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
- 09:00 Hotel meet
- 10:00 Miyajima
- 13:00 Lunch
- 14:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
- 17:00 Dismissal in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 09:00 at Hotel meet and ended at 17:00. The day ran to 8 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 13:00.
Over the course of the day the route took in Miyajima at 10:00 and Hiroshima Peace Park at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kenchomae to Shin-Hakushima by train (190JPY); Shin-Hakushima to Miyajimaguchi Station by train (330JPY); Miyajimaguchi Station to Nishi-Hiroshima Station by train (330JPY); Japanese to Hiroshima Peace Park by bus (240JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,090JPY per person.
What's a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
On this day, I guided a group visiting from North America. They were staying in Japan for an extended trip and were very friendly throughout.
At the start of the tour, I showed them some photos on my smartphone from a family wedding the previous year, which helped break the ice in a relaxed atmosphere.
One of the guests had lost their JR Pass the day before, so with convenience of travel and smooth payment in mind, I lent them an ICOCA card I had prepared in advance for their use.
In the afternoon, the sunshine grew stronger and the temperature rose considerably. Noticing that one of the guests seemed a little short of breath, I suggested buying a frozen bottled drink at a convenience store. Holding it against the neck helped cool the body down and proved effective as a measure against heatstroke.
Since the risk of heatstroke and dehydration is high at this time of year, I repeatedly reminded the guests to stay hydrated throughout the tour. While being careful not to come across as overbearing, I prioritized the guests' well-being above all.
The tour proceeded without any major trouble, and we were able to complete it safely from start to finish.
The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) private tour covered Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, including proper worship etiquette, the Kaidan-meguri at Daisho-in Temple, a stroll along Maple Road, and a moment of silent tribute at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The weather was cloudy with occasional sunshine. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) 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.
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 | Kenchomae～Shin-Hakushima | 190JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shin-Hakushima～Miyajimaguchi Station | 330JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Miyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station | 330JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Japanese～Hiroshima Peace Park | 240JPY |
| Total | 1,090JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel meet at 09:00, and the tour finished at front of the Atomic Bomb Dome at 17:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 8 hours in total, from 09:00 to 17:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,090JPY per person across 4 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?
Yuji 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.
Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.
Jun 1, 2026
John_W
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
A top day with a top guide
My wife…
Jun 1, 2026
John_W
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
A top day with a top guide
My wife & I spent a fabulous day with Yuji visiting Miyajima & Hiroshima.. From his greeting to us on our arrival at Hiroshima station to saying good-bye at the same location 8 hours later, he gave us wonderful perspectives of both locations as well as sharing his knowledge of the sights we saw.
May 27, 2026
Annabelle_C
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Hiroshima in a day
Yuji was a great communicator…
May 27, 2026
Annabelle_C
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Hiroshima in a day
Yuji was a great communicator from the beginning so we knew he was going to be a great
guide. His insight and experience were second to none. This was a great day of enjoying the
sites while gaining a deeper understanding of Hiroshima.
May 12, 2026
satishp656
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…
May 12, 2026
satishp656
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble and caring guide who took great pains to conduct the tour in
a very professional manner. He has a sense of humour and plays the flute well.
May 10, 2026
StephanieB6076
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Incredible Experience
We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…
May 10, 2026
StephanieB6076
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Incredible Experience
We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima and Miyajima for the first time. Our tour guide, Yuji, made the experience one we will never forget. From start to finish the trip was thoroughly enjoyable. He was very knowledgeable explaining meaning, symbolism, answering questions and went above and beyond to give us the best experience. Yuji really tailored the tour to things we found interesting and made transport with trains and the ferry very easy to navigate- as we did a day trip from Osaka. My husband and I were very fortunate to have Yuji as our guide. Highly recommend this private tour if you are considering Hiroshima and Miyajima!