This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:45 Meet at Ujina Port · Tour begins – Explanation of precautions and tour itinerary, distribution of Miyajima materials, Q&A
- 11:25 Departure from Ujina Port
- 11:54 Arrival at Miyajima Pier
- 11:55 Explanation of Taira no Kiyomori Statue, Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan Monument, World Cultural Heritage Monument
- 12:10 Stroll along Omotesando
- 12:20 Omotenashi Toilet – Short break, torii miniature, water refill
- 12:40 Visit Itsukushima Shrine
- 13:10 Visit Daiganji Temple
- 13:25 Visit Miyajima Folk History Museum (Watch video on Miyajima and Taira no Kiyomori)
- 14:00 Five-story Pagoda. Visit Toyokuni Shrine
- 14:15 etto Miyajima Exchange Hall – Short break
- 14;25 Stroll along Machiya-dori
- 14;45 Dismissal at Miyajima Pier (End of tour)
- Guests board the Miyajima – Peace Park (World Heritage Route) from 14:45 to 15:30, and the guide returns home on the same ferry
What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The group joined for a fairly fast-paced tour, but they enjoyed it very much. When it was time to part, everyone in the group thanked me with big smiles.
One of the guests, originally from Japan and later based in North America, had a strong wish for another member of the group to understand and truly experience the wonderful aspects of Japan, such as its culture and the way people interact. That wish was met with an equally warm response. The guests were deeply impressed by Itsukushima Shrine, the history of Taira no Kiyomori, and the beauty of Japanese culture (especially the historical figures museum and the video shown there). Guiding them made me newly aware of just how wonderful Japanese culture is, which was a joy, and it was a truly valuable and wonderful experience for me.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hello there!
I’m Hiroko Aikawa, your local host in Hiroshima. I am here to provide full support to ensure you have a wonderful time and experience in Hiroshima and Japan.
I am eager to introduce and share my passion for Japanese culture, Japanese gardens, pottery, kimono, dyeing, and weaving that is beautiful Japanese art for those (guests) who are interested in them.
As a food enthusiast, I can also recommend the best culinary experiences in Hiroshima for those who love delicious food.
As for my work background, I worked for Ford Motor Company from Japan/Asia Pacific for 30+ years to work with many people in the world and now it is the time for meeting many guests from the world.
I look forward to welcoming you in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
May 7, 2025
stevene928
We did more than we thought we would in one day – 19,000 steps!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private…
May 7, 2025
stevene928
We did more than we thought we would in one day – 19,000 steps!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Hiroko met us at the Hiroshima train station and took us to Miyajima by Ferry. We toured the shops, had lunch, and got educated on the shrines and the island.
After that we took a boat back to Hiroshima City and toured the Peace Museum inside and the grounds and were educated on why the monuments were erected.
Then we walked to an observation building where we could see the whole city and how it had been reborn since WWII. Then we went shopping at a huge outdoor covered mall. W then toured the city gardens with beautiful flowers and garden and ponds with huge Koy fish (colored carp).
Hiroko then took a cab with us to the station to make sure we were on our way safely
Apr 28, 2025
StephanieMcGovern17
Ask for Hiroko!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This trip was amazing thanks to…
Apr 28, 2025
StephanieMcGovern17
Ask for Hiroko!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This trip was amazing thanks to our incredible guide, Hiroko! Please request her personally when booking. She is born and raised in Hiroshima and has excellent English as she worked in the United States for 30 years.
To start, she promptly met us in our hotel lobby with printed itinerary for each member of our party. We started on the train to Miyajima as tide was high allowing for beautiful photos of floating torii gate. We got on ferry to Miyajima and arrived on the island. Hiroko provided facts and information along the way. We stopped for snacks at some of her favorite places and enjoyed momiji and oysters. Later we took the ferry to Hiroshima Peace Park. This was a more emotional and intense experience. She allowed us to walk the museum and waited for us at the end. We then went on to have okonomiyaki and talked about how resilient and peaceful Hiroshima people are and have they have overcome and prospered since the atomic bomb. We then taxi to Shukkeien to view the most beautiful botanical garden and ended our trip here.
At the end, Hiroko gave me a handwritten note in Japanese thanking me for the trip and opportunity to guide us. We are leaving Hiroshima greatly appreciative of her guidance and a lovely time in the city.
Apr 8, 2025
ancas
Best experience!!!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Hiroko was the best guide ever!!! She introduced…
Apr 8, 2025
ancas
Best experience!!!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Hiroko was the best guide ever!!! She introduced us to the local food and best shops, explained the history and culture of the island and offered us the best candies. She became our best friend. I warmly recommend to ask her as your guide!!!!
Anca
Apr 4, 2025
500ericav
Hiroshima and Miyajima stole our hearts
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
My husband and…
Apr 4, 2025
500ericav
Hiroshima and Miyajima stole our hearts
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
My husband and I are on our honeymoon and we were lucky enough to have Hiroko as our guide! Hiroko is an amazing and knowledgeable tour guide. She took us to local spots, that without her, my husband and I would have never found. On Miyajima Island was this amazing spot with freshly made Momiji manjū, filled with sweet or savory delights. I picked 1 cheese filled and 1 chocolate filled and both were absolutely to die for. Back in Hiroshima, Hiroko brought us to a hidden gem, Shukkeien Garden, that had so many photo spots, gorgeous cherry blossoms, a mini bamboo forest, and my favorite, a bunch of hungry jumping coy fish that jumped high into the air from under the water. We ended the day at a local traditional Japanese dessert spot, that is Hiroko regularly attends. This cute little elderly woman came down the steps when we entered the store and we had some of the best traditional Japanese desserts filled with sweet beans and a soft and chewy sweet outer layer. We were also served real Green Tea and learned how to properly drink from a tea cup in Japanese culture. Hiroko even paid for our dessert as a honeymoon present. This tour exceeded my expectations and I could be happier to have met Hiroko.