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
- 8:50 Meet at the hotel
- 9:10 Depart from JR Hiroshima Station
- 9:40 Arrive at JR Miyajimaguchi Station
- 9:50 Board the ferry
- 10:00 Arrive at Miyajima Ferry Terminal
- 10:30 Arrive at Itsukushima Shrine
- 11:00 Lunch, okonomiyaki
- 12:00 Tasting of fried momiji manju
- 12:40 Depart from Miyajima Ferry Terminal
- 12:50 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
- 13:00 Depart from Hiroden Miyajimaguchi
- 13:55 Arrive at Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae
- 14:00 Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter
- Children's Peace Monument, Rest House
- Flame of Peace,
- Memorial Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, museum
- 16:05 After saying farewell to the guests at the taxi stand, confirm the destination with the driver, see off the taxi, and part with the guests
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:50 at hotel and ended at 16:05. The day ran to 7 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch, okonomiyaki at 11:00.
Over the course of the day the route took in JR Hiroshima Station at 9:10, JR Miyajimaguchi Station at 9:40, Board the ferry at 9:50, Miyajima Ferry Terminal at 10:00, Itsukushima Shrine at 10:30, Tasting of fried momiji manju at 12:00, Miyajima Ferry Terminal at 12:40, Miyajimaguchi at 12:50, Hiroden Miyajimaguchi at 13:00, Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae at 13:55 and Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi by train (420JPY); Hiroden Miyajimaguchi to Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae by train (240JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 660JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Hiroshima and Miyajima. One of the guests had been to Japan three times before, wore a cap with "Japan" written on it, and seemed quite familiar with the country. Another guest was visiting Japan for the first time, experiencing okonomiyaki, the Peace Park, and Miyajima all for the first time. It seemed to be the wish of one of the guests that the other guest would discover the appeal of Japan and enjoy the trip.
Since one of the guests walked slowly and took some time, and another tended to tire easily, I guided them using elevators whenever possible and included breaks along the way.
Both guests were very kind and considerate, and they thoughtfully expressed their satisfaction at every opportunity.
Both guests had connections to universities and had studied by reading many materials and books in preparation. The Peace Park seemed to be their main goal. At the museum, they looked at the photographs on display and appeared deeply moved. They strongly expressed that the same mistake must never be repeated.
They said they did not need to visit Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien this time because they were tired, so I only gave a brief overview.
Since they were tired, I hailed a taxi for them and they returned to their hotel.
It was memorable to see them take many photos of the scenery in Miyajima and enjoy answering quizzes. They said that after the trip they would spend about two months creating a special album.
They said they would like to continue our correspondence, and that if I ever came to visit their region, they would be delighted to show me around.
Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Hiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Hiroden Miyajimaguchi～Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae | 240JPY |
| Total | 660JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 8:50, and the tour finished at After saying farewell to the guests at the taxi stand, confirm the destination with the driver, see off the taxi, and part with the guests at 16:05.
How long does the tour last?
About 7 hours and 15 minutes in total, from 8:50 to 16:05.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited JR Hiroshima Station, JR Miyajimaguchi Station, Board the ferry, Miyajima Ferry Terminal, Itsukushima Shrine, Tasting of fried momiji manju, Miyajima Ferry Terminal, Miyajimaguchi, Hiroden Miyajimaguchi, Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae and Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter.
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?
Kazuha 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.
Hi! I am Kazuha from Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Please call me Kazu chan. I was a teacher for 37 years, and retired last year. After that, I traveled a lot, and met a guide who made my travel much more interesting than other travel. It has become a life-time memory. So I decided to be an interpreter guide to help foreign tourists. I would love to help you to make your travel more interesting and exciting!
I have guided Onomichi, and two World Cultural Heritage sites :Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Miyajima. Onomichi is my hometown and the starting point for the Shimanami-kaido to Shikoku Island. It prospered from the 12th century to the 19th century, and was not bombed during the war. So we can still enjoy finding unique Japanese culture while walking. Let’s explore Hiroshima and make your travel special!
Jul 26, 2025
R3976LRjennaw
A+++
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We absolutely loved our tour in Hiroshima with…
Jul 26, 2025
R3976LRjennaw
A+++
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We absolutely loved our tour in Hiroshima with Kazuha! She met us promptly and guided us all around the city using public transportation. She knew so many interesting facts that she shared with us and was so sweet to our children. She went above and beyond coordinating a trip to Pokemon Center Hiroshima and got us back to the cruise ship on time. The lunch she booked for us was amazing and will definitely be locked in as a core memory. Thank you for making our trip special Kazuha! I will certainly book more tours through Japan Guide Agency in the future.
Jun 2, 2025
847lachlanc
A gem of a merchants town at the foot of stunning mountains by the sea
Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip…
Jun 2, 2025
847lachlanc
A gem of a merchants town at the foot of stunning mountains by the sea
Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Onomichi is such an amazing place. Kazuha was extremely proud to present this lovely place of the world. I truly adore her passion for enriching the moments of travellers coming to this place. I learnt a lot about this merchant town from her, enjoyed the rich history and stunning views. I cannot implore people more to visit and enjoy Onomichi. If you have the pleasure of touring with Kazuha, I know you’ll have the best time. Thank you again!
May 25, 2025
Daniel_M
Religion and Peace
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide (Kazuha) was lovely! Very…
May 25, 2025
Daniel_M
Religion and Peace
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide (Kazuha) was lovely! Very knowledgeable and good fun. She took us for lunch in a
lovely family owned restaurant where we watched our food being created and cooked.
MiyaJima is a must and the Peace museum is sobering but important to visit. Great day!
May 22, 2025
Georgina B
Poignant and moving day with helpful guide
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Kazuha…
May 22, 2025
Georgina B
Poignant and moving day with helpful guide
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Kazuha our guide was very accommodating to our limited mobility and energy. She was great with facts and interesting quizzes and emotionally sensitive with such a challenging topic as the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
I found making a paper crane under her guidance to be particularly poignant and enjoyed hearing about her life and sharing with her about Australia in World War II as well.
I didn’t want to say goodbye.