The next stop is the former Matsusaka family residence; a perfect example of Takehara’s architecture as well as the typical housing of a wealthy merchant during the Edo period. Inside this building, you will be able to observe many of the artefacts belonging to its previous inhabitants and gain a better understanding of the daily life of a Japanese merchant in the past. After, your guide will take you to the Okakae Jizō Statue housed in a small nearby hut. Jizō statues are said to protect children and travellers. The importance of this particular statue lies in its claimed mystical powers. Lastly, a visit to Takehara is not complete without some sake tasting. Since the Edo period, this city has been well known for its sake production with high-quality “soft water.” Your tour guide will take you to one of the townscape’s old breweries, where they will explain the brewing process and the history of sake in Takehara.

Lastly, a visit to Takehara is not complete without some sake tasting. Since the Edo period, this city has been well known for its sake production with high-quality “soft water.” Your tour guide will take you to one of the townscape’s old breweries, where they will explain the brewing process and the history of sake in Takehara. You will then be able to taste some of these famed drinks. After this, you will be able to enjoy some free time within the townscape. You will have the opportunity to grab a quick bite in one of the many restaurants which line the streets or take part in other activities of your choice. There are more residences available for visits, souvenir shops, and other sake breweries which offer tasting experiences. . From here, your guide will take you to your next destination, Tadanoumi Port. This is where you will board the ferry to head to Rabbit Island

At the port, you will have the chance to purchase souvenirs or food for the rabbits on the island. The cost of one bag of rabbit food is included in this tour but you can buy more or bring your own as well. Japanese guests often bring fresh produce from home to the island to feed the rabbits, so please feel free to do so as well. Once you arrive on the island, your guide will take you on a brief stroll along the coast, stopping at different ruins and explaining the dark past of the island. Some of the places you will visit include the Power Station Ruins and the Nagaura Poison Gas Storehouse Ruins. You will learn about the role of this island during Japan’s different armed conflicts and the impact that chemical weapons manufacturing had on the island’s residents. The tour ends with one final ferry ride back to the mainland and one last train ride to Hiroshima Station, where your guide will say their goodbyes in front of the Shinkansen gates.