After lunch visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum for an insight into the capital’s evolution since 1869. Next, watch a sword demonstration before trying the ancient art for yourself with the help of an expert – time to unleash your inner samurai! The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring or opt to watch a spectacular Tokyo robot show. Overnight Tokyo.
There’s no better way to cross the stunning clear-blue waters of Lake Ashi than on a triple-decker pirate ship – and that’s what we have planned this afternoon before heading into a nearby forest for an authentic local experience in one of the onsen hot spring baths. It’s the ideal way to unwind before spending the night in a traditional ryokan. Overnight Hakone.
In the afternoon we visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, the most important of the city’s five zen temples. We’ll have plenty of time to walk around the pristine gardens and central pond, and visit the Dharma Hall to see the ceiling mural of a dragon. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring Kyoto, there is also an optional karaoke night. Overnight Kyoto.
This afternoon we take a short ferry trip to Miyajima Island, famous for the giant torii gate that appears to float on water. When the tide is low it’s possible to reach the gate on foot. While on Miyajima, we visit the centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine, which is built over water and connected by pillars above the sea, and follow one of the many forest walking trails for stunning views at a lookout point. We return to Hiroshima for the evening. Overnight Hiroshima.