Jump on the bullet train and head west for four days of history, culture, and delicious cuisine. In Hiroshima take the time to remember the city's dark past and learn more about its hopes for the future.

This morning you'll say your goodbyes to your tour leader and group in Tokyo and make your own way to the bullet train station. We will extend your Japan Rail Passes and provide full instructions for this journey. In case you missed it while travelling on your Small Group Tour, keep an eye out for views of the famously shy Mount Fuji from the right hand side of the train as you pass through Shizuoka Prefecture.

Your journey to Hiroshima will take roughly five hours in total and will require a simple change at Shin-Osaka Station. Hiroshima has an excellent public transport network with regular buses and trams, so you will be able to get from your hotel to various parts of the city without any trouble.

You will have the rest of the day and the whole of the next to explore Hiroshima and learn more about this fascinating city. The dark events of 1945 will always remain at the forefront of people's minds in Hiroshima, and every visitor to the city should make a stop at the A-Bomb Dome and the haunting Peace Memorial Park and Museum. In the evening we recommend a stop at Okonomi Mura for a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki – top it with cheese, rice cakes, pork belly, or whatever your heart desires!

Overnight: Intergate Hiroshima

Take the ferry to Miyajima and pass the iconic Itsukushima Shrine – one of Japan's top three seaside views.

The next day you will take a local train and ferry across the bay to Miyajima Island where you will spend one night at Morinoyado, a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by peaceful forest and close to the waterfront. The island has plenty to do and see 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 being agreeable, you can hike up sacred Mount Misen for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea, or you can always take the ropeway to the top if you'd prefer to take things slow.

In the evening when most of the tourists have returned to the mainland, we suggest heading down to the waterfront to see Itsukushima Shrine and its floating orange torii gate lit up at night.

Overnight: Morinoyado

Trade Miyajima's island scenery for the bright lights of Shinjuku for your final unforgettable night in Japan.

On the fourth morning of your Self-Guided trip you will retrace your steps back to Tokyo on the bullet train. Your hotel is well located for easy access to Shinjuku Station for some last-minute shopping in the sprawling department stores, or you can head over to the east side of the station to some of the best restaurants and bars. Don't forget to check out your detailed Info-Pack if you want some recommendations of our favourite places to eat in Shinjuku, or other suggestions for places further afield.

Sadly, it's time to fly home. You will use your Japan Rail Passes one last time on the Narita Express train out to Narita Airport or if you would like to fly from Haneda Airport instead, please let us know and we can adjust plans accordingly.

Overnight: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku