Following breakfast, we set off for Mount Shosa, where we’ll visit the serene and ancient Engyo-ji Temple, nestled in a forested mountain. This temple complex, over 1,000 years old, served as a filming location for the movie The Last Samurai. A scenic cable car ride takes us up to the site. Next, we head to Himeji to visit its majestic white castle—one of the most iconic and best-preserved in Japan. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Later, we travel to Okayama, where you’ll explore Korakuen Garden—one of Japan’s top three traditional gardens, complete with ponds, waterfalls, and historic teahouses. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight stay: Okayama

After breakfast, we make our way to Kurashiki, a town known for its preserved Edo-period charm. Stroll through its atmospheric historical district with canals, old merchant houses, and quaint streets. We then continue to Hiroshima, a city forever marked by the events of 1945. Our visit includes a poignant walk past the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and a guided tour of the Hiroshima Peace Museum. In the afternoon, we board a ferry to Miyajima Island, a sacred place where humans and gods are said to coexist. Explore the famous Itsukushima Shrine, partially floating in the sea during high tide, and enjoy time in the charming village streets nearby. Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight stay: Hiroshima

After breakfast, we set sail on a scenic ferry journey to Shikoku Island, cruising for 2.5 hours through a picturesque chain of Japanese islands. Upon arrival, we head to Matsuyama, where we’ll ride a funicular up to the city’s imposing hilltop castle—a beautifully preserved feudal fortress. Next, visit Ishiteji Temple, an important stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and a serene spiritual site. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Later in the day, relax at the Dogo Onsen, a historic 19th-century public bathhouse that inspired many Japanese artworks (entry included, bathing optional). Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight stay: Matsuyama

After breakfast, we journey to Kotohira, a revered Shinto pilgrimage town. Ascend 785 stone steps to reach the hilltop shrine dedicated to the guardian of sailors—an experience as rewarding spiritually as it is scenic. Our next stop is Takamatsu, where we’ll explore Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most exquisite landscape gardens with landscaped hills, ponds, and centuries-old pine trees. Lunch is included. We then head across the breathtaking Naruto Bridge, known for its panoramic views and glass-floor observation deck, giving you a thrilling look at the swirling waters 45 meters below. Our route continues across island-dotted seascapes and farmlands until we reach Kobe by evening. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight stay: Kobe

Following breakfast, we visit the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum, dedicated to the city’s recovery following the devastating 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. This museum offers a moving insight into resilience and modern engineering. On certain travel days, this visit may be replaced by a tour of the Sake Museum or an optional ascent of the Kobe Port Tower. We then continue to Osaka, arriving around lunchtime. The tour ends upon arrival. Included Meals: Breakfast