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
- 11:00 Meet at Miyajimaguchi Port. Brief self-introduction and briefing
- 11:20 Arrive at Miyajima by ferry
- 11:45 Walk along the coastline on foot, arrive at Itsukushima Shrine, sightseeing
- 12:30 Visit Daisho-in Temple
- 13:20 Guide to the restaurant Mametanuki for lunch and support with ordering
- 14:10 Stroll through the approach shopping street
- 15:00 Tour ends at the approach shopping street
What Is a Private Miyajima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. As one of them walked at a slower pace, we proceeded at a comfortable speed to match. They were very interested in the history and scenery of Miyajima and took many photographs. After letting them know in advance that Daishoin Temple has many stairs, we decided to visit it. When we reached the area around the Kannon-do hall, it was a good time to head to the lunch venue. Since they had enjoyed okonomiyaki the previous day, they mentioned they would like a restaurant where they could try both oysters and conger eel, so I took them to such a place, and they were very satisfied. After lunch we strolled through the souvenir shops, and since the guests wished to look around the shops a little more on their own after the tour, I guided them until the tour end time of 15:00 and concluded the tour there.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hi, I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. My name is Shinya Tanaka, but you can call me Woody because I run my own company which makes products made of wood. So, I can introduce Japan’s various wooden culture from toys to castles.
I like beer, watching sports, jogging and cooking.
I was born and raised in Hiroshima City. Hiroshima has 2 major tourists’ destinations, Itsukushima shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Even so, there are many other wonderful spots here in Hiroshima.
As a tour guide and a Hiroshima citizen, I will be able to share a great time with you here.
I am looking forward to meeting you all someday. See you.
Self-introduction YouTube: https://youtu.be/2nJMzPT-Mc4
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shinya.tanaka.9889
Jun 19, 2026
P5566OYcolleens
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Highly recommend
Fantastic tour and guide. Woody was enthusiastic about his…
Jun 19, 2026
P5566OYcolleens
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Highly recommend
Fantastic tour and guide. Woody was enthusiastic about his culture and the tour. The island
was super amazing, kids loved the deer, and the shrines were some of the most beautiful
we’ve seen in Japan.
Apr 26, 2025
Holly_B
Unforgettable Day at Miyajima and Hiroshima
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had such…
Apr 26, 2025
Holly_B
Unforgettable Day at Miyajima and Hiroshima
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had such a wonderful full day of touring Miyajima and Hiroshima. Our guide, Shinya Tanaka (Woody) communicated with us before the tour and had a wonderful thorough laid out plan including Okonomiyaki for lunch. Woody was friendly, knowledgeable and organized. We could tell he loved being a tour guide and he was passionate about his hometown telling us about the impact the bombing had on his life. Woody also made origami cranes with our 3 kids ages 16, 14, 10 to dedicate to the children’s monument. It was such a special day that we will never forget.
Jan 13, 2025
davidmP2030SZ
Great day in Miyajima
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Woody was very knowledgeable and friendly. Tailored…
Jan 13, 2025
davidmP2030SZ
Great day in Miyajima
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Woody was very knowledgeable and friendly. Tailored our tour to our requests and went
out of his way to make sure our tour was an enjoyable one.