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
- 10:00 Meet at Zanotto Hiroshima
- 10:05 Move to Motoyasu Pier
- 10:40 Move to Miyajima
- 11:25 Miyajima sightseeing
- 14:00 Disband at Shiomachi Sushi Tsurumi
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:00 at Zanotto Hiroshima and ended at 14:00. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Motoyasu Pier at 10:05, Miyajima at 10:40 and Miyajima sightseeing at 11:25.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Motoyasu Bridge Port to Miyajima Port (1,200JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 1,200JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. It was an unusual format in which we met at a hotel in Hiroshima, I took them to a restaurant I had recommended and reserved in advance, and we parted ways there. Photography was a hobby of the guests, and they seemed to fully enjoy taking pictures on Miyajima. They were looking forward to showing the photos they took in Japan to the people around them after returning home. Having arrived in Hiroshima the previous day, the guests enjoyed dinner at Okonomimura, and on the day of the Miyajima tour, instead of having breakfast, they took a taxi to Shukkeien Garden before the tour started and bought some light snacks for breakfast at a convenience store. The guests were remarkably active, which surprised me. At Itsukushima Shrine, the line to receive a goshuin (temple seal) was too long, so we had to give up, but at Daishoin Temple they were able to get a goshuin and were delighted. They also enjoyed exploring various parts of Daishoin Temple, and I was relieved that we managed to make it in time for the reservation at a sushi restaurant housed in a traditional old house.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Motoyasu Bridge Port～Miyajima Port | 1,200JPY |
| Total | 1,200JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Zanotto Hiroshima at 10:00, and the tour finished at Shiomachi Sushi Tsurumi at 14:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 10:00 to 14:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Motoyasu Pier, Miyajima and Miyajima sightseeing.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,200JPY per person across 1 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?
Emmy 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, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!
Jul 3, 2026
715rachnak
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
We…
Jul 3, 2026
715rachnak
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
We had a wonderful experience and learned soo much about Hiroshima and Miyajima! Emiko was amazing! She was so knowledgeable, sweet, and friendly! We felt like she was part of our family fir the day!
Jul 2, 2026
Janine_P
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Worth the money!
From the moment we booked our…
Jul 2, 2026
Janine_P
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Worth the money!
From the moment we booked our private tour, to being back home, the tour company and then our guide had excellent communication. We met our guide Emmy at the Shin-Hiroshima station and she immediately helped us navigate the station and be on our way to Miyajima. Having a second-generation Hiroshima survivor lead us through our day was wonderful and we were able to tailor the day to meet our interests.
Emmy provided answers to our questions, information on what we were seeing, and gave ample time for exploration and photos.
After Miyajima we headed back to Hiroshima for the tour to continue with more historical perspective and even a detour to a calligraphy store! She was patient when we wanted to buy snacks or were in the museum. We felt fortunate to have spent the day with this amazing tour guide.
It was a long day for all of us and Emmy made sure we weren’t overwhelmed with information. She stayed with us all the way back to the Shin-Hiroshima station and made sure we got through with our tickets before departing.
Following the tour, she sent photos that she took of our family throughout the day which was very much appreciated.
May 7, 2026
Diane_F
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Wonderful tour and guide
Our tour guide Emmy was…
May 7, 2026
Diane_F
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Wonderful tour and guide
Our tour guide Emmy was so gracious and knowledgeable, she was truly outstanding! Our
tour was wonderful and would highly recommend.
Apr 12, 2026
Curious613511
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…
Apr 12, 2026
Curious613511
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where we saw all the main attractions that we wanted to see.
We had a wonderful experience in Hiroshima. Our tour guide Emmy was just a delight. Emmy was very knowledgeable, & caring, looking after us throughout the whole day. She went out of her way to make our experience in Japan relaxing & enjoyable. Emmy met us at the platform at Hiroshima Station when we arrived & took us back to the train at Hiroshima Station when we were leaving. Nothing was too much for her.
I have no problems recommending Emmy to anyone who wants a wonderful experience in Hiroshima.