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
- Meet at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima lobby
- JR Hiroshima 7:40→Miyajimaguchi 8:07
- JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi Port 8:25→Miyajima Port 8:35
- At Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine→Daiganji Temple→Daishoin Temple→Lunch at Restaurant Ruruju
- JR Ferry Miyajima Port 12:15→Miyajimaguchi Port 12:25
- JR Miyajimaguchi 12:47→Hiroshima 13:14
- JR Bus Hiroshima Station→Atomic Bomb Dome
- At Peace Park: Hypocenter→Mobilized Students Memorial→Atomic Bomb Dome→Children's Peace Monument→Cenotaph→Peace Memorial Museum
- JR Bus Atomic Bomb Dome→Hiroshima Station
- Disband at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima lobby
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America, on their second trip to Japan. On a previous visit, their cruise ship had been unable to stop in Hiroshima due to weather, so this was their first time visiting the area. They had arrived in Hiroshima the day before by international flight and shinkansen, and on the day of the tour they had a demanding schedule, returning from Hiroshima to Tokyo that evening. A few days later, they were set to depart by cruise ship toward North America.
Although it was unfortunately raining, the guests were delighted by the mist-shrouded primeval forest of Miyajima and the sight of Itsukushima Shrine seeming to float on the sea. At Daishoin Temple, which I suggested and we visited, they enjoyed the various Buddhist statues characteristic of esoteric Buddhism and the pilgrimage of the thirty-three Kannon in the basement of the Kannon Hall. In Hiroshima, due to the rain and their fatigue, we cut the planned visit to Hiroshima Castle, and at the Peace Park they took photos rather quietly, though this is much the same as with other guests. For lunch, they happily enjoyed a fried oyster set meal and a fried chicken set meal.
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 | Hiroshima～Miyajimaguchi | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Ferry | Miyajimaguchi Port～Miyajima Port | 300JPY |
| Section 3 | Ferry | Miyajima Port～Miyajimaguchi Port | 200JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Miyajimaguchi～Hiroshima | 420JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Hiroshima Station／JR Bus Chugoku～Atomic Bomb Dome／JR Bus Chugoku | 240JPY |
| Section 6 | Bus | Atomic Bomb Dome／JR Bus Chugoku～Hiroshima Station／JR Bus Chugoku | 240JPY |
| Total | 1,820JPY | ||
Hello, my name is Soshi Ebisuda. My first name is Soshi but my nickname may be easier to remember, so please call me Sebastian!
My guiding as a government-licensed interpreter in English is specialized in the areas of Tokyo (where I live now) and Hiroshima (my hometown). Professionally I have a long track record in the finance industry, working for a multinational company, and therefore am quite experienced to host international visitors. My areas of interest include Japanese and western history, travel (especially by railroads), and mountains. I also have a trekking guide license of Japan Mountain Guides Association, so will be happy to guide you to beautiful mountains from spring to autumn.
I look forward to seeing you in Japan!
May 6, 2026
Dan_S
Daily Day in Hiroshima
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day…
May 6, 2026
Dan_S
Daily Day in Hiroshima
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day with Sebastian. He was very detailed with our itinerary and although we experienced a very wet rainy day, we didn’t miss any of the wonderful sites of Hiroshima. Sebastian was great at working us throughout the crowds and adjusting our schedule to make it work the best for us.
Oct 18, 2024
Mark_N
Hiroshima – Fantastic one day.
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This was an amazing…
Oct 18, 2024
Mark_N
Hiroshima – Fantastic one day.
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This was an amazing tour. Our guide was excellent and showed us areas that the average
tourist would miss. He was very knowledgable. I feel we gained valuable in-site to
Hiroshima’s history, culture and people.
Jun 28, 2024
W491UCangelak
Knowledgeable and personable
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Soshi, our private tour guide, (who…
Jun 28, 2024
W491UCangelak
Knowledgeable and personable
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Soshi, our private tour guide, (who also may refer to himself as Sebastian), was extremely knowledgeable. It’s as if we had our own history teacher. He answered all the questions my 11 year old and I had.
He was also very patient and would accommodate the whims of my 2 young boys.
My 11 year old also wants to add to my review saying he is very thankful that Soshi went out of his way to spend extra time with him, and have a conversation, even after the tour ended, to explaining in depth his questions.
Although, Hiroshima has a sad and difficult history it’s also amazing and I’m so thankful that my young boy’s were able to see for themselves this historic place.
Soshi, also has excellent English as he spent time in the USA, so we did not have to struggle to understand.