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 Hiroshima Station > 11:15 Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, Rest House, etc.) > 11:45 Peace Memorial Museum > 12:50 Lunch > 13:45 Hiroshima Castle > 15:00 Tour ends, received a request from the guests for a 1-hour extension > 15:30 Shukkeien Garden > 16:00 Guide ends
What Is a Private Guided Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided a group from Europe around Hiroshima. They listened with great interest to the local history, including how the city of Hiroshima came to be. At the Peace Memorial Museum, they viewed the exhibits slowly and carefully, and both of them appeared deeply moved. One of the guests spoke of anti-war views and expressed strong feelings about the necessity and importance of peace education. They also mentioned wanting to share what they had seen and felt with family back home.
For lunch, they said they wanted to eat okonomiyaki, so I took them to a restaurant. The portion was a little large for one of them, so they shared it while enjoying wine, finishing everything and expressing how delicious it was. One of the guests enjoyed wine and spoke about the differences between wines from Italy, France, and Germany, and asked about the grape variety of the wine served with the okonomiyaki. The other guest also ordered a glass of wine, and laughed that Japanese cocktails have less alcohol and are lighter compared to those in Europe.
At Hiroshima Castle, the conversation expanded from the medieval period, the feudal era, and the Meiji Restoration to the origins of the Japanese people in the Jomon and Yayoi periods, and I could sense that they had broad knowledge of Japanese history. Partway through, one of the guests requested that I continue the tour until 16:00, which I accepted. Afterward, I took them to Shukkeien Garden, and as it reached 16:00, I gave an overview of the garden and directions to Hiroshima Station, received the extension fee, and said goodbye.
Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
My name is Tsukumoto. I have been living in Hiroshima for about 60 years and have a great deal of knowledge on Hiroshima. I had worked in chemical industry for 44 years as an engineer having some experiences dealing with the oversea business. After retiring, I have been working as an English staff for helping tourists enjoy Japanese traditional culture activities such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and wearing kimono since 2023. Besides that, I am familiar with tourist spots, history of the domain, local food, and night life in down town. You will see some my travling videos on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@HiroshimaGuide-Nori
I can help you explore any aspects of your interests, and will provide your safety travel and comfortable stay.
Jul 16, 2025
Travel15681726194
Hiroshima 4 hour tour
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
We had a great day touring…
Jul 16, 2025
Travel15681726194
Hiroshima 4 hour tour
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
We had a great day touring Hiroshima city today with our guide, Tsukumoto-san. He was very helpful and informative throughout, with good and clear English speaking.
We started out by touring the Peace Memorial Park – Hiroshima
平和記念公園.
We followed with Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
広島平和記念資料館
A very emotional and moving experience overall. The landmarks and museum convey vividly the horror of war and the bombing, and tells the story of the real people who were tragically lost, injured and left traumatized.
We had lunch in a nearby restaurant Okonomiyaki Mitchan Sohonten Orizuru tower; お好み焼みっちゃん総本店 おりづるタワー店
We had delicious Okonomiyaki a local specialty that a highly recommend trying.
We spent the final hour touring Hiroshima castle 🏯, interesting rooms, objects, weapons and other artifacts as well a view of the city from the reconstructed main tower.
Apr 14, 2025
Michael_N
Our family tour of Miyajima Island with a wonderful guide
Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
An…
Apr 14, 2025
Michael_N
Our family tour of Miyajima Island with a wonderful guide
Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
An excellent tour of Miyajima by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Tsukumoto-san
tirelessly took us around the island to visit temples and shrines and explained the culture
and the history of this wonderful spot. Truly a must for any visit to Japan.
Respond to review
Apr 7, 2025
448margarets
Miyajima- so much more than you think
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tsukumoto made this tour…
Apr 7, 2025
448margarets
Miyajima- so much more than you think
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tsukumoto made this tour worth it. His communication prior to the tour was timely and excellent. He had a suggested itinerary which we were able to modify to suit our thoughts. He notified us clearly where to find him and that he was at the meeting point. From the start he knew all of the key areas and best viewing points. His historical knowledge was excellent and he explained things for us to understand and appreciate the culture and importance of the area. There is soooo… much more to Miyajima that the majority of visitors miss but not with this tour. Tsukumoto took us to a quiet coffee shop away from the crowds. We visited the dark room under a temple where golden images are displayed and you need to feel your way using the wall. Be warned that Miyajima has a huge amount of steps once you leave the main ground level area so wear comfortable shoes and be able to do this climbing. It was well paced with us not feeling rushed. Tsukumoto took us to a chopstick shop as I mentioned that I wanted a special pair of chopsticks and he knew exactly where to go. As well he assisted with the explanation to the staff. He also knew where to find an area with cherry blossoms blooming and he took photos for us everywhere. Don’t miss out on what Miyajima has to offer- do this tour.
Mar 29, 2025
MICHAEL N
A meaningful day in Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Tsukumoto-san was very good…
Mar 29, 2025
MICHAEL N
A meaningful day in Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Tsukumoto-san was very good at setting expectations for the tour by contacting us by text ahead of our tour and was very considerate of special needs (our daughter is vegan). He picked us up from our hotel and we walked to the peace dome listening to the stories about the bombing and how his family and others were impacted. We visited the museum and afterwards we went to a vegan restaurant. After that we visited a castle, and then we went to a very beautiful Japanese garden. Throughout the tour he did his best to help us resolve issues and learn about the history of the sites. We are deeply grateful for an enjoyable day visiting Hiroshima.