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

  • 8:00 Hotel lobby meet
  • 8:10 Peace Memorial Museum
  • 9:55 Peace Park Memorial Monument, Atomic Bomb Dome
  • 10:55-11:40 Travel to Miyajima, World Heritage Sea Route
  • 11:45-12:40 Okonomiyaki lunch
  • 12:40-14:10 Miyajima sightseeing, Itsukushima Shrine
  • 14:25-15:20 Travel to Hiroshima Station, Ferry, JR
  • 15:30-16:15 Shukkeien Garden stroll, disband at Shukkeien Garden

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The itinerary covered Peace Memorial Museum at 8:10, Peace Park Memorial Monument, Atomic Bomb Dome at 9:55, Travel to Miyajima, World Heritage Sea Route at 10:55, Okonomiyaki lunch at 11:45, Miyajima sightseeing, Itsukushima Shrine at 12:40, Travel to Hiroshima Station, Ferry, JR at 14:25 and Shukkeien Garden stroll, disband at Shukkeien Garden at 15:30.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Peace Park Motoyasu Pier to Miyajima (1,200JPY); Miyajimaguchi to Hiroshima by train (420JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 1,620JPY per person.

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

The guests were a group visiting from North America who had been longtime friends. Since we started at 8:00, we were able to enter the Peace Memorial Museum during the early-morning reserved time slot, and the guests took their time viewing the exhibits in a quiet, calm atmosphere. They told me they had come to Hiroshima because they wanted to learn about the city's history and to see how Hiroshima has moved forward toward peace, which I found very meaningful. For lunch, the guests enjoyed okonomiyaki and oysters on Miyajima. Afterward, I guided them to Itsukushima Shrine at high tide. As one of the guests was tired and had some pain in their foot, we all sat down to rest, and once they felt better, we returned to Hiroshima City. I then guided them to Shukkeien Garden. They told me it was their favorite garden, which made me very happy.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherPeace Park Motoyasu Pier~Miyajima1,200JPY
Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
Total1,620JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Park Memorial Monument, Atomic Bomb Dome, Travel to Miyajima, World Heritage Sea Route, Okonomiyaki lunch, Miyajima sightseeing, Itsukushima Shrine, Travel to Hiroshima Station, Ferry, JR and Shukkeien Garden stroll, disband at Shukkeien Garden.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,620JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.

Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?

Naomi is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?

Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Hiroshima itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.

Hello, and thank you very much for choosing Hiroshima for your visit!
My name is Naomi Ueno, and I am a licensed English-speaking guide based in Hiroshima. I was born and raised here. I now live in the northern part of Hiroshima City with my husband, as my children have become independent and married. Please leave everything about Hiroshima to me—I’ll be happy to show you my hometown and share its stories, culture, and spirit with you.
Hiroshima has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome in Peace Memorial Park and the scenic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Both are very impressive and well worth visiting. The city also has many other wonderful places to explore, and Hiroshima is known for its delicious local foods. Our most famous specialty is “okonomiyaki,” often described as a savory Japanese-style pancake or pizza. I hope you will enjoy Hiroshima—its beautiful places, nature, and flavors.
I became a licensed Hiroshima Prefectural Interpreter Guide in 2022 and passed the National Government Licensed Guide Exam in 2023. I began working professionally as a guide afew years ago. Before that, I worked for many years as an English teacher at junior and senior high schools. I truly enjoy communicating with people and explaining things in a clear and easy-to-understand way. I still teach part-time twice a week at a local school, which allows me to stay active in education and continue connecting with younger generations.
My friends and fellow guides often tell me that I have a friendly personality and can connect easily with guests. I love hearing about their countries, families, and travel experiences. Having gone through various stages in life—career, parenting, and family events—I find it natural to understand and relate to people from different backgrounds.
Traveling has always been one of my greatest passions. I enjoy exploring new destinations both in Japan and abroad, and I often share travel stories with guests that make tours lively and personal. Studying for the guide exams gave me a deeper appreciation for Japanese history, culture, and traditions, and I enjoy sharing these topics in a warm and engaging way.
When I was a student, I studied in the United States, and have also traveled to several other countries. During those experiences, I received great kindness and hospitality from local people. Those memories inspired me to give something back by helping visitors enjoy their time in Japan.
As a guide, I hope to create enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable experiences for each guest by offering warm hospitality and accurate information. Although I’m still a relatively new professional guide, I am passionate about this work. Let’s create your ideal trip together—a journey designed just for you. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you through Hiroshima.