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
- 1. 8:00 Meet at Hotel
- 2. 8:05 Hotel→Hiroshima Station→Miyajimaguchi→Miyajima
- 3. 9:25 Visit Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine, Daigan-ji Temple, Daisho-in Temple, Five-Storied Pagoda, Toyokuni Shrine, Great Torii Gate
- 4. 12:45 Travel Miyajima→Miyajimaguchi→Peace Park
- 5. 14:00 Visit Peace Park
- 6. 15:00 Travel Peace Park→Shukkeien Garden
- 7. 15:15 Visit Shukkeien Garden
- 8. 16:10 Travel Shukkeien Garden→Peace Park
- 9. 16:30 Visit Peace Memorial Museum
- 10. 16:45 Disband Peace Memorial Museum
# What Is a Private Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a family visiting Japan for the first time. Before this part of the trip, they had visited Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Himeji Castle, and for the latter half of their journey they planned to visit a relative and do some sightseeing around Tokyo. The guests were reuniting after some time apart and were clearly enjoying their trip together in a warm and close atmosphere. Taking the tides at Miyajima into account, we moved the meeting time one hour earlier and headed to Miyajima. From the ferry, the guests were able to see the great torii gate floating on the sea, took photos up close, and by the time we had leisurely explored Miyajima, the tide had gone out, allowing us to walk all the way to the great torii gate, which was deeply moving for them. Having had a hearty breakfast, they enjoyed momiji manju and grilled oysters, and since they did not seem too hungry, we talked about going for okonomiyaki after returning to central Hiroshima and moved on. Around the time we were heading back into the city, I became a little concerned, as one of the guests seemed to be feeling unwell. During the tour of Peace Memorial Park they appeared somewhat tired, and after we finished visiting the park, they decided to return to the hotel alone. It was likely due to the fatigue of travel, and they said that a little rest in the room would help. The tour continued with the remaining members of the group. Since they had mentioned wanting to visit Shukkeien Garden, considering its closing time I guided them there first, then returned to the Peace Memorial Museum, explained the exhibits, guided them inside, and concluded the tour. I was concerned about how the guest was doing, so I sent a message the next day and was relieved to hear that they were well.
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 | Hiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Miyajima Island Entry Tax ①～Miyajima | 100JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Miyajimaguchi～Atomic Bomb Dome | 270JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Prefectural Art Museum～Peace Park | 220JPY |
| Total | 1,010JPY | ||
Hello, my name is Namitsu Katayama. I’m from Hiroshima. It would be my pleasure to show you around Hiroshima, the place which I love so much.
Hiroshima is beautiful, interesting and fun! I would be happy if you could enjoy our tour, and I hope that it will make you want to visit Hiroshima again in the future. I hope you will like our local food and Hiroshima specialties, too.
I look forward to talking with you. I would be delighted if I could help you deepen your understanding of Japan and come to love it even more.
I love travelling and enjoy both domestic and international travel. I would like to make use of my experience to be able to respond flexibly to your requests. If you have any questions or requests, please feel free to contact me.
May 30, 2026
wheatbreadmartin
Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the beaten path with a great guide!
Our guide, Namitsu, was…
May 30, 2026
wheatbreadmartin
Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the beaten path with a great guide!
Our guide, Namitsu, was kind, friendly, knowledgeable, and well prepared. She guided us through Onomichi. She explained the history of the town and guided us through its attractions, including many Buddhist shrines and a sky lift to an observation point. There’s a cat shrine, too. She found us a great place for ramen, and helped us with connections. We loved seeing the city with her.
After the fast pace of Tokyo and Osaka, our side trip to Onomichi was refreshingly calm. But bring your walking shoes!
Apr 10, 2026
165bozenam
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
A fascinating and highly recommended tour.
We had a…
Apr 10, 2026
165bozenam
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
A fascinating and highly recommended tour.
We had a fascinating day with Namitsu. Namitsu, met us at the Shinkansen platform and was very helpful in getting our voluminous luggage stored, making sure we made the most of our day in comfort and that we got on to the right platform and train for our onward journey to Kyoto. She was very informative, teaching us about the religious practices at Shinto and Buddhist shrines as well as the the history of Miyajima. Despite terrible weather we had a wonderful day at this most beautiful place. She also found us a gorgeous place for lunch there. Hiroshima was very moving. Namitsu was a font of knowledge. I am so glad we had her with us to take us round the Peace Park and explain the event , the aftermath and the memorials, particularly the monument for peace to commemorate Sadako Sasaki and the thousands of child victims of the atomic bomb. The Museum itself was very crowded and it was hard to see the photographs and exhibits through the throng, so having Namitsu’s guidance before going to the musuem was invaluable. Namitsu also organised for us to savour a typical Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Namitsu is a lovely lady and I would highly recommend this tour.
Jul 28, 2025
Reggie_R
This tour was a great way…
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This tour was…
Jul 28, 2025
Reggie_R
This tour was a great way…
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This tour was a great way to make to the most of our time in Hiroshima. We learned so much, had amazing food, and were able to see the beautiful Itsukushima-jinja on Miyajima Island. Hiroshima would not have been as impactful if it weren’t for our incredibly knowledgeable tour guide, Nami. This is definitely a part of Japan that having a tour guide makes the experience 10x better.
Apr 1, 2025
ruthl654
Great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Namitsu was a wonderful guide. She was…
Apr 1, 2025
ruthl654
Great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Namitsu was a wonderful guide. She was very knowledgeable and answered all our
questions. I appreciated her deep knowledge about the a bomb attack and her guiding us
through the museum.