’s smaller, less crowded ports.
Tiana TemplemanNZ Herald·13 Aug, 2026 07:00 PM6 mins to readKagoshima, Japan skyline with Sakurajima Volcano at dusk. Kagoshima, Japan skyline with Sakurajima Volcano. Photo / Getty ImagesAboard Ponant’s luxurious Le Soleal, Tiana Templeman discovers Japan’s hidden coastlines at the height of cherry blossom season
Sunlight streams into my cabin as Le Soleal sails into Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu. Japan’s largest active volcano looms over the city, belching clouds of steam and making me
Stunning gardens are aren’t extraordinary to the Japanese, but they are extraordinary to me.
Inside Japan’s citrus heartland, where fruit is treated like fine art.
Sado Island has a rich history, but its latest claim to fame is being home to Japan’s latest World Heritage site.
Having initially landed only to rest on a voyage to Hokkaido, a writer was so taken with this magical, welcoming Japanese island…
If you're planning a trip to Japan, don't just go to the big cities, instead head to another island which has golden sands and an…
An eight-hour passenger boat from Taiwan to the Japanese island of Ishigaki is great for travelers, but could make trouble for…
