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. 8:50 Hotel
- 2. 9:00 Transfer Hiroshima Station→Miyajimaguchi→Miyajima
- 3. 9:50 Visit Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji Temple, Daishoin Temple
- 4. 12:10 Visit Lunch Soba Restaurant Tonbo
- 5. 12:45 Visit Miyajima Five-Story Pagoda, Toyokuni Shrine
- 6. 13:40 Transfer Miyajima→Peace Park→Hiroshima Castle
- 7. 14:40 Visit Hiroshima Castle
- 8. 15:15 Transfer Hiroshima Castle→Peace Park
- 9. 15:30 Visit Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum
- 10.17:15 Dismissal Peace Park
Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I had been a little worried because we could not get in touch until the day of the tour, but since we arranged to meet at the hotel, I was relieved that we were able to meet without any trouble. The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, and they had joined up with a member of their group who had been living in the region, enjoying traveling together for the first time in a while. The day before, they had visited Shukkeien Garden, and we had a lively conversation about the cherry blossoms. Since they had not been to Hiroshima Castle, I decided to add it to the tour on the spot and guided them there. Some of the guests had gone to watch a baseball game, so we were able to talk about all kinds of sports, including baseball and soccer. As animal lovers, the guests kept dogs and cats at home and even showed me some photos. They also mentioned they wanted to try the okonomiyaki I had recommended, so I made a reservation, guided them to the restaurant, and ended the tour.
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 | Ferry | Miyajima～Peace Park | 1,100JPY |
| Total | 1,520JPY | ||
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.