Hiroshima in One Day: /9:55 Miyajimaguchi/Miyajima — Guide miki

Title: What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Hiroshima (a request booking). This time they came to Hiroshima as a group of four. Some members of the group appeared to have specific needs, and the guide made sure to check on their wellbeing throughout the tour, confirming with them directly that everything was fine. As this had not come up during the pre-tour communication, the guide simply adapted on the spot.

The next day the group planned to visit Kure on their own, so the guide provided some materials about sightseeing in Kure.

During the tour, the group mentioned that one member drinks a lot of water, and there were several occasions when a long restroom break was needed. Each time, the guide, who knew where the restrooms were located, escorted them and waited outside. The guide learned that they liked to wash their hands and face thoroughly, which explained the situation. During conversations, there was also a strong interest in agriculture, with questions such as whether Japanese farmland is likely to increase in the future.

In the pre-tour communication, the guests expressed an interest in Hiroshima's history and a wish to avoid crowds. For Miyajima, the guide led them along the back streets, and for the Peace Memorial Museum, the guide recommended a 5:30 p.m. reservation during a quieter time slot after the tour.

Since the guests had been to Hiroshima several times before, the guide suggested something different this time. Knowing that the guests loved bread, the guide proposed a "bread tour" visiting a Hiroshima-based bakery, a bakery on Miyajima, and a currently popular bakery, buying at least one item per bakery to compare the tastes. The guests said they had eaten plenty of bread the day before, but once inside the first shop, they were drawn in by the colorful selection and wonderful aroma and thoroughly enjoyed the bread tour. Even after the tour, they sent a message saying how delicious the bread was after eating it.

In line with the request to avoid crowds, the guide took them along the back streets of Miyajima, and for the oysters they wanted to try, the guide recommended a shop with fewer crowds (which previously also had lower prices). The price was the same as other shops (600 yen for two), but they were able to buy them with almost no waiting, which worked out well.

The guests mentioned they would like to stay overnight on Miyajima someday. There had been news reports of a high-end hotel being built on the mainland side, and they were able to see what appeared to be its construction from the boat.

Because the guests wanted to explore Miyajima at a relaxed pace, the guide arranged an 8:00 meeting time and reserved the 12:00 high-speed ferry. However, considering that they had not yet had breakfast and had read online that there was a good bakery inside Hiroshima Station, the guide had them have breakfast at that café. As a result, the time spent on Miyajima was reduced, but the guests understood.

At the strong request of the guests, who wanted to return to an okonomiyaki restaurant they had visited previously, the guide made a 1:00 p.m. reservation there. Okonomiyaki can taste different depending on the shop and the person cooking it, but today it was truly delicious, and everyone in the group finished their plates. Everyone ordered the special, and they enjoyed playfully competing over the squid on top.

Regarding the museum, by the time the guide met them they had already booked the 5:30 p.m. slot and an audio guide via an online booking service. Later, the guide received a message that they were viewing the museum. During the tour, the guide took them around the monuments inside and outside the park, as well as to a small, uncrowded peace museum. The guests were able to view the exhibits at a relaxed pace, and the guide was able to explain slowly using the panels, so they seemed to feel the tragedy of the atomic bomb. There was also a short video that allowed them to see what it was like at the time.

One member of the group was also very interested in history, listening carefully to the guide's explanations and viewing the exhibits closely. As the tour progressed, there were more smiles and many lighthearted, friendly moments, and the guide felt fortunate to have met this group.

The weather was fine, and it was reported that the cherry blossoms were in full bloom today. Since the group was staying overnight, the guide told them about the evening cherry blossom light-up at Shukkeien Garden. That night, they sent a message that they were enjoying the cherry blossoms.

As mentioned, some of the guests had already visited Hiroshima several times, so the guide was a little worried that the explanations might overlap and be boring. However, after the tour, one of the guests said, "You taught us so much information we didn't know before this time. We were able to experience so many new things." Knowing that they had gained new information, discoveries, and experiences on this trip was a relief. They also brought a souvenir from Oceania. The guide was grateful that they took the time out of their busy schedule to look for a souvenir, and was moved by their kindness in carrying it all the way despite the heavy luggage of international travel.

Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

Tour Report by miki

Dear guests,
Hello! My name is Miki. I was born and brought up in Hiroshima. I enjoy traveling around Inland Sea areas and I enjoy chatting with guests from overseas!

In Hiroshima, you can see many beautiful rivers and old bridges. Lately, I often take photos of Hiroshima city including bridges and rivers. There are not many tall buildings here, but I know some places you can visit and see the view for free. By the atomic bomb dome, there is a building called Orizuru(paper crane) Tower. You need to pay to go up to the top floor but you can see the view of Hiroshima city and the Miyajima Island(Itsukushima).

Many tourists from overseas as well as Japan want to visit Miyajima Island. You can see a beautiful shrine from Heian Period which is around 12th century and a huge Torii gate in front of the shrine and it is in the water. There are several ways to visit the island from Hiroshima city. If you are going to stay near JR Hiroshima Station, we will visit the island by JR train and JR ferry. If you are staying in the city area, we can go there by streetcar and ferry, or there is a high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park pier directly to the island and vise versa.

Hoping to see you in the near future!

Miki
Your tour guide in Hiroshima