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

  • 9:30 Meet at the cruise terminal
  • 9:40-10:00 Travel by taxi to the Peace Memorial Park
  • 10:00-11:35 Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter, Children's Peace Monument, Cenotaph, Museum)
  • 11:45-12:40 Travel to Miyajimaguchi by streetcar
  • 13:00-15:45 Miyajima (Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple, Omotesando)
  • 16:00-16:25 High-speed boat to Ujina Port
  • 16:50 Disband at the cruise terminal

Title: What Is a Private Miyajima Tour from a Cruise Terminal Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America as cruise passengers. On the day of the tour it was raining, and because the large cruise ship carried many passengers, it was difficult to find a taxi at the cruise terminal, which caused some inconvenience to the guests. Around 1:00 p.m. there was heavy rain in Miyajima, so we entered Itsukushima Shrine earlier than usual. Afterward the rain eased, and the guests enjoyed visiting Daisho-in Temple and strolling along the main approach while sampling food. The conversation with the guests was very enjoyable, and although they had many questions, I believe I was able to answer them appropriately. A notable stop on the tour was Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, famous for its iconic vermilion torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide. The shrine, dedicated to three sea deities, dates back centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its elegant architecture, built over the sea on stilts, reflects the classic Shinden style and makes it one of Japan's most celebrated scenic views.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherAtomic Bomb Dome~Miyajimaguchi240JPY
Section 2OtherMiyajima~Ujina2,500JPY
Total2,740JPY

Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

Sep 28, 2026
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The best time in Hiroshima
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Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
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