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

  • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
  • 9:05-9:10 Move by taxi
  • 9:10-10:00 @ Shukkeien Garden
  • 10:00-10:10 Move on foot
  • 10:00-10:50 Hiroshima Castle
  • 10:50-11:00 Move on foot
  • 11:00-12:50 Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum, National Peace Memorial
  • 12:50-13:10 Move by taxi
  • 13:20 Tour ends @ Hiroshima Station Okonomiyaki, Icchan

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America who were friends and neighbors. They were interested in everything, asked many questions, and took notes on their smartphones of the things they learned. They said Shukkeien Garden was quiet and beautiful, and that they could happily spend a whole day there. At the Gokoku Shrine within Hiroshima Castle grounds, many families were visiting for Shichi-Go-San celebrations, and when I explained the tradition, the guests showed great interest, enjoying the sight of children dressed in kimono and chatting cheerfully with some of them. They also had a strong interest in the atomic bombing, and after the Peace Memorial Museum they visited the national memorial hall as well, where they watched video testimony of a young special-attack soldier who had entered Hiroshima for rescue work. They said it was a deeply moving story and that they were glad to have been guided there. They had eaten okonomiyaki in Tokyo, but it seemed to have been the Osaka style, so since they wanted to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, I took them to an okonomiyaki restaurant at Hiroshima Station and helped them order and pay before ending the tour.

Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

As a Hiroshima government-certified English-speaking guide, I’ve led over 160 heartfelt tours for guests from around the world. I craft each experience with care, blending history, humor, and emotional resonance to help you connect deeply with this beautiful city and its stories. I love sharing insights about Hiroshima and Japan, but I also enjoy chatting with my guests as if we were friends, learning about each other along the way and creating meaningful moments together. Every tour becomes a unique exchange, shaped by the people I meet. I look forward to welcoming you and guiding you in Hiroshima.

Sep 24, 2025
Paige_M
Lovely and Educational Tour of Hiroshima
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Tomoyo was a star guide
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Amazing experience and very grateful for my tour guide Tomoyo
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Chloe_O
The best day in Japan with Tomoyo!
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