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

  • 9:00 Hotel meet
  • 10:25-13:20 Miyajima
  • 14:20-15:10 Shukkeien Garden
  • 15:30-16:40 Peace Park
  • 17:10 Dismissal at Hiroshima Station

Tour Itinerary in Detail

This private tour of Hiroshima began at 9:00, when the guide met the guests at Hotel meet, and finished at 17:10. The day ran to 8 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish.

From there the group visited Miyajima at 10:25, Shukkeien Garden at 14:20 and Peace Park at 15:30.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi by train (420JPY); Miyajimaguchi to Hiroshima by train (420JPY); Shukkeien-mae to Atomic Bomb Dome-mae by bus (240JPY); Peace Memorial Park/Hiroshima Bus to Hiroshima by bus (240JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,320JPY per person.

What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. On the day of the tour, the tide was high, so we were unable to enter Itsukushima Shrine during the originally planned time slot. We changed the plan, first visiting Daisho-in Temple, and after a light meal we toured the shrine. The guests appeared very satisfied to be able to see the Great Torii gate and the shrine during the exceptionally high tide that occurs only a few times a year. We also ate onigiri rice balls together for lunch, which was more popular than expected, and I would like to add it as one of the light-lunch options for future tours.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
Section 3BusShukkeien-mae~Atomic Bomb Dome-mae240JPY
Section 4BusPeace Memorial Park/Hiroshima Bus~Hiroshima240JPY
Total1,320JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at Hotel meet at 9:00, and the tour finished at Hiroshima Station at 17:10.

How long does the tour last?

About 8 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 17:10.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Miyajima, Shukkeien Garden and Peace Park.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,320JPY 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?

To 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! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

Sep 28, 2026
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The best time in Hiroshima
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