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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 8:45 Meet at Hotel
  • 9:00-9:50 Travel to Miyajima
  • 10:00-13:15 Miyajima (Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Lunch, Shopping)
  • 13:25- 14:50 Travel to Hiroshima Castle
  • 14:50-15:10 Hiroshima Castle
  • 15:30-17:00 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (A-dome, Museum, etc.)
  • 17:15 Disperse at Hondori

Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America. Since one of the guests preferred to avoid stairs, we used elevators and escalators as much as possible and adjusted our walking pace to match the guests throughout the day. The museum was so crowded on the afternoon of a holiday period that it was difficult to move around, so I had the guests take a seat and rest along the way. Also, on the morning of the tour, I received word that they had already visited Shukkeien Garden the previous day, so instead I guided them to Hiroshima Castle. The weather was fine, and the guests seemed to enjoy the okonomiyaki at lunch very much, so I felt they were satisfied with the tour overall.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Shin-Hakushima330JPY
Section 3TrainShin-Hakushima~Johoku220JPY
Total970JPY

Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

Sep 28, 2026
anita2336
The best time in Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
This was one of…

Sep 23, 2026
Mostew
Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We…

Aug 30, 2026
644lucys
Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Today we had…

Jul 21, 2026
anza
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
We had a…