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
- 9:45 Meet up at Hiroshima Station
- 10:10 Hiroshima Station → Hiroshima Castle (Kamiyacho-higashi)
- 11:40 Hiroshima Castle → Peace Park (on foot)
- 12:50 Cat Cafe
- 14:00 Peace Park → Miyajima
- 16:10 Miyajima → Miyajimaguchi
- 16:44 JR Miyajimaguchi Station → Hiroshima Station
- 17:30 Disband (to Kyoto by Shinkansen)
What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The tour began with a meetup at Hiroshima Station, guiding a group visiting Japan. We traveled by streetcar, and at Hiroshima Castle the weather was beautiful, with carp in the pond that sparked lively conversation. At Gokoku Shrine, a spring memorial ceremony was being held with participants in traditional attire, and the guests took many photos. In the plaza in front, a school kendo tournament was taking place, which they watched with great enjoyment. We then moved to the Peace Memorial Park, where one of the guests had a deep interest in peace and listened carefully to the explanations. At the museum, they took their time reading the explanations, taking photos, and mentioned they wanted to share what they had learned. Before heading to Miyajima, the guests expressed a wish to visit a cat cafe, so we stopped at a nearby one. We then traveled to Miyajima and saw Itsukushima Shrine, before hurrying back to Hiroshima Station due to time constraints, where the tour concluded.
Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Ferry | Peace Park～Miyajima | 1,100JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Miyajimaguchi Station～Hiroshima Station | 420JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Hiroshima Station～Hatchobori-higashi Station | 240JPY |
| Total | 1,760JPY | ||
In December 2024, I obtained the Hiroshima Prefecture Regional Guide-Interpreter in Hiroshima City, where I currently live. I am a Korean national and came to Japan after getting married and have been living in Japan for the longest time of my life. 27 years in Japan, 26 years in Korea, and 1 year in New Zealand. I would like to convey the wonderful history and culture of Japan that I have felt during my life in Japan, as well as the refined manufacturing and delicious Japanese food that have been born from it, in a more understandable way, sometimes from a foreigner’s perspective. I will guide you through the World Heritage Sites of Miyajima and Peace Memorial Park, as well as Hiroshima’s representative local foods, okonomiyaki and oysters. I will introduce you to the charming towns of nearby Onomichi, including the temples and Saijo’s traditional sake brewing, which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Jul 13, 2025
J
Julie T
Great Day Hiroshima!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful…
Jul 13, 2025
J
Julie T
Great Day Hiroshima!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day with our guide, Son. He communicated the itinerary clearly ahead of time and even helped us find a restaurant that could accommodate a gluten-free lunch. He met us at the port, and we used public transportation to explore the area. We visited some truly special places in Hiroshima and came away with memories we’ll never forget. Son was knowledgeable, kind, and a pleasure to spend the day with. We wouldn’t hesitate to book with him again on a future visit.
Jul 6, 2025
Chris_P
Great tour!
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Son did a great job! We saw…
Jul 6, 2025
Chris_P
Great tour!
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Son did a great job! We saw a lot of sights in a short amount of time. Made touring the
beautiful, yet sombering sights, a breeze. I would highly recommend.
Jun 1, 2025
Catherine_G
Son was an excellent…
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Son was an excellent guide…
Jun 1, 2025
Catherine_G
Son was an excellent…
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Son was an excellent guide and kept us on time while showing us special sites along the
way. I highly recommend this tour as the best way to see sites of Hiroshima.
May 11, 2025
Ken S
Wonderful visit to Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a great…
May 11, 2025
Ken S
Wonderful visit to Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a great full day tour with our guide , Son. We corresponded several times before our arrival, and he met us at the cruise terminal with a well thought out plan that included everything we had asked to see. Son’s English was superb, and he easily guided us through the multiple modes of transportation that were necessary to get to the various sites. In addition, he preordered our lunch ( absolutely try the okonomiyaki) so it was nearly ready when we arrived at the restaurant. We could not have been happier with our experience.