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
- 09:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
- 10:30 Miyajima
- 13:30 Lunch
- 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
- 17:30 Atomic Bomb Dome, Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Miyajima at 10:30, Hiroshima Peace Park at 14:30 and Atomic Bomb Dome, Dismissal at 17:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi by train (420JPY); Miyajimaguchi to Nishi-Hiroshima by train (330JPY); Nishi-Hiroshima Station (Koi)／Bombus to Atomic Bomb Dome by bus (240JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 990JPY per person.
What Is a Private Family Tour in Japan Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report
Today I guided a group visiting from North America on a summer family trip. Their warm, close-knit atmosphere left a strong impression.
However, it was another extremely hot day, and from the middle of the tour the guests began to show some signs of fatigue. As their attention seemed to waver, I gently reminded them, "Although it is very rare in Japan, incidents such as pickpocketing are occasionally reported, so please take care of your valuables." This lighthearted note helped everyone stay alert.
During our conversations while traveling and at the sightseeing spots, the guests expressed a lot of interest in the Japanese cityscape, noting that "there seem to be few homeless people in Japan" and "the streets are clean even though there are few trash cans." In particular, one of the guests asked, "Why are there so few benches on Japanese streets, and so few places where people can rest a little?" It was a spontaneous question, but I explained points such as the cost of maintenance and the possibility that people staying on the streets for long periods could create security concerns.
Incidentally, when I was young, each household would bring out a small bench called a "banko," and in the evenings people would chat with their neighbors along the roadside — a nostalgic scene from the past. Perhaps that kind of culture has gradually disappeared with the changing times.
Overall, I believe the whole group was able to spend a meaningful time while experiencing a glimpse of Japanese culture and daily life.
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～Miyajimaguchi | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Miyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima | 330JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Nishi-Hiroshima Station (Koi)／Bombus～Atomic Bomb Dome | 240JPY |
| Total | 990JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Miyajima, Hiroshima Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, Dismissal.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 990JPY per person across 3 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!