Start with a bullet train ride to Himeji to visit the Himeji Castle, one of the most famous castles in Japan and designated a World Cultural Heritage site. Its sublime form and white walls have earned it the nickname of "White Heron Castle". The castle grounds are divided into inner and outer-walled zones, with gates built around maze-like spaces to confuse enemies, and a double moat for extra protection.

Bring your own lunch at enjoy it at the Koko-en Garden, which is a short distance from Himeji Castle. The gardens where opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lords' west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki). They consist of nine separate gardens designed in various garden styles of the Edo period.

After lunch you'll tour the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. With the length of 3,911 meters and completed in 1998, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge also known as the Pearl Bridge is the worlds longest suspension bridge linking the city of Kobe to Awaji Island. Learn about the construction of the bridge and enjoy the views from the observation deck.