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
- 11:05 Meet at hotel, guest withdraws cash at convenience store
- 11:20 Peace Park Gandhi statue, hypocenter, Orizuru Tower, Atomic Bomb Dome
- 11:45 Board Hiroden at Genbaku Dome-mae
- 12:40 Arrive at Hiroden Miyajimaguchi
- 12:50 Board ferry at Miyajimaguchi
- 13:00 Arrive at Miyajima Ferry Terminal
- Guest takes a smoke break
- 13:30 Lunch
- 14:30 Itsukushima Shrine, in front of Daiganji Temple
- 15:10 Depart from Miyajima Ferry Terminal
- 15:20 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
- 15:35 Depart Hiroden Miyajimaguchi
- 16:40 Via Hatchobori
- 16:45 Arrive at Shukkeien-mae, Shukkeien Garden
- 17:10 Arrive at Hiroshima Castle by taxi
- 17:25 Hotel by taxi
- Greet the guest and say goodbye
What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The booking came in just two days in advance, and it was difficult to get in touch beforehand, which made me a little anxious. Because the guests followed strict dietary preferences, I had made a reservation in advance, but I also confirmed the details carefully again after meeting them. I took them to a restaurant that could accommodate all of their requirements. While we were waiting, the guests were concerned about whether the food was being prepared exactly as requested, so I checked and reassured them. Once they began eating, they told me many times how delicious it was, that it was their first time trying okonomiyaki, and that they were grateful I had introduced them to such a good place, which was a great relief.
As the guests were visiting from Asia, I first took them to the statue of Gandhi. One of the guests was tired from a walking group tour up to the previous day and seemed to have leg pain, tending to fall behind. That guest chose to view Itsukushima Shrine only from the outside and waited near the ferry terminal, so I went inside with the other guest. Since that guest was also concerned and seemed eager to return quickly, we were unable to do the planned shopping for kimono or momiji manju.
On the train back, I showed photos and explained about Itsukushima Shrine to the guest who had waited, and we did an explanation of the Peace Memorial Park along with an activity of folding paper cranes. Because walking was difficult for one of the guests, we changed the plan and briefly visited Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle by taxi. I explained about the Peace Memorial Park and the museum, and they decided to visit those on their own the following day.
At Hiroshima Castle at the end, the guests told me that I had been a wonderful guide, that thanks to all the conversation and activities they had learned a great deal and had a very good day.
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 | Genbaku Dome-mae～Miyajimaguchi | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Miyajimaguchi～Shukkeien-mae | 240JPY |
| Total | 480JPY | ||
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.