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
- 11:00 Meet at the hotel
- 11:30 Depart from JR Hiroshima Station
- 12:00 Depart from Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal
- 12:45 Foot of the Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine
- 12:55 Itsukushima Shrine
- 14:00 Lunch: Okonomiyaki
- 14:45 Matcha ice cream
- 15:00 Depart from Miyajima Ferry Terminal
- 15:15 Depart from Hiroden Miyajimaguchi
- 16:10 Peace Park: Atomic Bomb Dome, Mobilized Students Memorial, Hypocenter, Children's Peace Monument, Peace Bell, Rest House, Flame of Peace, Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, Museum
- 18:00 Depart from Peace Park bus stop
- 18:30 Arrive at Hiroshima Station bus stop
- 18:35 Say goodbye to guests at Hiroshima Station
What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group from Europe who traveled that day by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hiroshima. They were very pleasant, listened attentively to my explanations, laughed, shared their impressions, and asked many questions eagerly. The group was very close, always smiling and warm with one another, which made the tour very heartwarming. At the places where I gave explanations, I could speak to everyone together, and while moving between locations I had the chance to talk with each person individually, so I was able to have different conversations with each of them. As a result, at the moment of parting, I was able to say something different to each one.
We had a late start this time, but it happened to be low tide, so we were able to walk right up to the base of the Great Torii Gate. They seemed truly moved by the size of the gate and asked many questions. We were also able to see traces of the restoration work.
At the okonomiyaki restaurant, they were fascinated to watch it being cooked on the iron griddle right in front of them. Also, matcha is apparently very popular in their home region right now, so they enjoyed matcha ice cream and bought matcha as souvenirs for friends.
During the origami crane-folding activity on the Hiroshima streetcar, it looked difficult, but everyone smiled and worked hard to complete their cranes, and they were satisfied to be able to offer them at the Children's Peace Monument.
They were surprised to learn that a hospital had been at the hypocenter and said they very much wanted to visit the hypocenter, so I guided them there.
When we heard the sound of the Peace Bell, I explained that ringing it carries the meaning of shattering the threat of war and nuclear weapons. They said they wanted to go there, so I guided them. After explaining about the bell, they actually rang it themselves.
At the final museum, they witnessed the tragedy firsthand and told me that such a thing must never be repeated, and that they would surely share this experience with others.
The conversation flowed well with the very kind guests, and it turned into a wonderful day. Thank you very much for creating this connection.
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 | JR Hiroshima Station～JR Miyajimaguchi | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Hiroden Miyajimaguchi～Hiroden Atomic Bomb Dome-mae | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Peace Park bus stop～Hiroshima Station bus stop | 240JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
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.