Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima — Guide Emmy
September, 2026
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
- 14:30 Meet at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal
- 14:40 Travel to Miyajima
- 14:50 Miyajima sightseeing
- 17:49 Travel to Hiroshima
- 18:30 Disband at Hiroshima Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal at 14:30, the group explored Hiroshima until the tour ended at 18:30. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Travel to Miyajima at 14:40, Miyajima sightseeing at 14:50 and Travel to Hiroshima at 17:49.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Miyajimaguchi to Hiroshima Station (420JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 420JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Tour of Miyajima in Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I welcomed a group visiting from Oceania. They had divided the roles among themselves very skillfully, researching the places to visit, planning the tour, and even studying some Japanese in advance, which truly impressed me. They had also kept a close eye on the typhoon updates and arrived in Hiroshima at the best possible timing. During the Silver Week holiday period, when there was a surprisingly large number of domestic tourists, they cleverly chose the options that matched their own preferences from among my suggestions, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy Miyajima. Even the owner of the shop where we stopped for a break could sense how much the group was enjoying themselves. Before boarding the train toward their hotel, we said goodbye with a group hug.
A notable stop on the tour was Miyajima, an island in Hiroshima Bay famous for the Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic vermilion "floating" torii gate, which appears to stand on the water at high tide. The island has been regarded as a sacred place for centuries and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also enjoy walking among the free-roaming deer, exploring the historic shrine buildings, and taking in the natural scenery of Mount Misen, making it one of the most celebrated scenic spots in Japan.
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 | Miyajimaguchi～Hiroshima Station | 420JPY |
| Total | 420JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal at 14:30, and the tour finished at Hiroshima Station at 18:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 14:30 to 18:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Travel to Miyajima, Miyajima sightseeing and Travel to Hiroshima.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 420JPY 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.