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
- 8:50 a.m. Meet at the Shinkansen exit of Hiroshima Station
- 9:10 a.m. Visit Shukkeien Garden
- 9:40 a.m. Visit Hiroshima Castle
- 10:15 a.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch at an Okonomiyaki restaurant
- 1:30 p.m. Take a direct ferry to Miyajima
- 2:15 p.m. Arrive at Miyajima Island
- 2:30 p.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
- 3:00 p.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
- 4:30 p.m. Take a ferry and JR train back to Hiroshima station
- 5:30 p.m. End of the tour at Hiroshima Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Hiroshima began at 08:50, when the guide met the guests at Shinkansen exit of Hiroshima Station, and finished at 17:30. The day ran to 8 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at an Okonomiyaki restaurant at 12:30.
From there the group visited Shukkeien Garden at 09:10, Hiroshima Castle at 09:40, Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum at 10:15, Take a direct ferry to Miyajima at 13:30, Miyajima Island at 14:15, Itsukushima Shrine at 14:30, Daishoin Temple at 15:00 and Take a ferry and JR train back to Hiroshima station at 16:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Miyajimaguchi to Hiroshima by train (420JPY); Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima (1,200JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 1,620JPY per person.
What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. They mentioned that they had decided on Japan as their destination after seeing posts on social media. They enjoyed cute characters and even showed me some character goods they had purchased in Tokyo. Since they said walking was no problem and they arrived early, I asked about their preferences and added Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle to the route. Although the peak bloom had passed at Shukkeien Garden, some cherry blossoms still remained, which they were delighted to see. They were also charmed by the many turtles basking in the sun. I offered to take many photos on their phones, and they were very pleased. It was their first time seeing a castle in Japan at Hiroshima Castle, and they happily took photos. They also loved matcha, so I guided them to Soko Cafe, which they enjoyed. At the Peace Memorial Park, they listened especially intently to the stories about children affected by the atomic bombing and the story of Sadako Sasaki, and they spent a long time carefully viewing the exhibits at the museum. They also enjoyed the okonomiyaki for lunch, saying it was their favorite dish since coming to Japan. The weather was fine, and they were very pleased with Miyajima as well, taking many photos there too. I also guided them to a character goods shop in the shopping arcade, which they enjoyed, and they did some shopping there. I helped them purchase their return Shinkansen tickets at Hiroshima Station, guided them to the Pokémon Center, and ended the tour. The guests were both calm with lovely smiles, and it was an honor to guide them on such a special trip.
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 | Miyajimaguchi～Hiroshima | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Peace Memorial Park～Miyajima | 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 08:50, and the tour finished at of the tour at Hiroshima Station at 17:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 8 hours and 40 minutes in total, from 08:50 to 17:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima Castle, Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum, Take a direct ferry to Miyajima, Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple and Take a ferry and JR train back 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!