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.
Tour Itinerary
- 12:45@Hotel Suite Hiroshima Hakushima
- 13:34@JR Shin-Hakushima
- 13:58@JR Miyajimaguchi
- 14:10@Miyajima Port
- 14:30@Itsukushima Shrine – Daigan-ji Temple
- 15:45 Lunch@Suihaso
- 16:45@Omotesando Shopping Street
- 17:00@JR Miyajimaguchi
- 17:30@JR Shin-Hakushima Station
- 17:45 Disband@Intersection in front of the hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Hotel Suite Hiroshima Hakushima at 12:45, JR Shin-Hakushima at 13:34, JR Miyajimaguchi at 13:58, Miyajima Port at 14:10, Itsukushima Shrine – Daigan-ji Temple at 14:30, Omotesando Shopping Street at 16:45, JR Miyajimaguchi at 17:00 and JR Shin-Hakushima Station at 17:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: JR Shin-Hakushima Station to JR Miyajimaguchi Station by train (330JPY); JR Miyajimaguchi to JR Shin-Hakushima Station by train (330JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 660JPY per person.
What Is a Private Miyajima Island Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests visited from Europe. The day before, they had gone to Koyasan, and since they could not walk long distances, they wanted to relax on the island. They were not very interested in shopping either. So we went out to the beach, enjoyed the sea breeze while walking, and I guided them slowly through Itsukushima Shrine. Even the tour of the grounds of Daiganji Temple was done while sitting on a bench.
Since they wished to have a relaxed meal, I introduced them to a quiet restaurant where they could enjoy a traditional Japanese atmosphere. On the tatami floor of an old traditional house, they ordered a Japanese set meal and Miyajima beer. They said it was delicious and finished everything.
Because of the time of day, I chose shaved ice rather than a meal, but the guests insisted, so they treated me. They even gave me a lovely keychain souvenir from Europe. Feeling that it would not be right to only receive, I gave them chopsticks engraved with their name as a token of thanks, which they were delighted with.
At Miyajima, it seemed they had come expecting a quiet, remote island where they could relax, but everywhere was crowded, and some of the guests looked especially disappointed. As someone used to it, I felt it was still relatively calm since it was before the high season. However, the boat, the approach, and the shrine were all packed with people, and there was a long line at the gate. Since there were mostly visitors from overseas, it seems that conditions will remain difficult for a while for those who wish to quietly enjoy the uniquely Japanese atmosphere.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | JR Shin-Hakushima Station～JR Miyajimaguchi Station | 330JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | JR Miyajimaguchi～JR Shin-Hakushima Station | 330JPY |
| Total | 660JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Suite Hiroshima Hakushima, JR Shin-Hakushima, JR Miyajimaguchi, Miyajima Port, Itsukushima Shrine – Daigan-ji Temple, Omotesando Shopping Street, JR Miyajimaguchi and JR Shin-Hakushima Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 660JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Miyoko is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Hiroshima itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello! My name is Miyoko Akashi, and I’d be delighted to be your guide. I’ve been working as a tour guide for eight years.
I was born in Nagoya and have lived in Hiroshima for about 40 years, so I know the Seto Inland Sea region very well.
Before becoming a guide, I taught English, mainly to high school students, for many years and was actively involved in international exchange programs.
In my free time, I enjoy photography and running. I’ve traveled all over Japan to take photographs and participate in marathon races, and I always enjoy discovering new places and meeting new people.
I look forward to sharing the beauty, history, and culture of this wonderful region with you.