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
- 9:20a.m. Meet at the Shinkansen exit of Hiroshima Station
- 10:30a.m. Arrive on Miyajima Island
- 10:45a.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
- 11:15a.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
- 12:40p.m. Take a dirct ferry to the city center
- 1:40p.m. Lunch at an Okonomiyaki restaurant
- 2:45p.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
- 4:45 p.m. Take taxi to Hiroshima station
- 5:20p.m. End the tour at Hiroshima station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Shinkansen exit of Hiroshima Station at 09:20, the group explored Hiroshima until the tour ended at 17:20. The day ran to 8 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at an Okonomiyaki restaurant at 13:40.
The itinerary covered on Miyajima Island at 10:30, Itsukushima Shrine at 10:45, Daishoin Temple at 11:15, Take a dirct ferry to the city center at 12:40, Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum at 14:45 and Take taxi to Hiroshima station at 16:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi by train (420JPY); Miyajima to Peace Memorial Park (1,200JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 1,620JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima from Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Body:
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They came on a day trip, traveling from Kyoto by Shinkansen. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides lead private tours like this across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
From the very first contact they were extremely friendly, and we hit it off right away after meeting. They asked many questions about raising children and about Japanese culture, and the conversation was lively. The weather was fine and warm, and at Miyajima they took many photos, saying it was the best weather since they arrived in Japan and that they were very happy about it.
They had gotten up early to leave Kyoto and were a little short on sleep, so some of the guests took a nap during the World Heritage Sea Route cruise. One of the guests showed me many photos and told me about life in North America, how they spend their holidays, and stories from earlier years.
At the Peace Memorial Park, everyone was deeply interested in the history of Hiroshima and listened very earnestly. The museum was relatively uncrowded today, so they were able to take their time viewing it. They had never folded a paper crane before, so we folded one together, which they were delighted to call a wonderful experience, and they took the paper crane home as a memento.
They also greatly enjoyed the okonomiyaki.
Since they had another journey the next day, they wanted to take an earlier return Shinkansen, so I helped them change their reservation at the ticket counter, and the tour concluded. They thanked me politely all the way until they passed through the Shinkansen ticket gate, making it a very heartwarming tour.
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 | Other | Miyajima～Peace Memorial Park | 1,200JPY |
| Total | 1,620JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Shinkansen exit of Hiroshima Station at 09:20, and the tour finished at tour at Hiroshima station at 17:20.
How long does the tour last?
About 8 hours in total, from 09:20 to 17:20.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited on Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple, Take a dirct ferry to the city center, Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum and Take taxi to Hiroshima station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,620JPY per person across 2 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?
Mari 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.
Hello. My name is Mari.
I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.
I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.
Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.
Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
Look forward to meeting you.
Jul 27, 2026
Jen_S21
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
The highlight of our trip!
Mari was an excellent…
Jul 27, 2026
Jen_S21
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
The highlight of our trip!
Mari was an excellent guide and really was the highlight of our 17 day Japan trip. She had great information about Hiroshima, the history and culture. I had selected a start time for the tour but she reached out to recommend a slightly earlier start so we could hit the tide schedule just right for Miyajima Island, which I really appreciated. She also had recommendations for stuff to see and foods to eat. As we took a short break from all the walking, she told us the story of Sadako and the paper cranes, then showed us how to fold our own paper crane and had a bag we could put it in to take it home. It made for a wonderful souvenir. I would HIGHLY recommend this tour, especially if you are lucky enough to get Mari as your guide!
Jul 26, 2026
Celine B
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
A faire
Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
Mari a été…
Jul 26, 2026
Celine B
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
A faire
Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
Mari a été une super guide et nous a permis de mieux comprendre ce quil s’est passé ici. Merci à elle
やるべきこと
とても素晴らしい見学でした。たくさんの感動がありました。
Mariさんはとても素晴らしいガイドで、この場所で何が起こったのかをより深く理解できるように案内してくださいました。ありがとうございました。
Jun 25, 2026
Bill_C
Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
My son and I really…
My son and I really…
Jun 25, 2026
Bill_C
Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
My son and I really…
My son and I really enjoyed our tour with our tour guide Mari. She was extremely
knowledgeable and engaging. We felt like she went above and beyond to ensure a good
experience.
Jun 22, 2026
Beth W
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…
Jun 22, 2026
Beth W
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit to Hiroshima!!
Mari was a fantastic guide !!! I hope you get her when you book this tour!!! She is charming and quite knowledgeable . We had some poignant moments at the peace park and such interesting insights into the Japanese culture and history. She knows the ins and outs taking us a bit off the beaten track as requested. And we had a great lunch !!!! The traditional Japanese layered pancake whose name I cannot spell. I look forward some day to returning and meeting up again with dear Mari!