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
- 10:35 Meet with guests
- 11:00 Depart JR Hiroshima Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line
- 11:30 Arrive at JR Miyajimaguchi Station
- 11:55 Depart Miyajimaguchi by ferry
- 12:10 Arrive at Miyajima Ferry Terminal
- 12:30 Arrive at Itsukushima Shrine
- 13:00 Arrive at Daiganji Temple
- 13:10 Arrive at Okonomiyaki Mato-chan
- 14:00 Stroll along Omotesando
- 14:55 Depart Miyajima Ferry Terminal
- 15:10 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi by ferry
- 15:15 Depart Hiroden Miyajimaguchi
- 16:10 Arrive at Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae
- Visit the museum and Peace Park
- 17:20 Depart Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae
- 17:50 Arrive at JR Hiroshima Station
- 18:00 Say goodbye to guests
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Hiroshima began at 10:35, when the guide met the guests at guests, and finished at 18:00. The day ran to 7 hours and 25 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited JR Hiroshima Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line at 11:00, JR Miyajimaguchi Station at 11:30, Miyajimaguchi by ferry at 11:55, Miyajima Ferry Terminal at 12:10, Itsukushima Shrine at 12:30, Daiganji Temple at 13:00, Okonomiyaki Mato-chan at 13:10, Stroll along Omotesando at 14:00, Miyajima Ferry Terminal at 14:55, Miyajimaguchi by ferry at 15:10, Hiroden Miyajimaguchi at 15:15, Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae at 16:10 and JR Hiroshima Station at 17:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: JR Hiroshima Station to JR Miyajimaguchi Station by train (420JPY); Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station to Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae by train (240JPY); Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae to Hiroden Hiroshima Station-mae by train (240JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 900JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest traveled by Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima, and I was relieved that we were able to meet at the station right on time. The guest was full of smiles from the very beginning and was very kind, so it turned into a wonderful day.
When I asked where they wanted to go, they said they would leave it up to me, so I focused on the classic spots: Itsukushima Shrine, Daigan-ji Temple, the Peace Memorial Park, and the Peace Memorial Museum. For lunch, they requested Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, so I took them to a delicious place that also fit our timing perfectly. They ate while saying how delicious it was, so it seemed they were quite satisfied.
Afterward, they mentioned there were some things they wanted to buy, so I took them to a shop selling kimono, where they quickly purchased a kimono, geta sandals, a folding fan, a rice scoop, a wooden spoon, a T-shirt, and more. They bought anything they liked right away. They said they don't usually enjoy shopping and tend to buy things online, but they seemed to have a strong interest in traditional Japanese items and fashion. They also mentioned they planned to buy more pottery in Kyoto, where they would be heading next.
They occasionally smoked, and since I don't smoke myself, it took a little time to find smoking rooms at first, but I gradually got the hang of the pace and was able to handle it smoothly.
On the tram, they folded a paper crane for the first time and dedicated it. During my explanation of the tragic situation of the atomic bombing and while looking at the photographs of individuals in the museum, they appeared unable to bear it and had tears welling up. They expressed a strong desire for peace in words.
They said they would like to come back again and take more time to see everything more thoroughly, saying there was more than enough content to warrant it.
Since they mentioned they hadn't yet booked a hotel for the night, I made sure they could catch an earlier Shinkansen back to Osaka. They repeatedly said that everyone in Japan is kind, that they had never once encountered anything unreasonable, and that Japan is wonderful and that they love it — which made me very happy as 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 | JR Hiroshima Station～JR Miyajimaguchi Station | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station～Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae～Hiroden Hiroshima Station-mae | 240JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at guests at 10:35, and the tour finished at to guests at 18:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 7 hours and 25 minutes in total, from 10:35 to 18:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited JR Hiroshima Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, JR Miyajimaguchi Station, Miyajimaguchi by ferry, Miyajima Ferry Terminal, Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji Temple, Okonomiyaki Mato-chan, Stroll along Omotesando, Miyajima Ferry Terminal, Miyajimaguchi by ferry, Hiroden Miyajimaguchi, Hiroden Genbaku Dome-mae and JR Hiroshima Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 900JPY per person across 3 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?
Kazuha 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! I am Kazuha from Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Please call me Kazu chan. I was a teacher for 37 years, and retired last year. After that, I traveled a lot, and met a guide who made my travel much more interesting than other travel. It has become a life-time memory. So I decided to be an interpreter guide to help foreign tourists. I would love to help you to make your travel more interesting and exciting!
I have guided Onomichi, and two World Cultural Heritage sites :Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Miyajima. Onomichi is my hometown and the starting point for the Shimanami-kaido to Shikoku Island. It prospered from the 12th century to the 19th century, and was not bombed during the war. So we can still enjoy finding unique Japanese culture while walking. Let’s explore Hiroshima and make your travel special!
Jul 26, 2025
R3976LRjennaw
A+++
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We absolutely loved our tour in Hiroshima with…
Jul 26, 2025
R3976LRjennaw
A+++
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We absolutely loved our tour in Hiroshima with Kazuha! She met us promptly and guided us all around the city using public transportation. She knew so many interesting facts that she shared with us and was so sweet to our children. She went above and beyond coordinating a trip to Pokemon Center Hiroshima and got us back to the cruise ship on time. The lunch she booked for us was amazing and will definitely be locked in as a core memory. Thank you for making our trip special Kazuha! I will certainly book more tours through Japan Guide Agency in the future.
Jun 2, 2025
847lachlanc
A gem of a merchants town at the foot of stunning mountains by the sea
Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip…
Jun 2, 2025
847lachlanc
A gem of a merchants town at the foot of stunning mountains by the sea
Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Onomichi is such an amazing place. Kazuha was extremely proud to present this lovely place of the world. I truly adore her passion for enriching the moments of travellers coming to this place. I learnt a lot about this merchant town from her, enjoyed the rich history and stunning views. I cannot implore people more to visit and enjoy Onomichi. If you have the pleasure of touring with Kazuha, I know you’ll have the best time. Thank you again!
May 25, 2025
Daniel_M
Religion and Peace
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide (Kazuha) was lovely! Very…
May 25, 2025
Daniel_M
Religion and Peace
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide (Kazuha) was lovely! Very knowledgeable and good fun. She took us for lunch in a
lovely family owned restaurant where we watched our food being created and cooked.
MiyaJima is a must and the Peace museum is sobering but important to visit. Great day!
May 22, 2025
Georgina B
Poignant and moving day with helpful guide
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Kazuha…
May 22, 2025
Georgina B
Poignant and moving day with helpful guide
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Kazuha our guide was very accommodating to our limited mobility and energy. She was great with facts and interesting quizzes and emotionally sensitive with such a challenging topic as the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
I found making a paper crane under her guidance to be particularly poignant and enjoyed hearing about her life and sharing with her about Australia in World War II as well.
I didn’t want to say goodbye.