Hop on the bullet train and head west for a day of history in Hiroshima

This morning you'll bid farewell to your tour leader and group in Tokyo and make your own way to the bullet train station. Although by now you will be quite familiar with using trains in Japan, we will provide full instructions for this journey, and we'll extend your Japan Rail Passes to cover the train costs. In case you missed it while in Hakone on the Small Group Tour, keep your eyes peeled for views of Mount Fuji from the right hand side of the train as you pass through Shizuoka Prefecture.

Your journey to Hiroshima will take around five hours and will require one easy change at Shin-Osaka Station. Your hotel is conveniently located in the centre of the city, a 10 minute taxi ride from Hiroshima Station and a 10 minute walk to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. You will have the rest of the day to wander around Hiroshima and learn more about this fascinating city, and you can end your day with a delicious okonomiyaki savoury pancake in Okonomi Mura.

Overnight: Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima

Travel across Hiroshima Bay to the tranquil island of Miyajima, home to vermillion temples and friendly deer

The next day you will travel by train and ferry south to Miyajima Island where you will spend two nights at Yamaichi Bekkan, a traditional family-run Japanese-style inn located near the pier and some of Miyajima's most famous sites. The island has plenty to do and see over the next two days, and you can take your time exploring the quiet, winding streets and local shops selling sweet maple-shaped momiji manju buns. If the weather is on your side, you can hike up sacred Mount Misen for sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea, or if you're feeling like a gentler pace you can always take the ropeway to the top.

We find that one of the best times of day on Miyajima is early evening when the bulk of the tourists take the ferry back to the mainland and you feel as if you have the whole island to yourself. We recommend heading down to the waterfront to see the orange Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii gate lit up at night.

Overnight: Yamaichi Bekkan

Trade history and culture for the buzz and bright lights of Shinjuku for your last memorable night in Japan

On the fourth morning you will take your last bullet train journey back to Tokyo to stay at JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku. One of the best things to do in Shinjuku is to have a drink in one of the tiny bars of Golden Gai, or if you want some more recommendations, check out our Info-Pack for all the information about our favourite places to eat in the Shinjuku area - don't forget to pick up any last minute souvenirs in one of the multitude of shops there!

Sadly, it's time to fly home. You can relax on the Narita Express out to Narita Airport, ready for your flight home. If you would like to fly from Tokyo's Haneda Airport instead, please don't hesitate to ask us.

Overnight: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku