Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Report: A Licensed Guide's Experience at the Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine, and Mount Misen

The guests were two very friendly people visiting from Europe. They were staying at a hotel, but since our earlier communication revealed that it was located in an area with inconvenient public transport, the guests offered to come to the Peace Memorial Park on their own. This allowed for a flexible approach, such as changing the meeting point. The cafe in the rest house had only the three of us, so we were able to meet immediately, and from there I could guide them through the building, making it a very convenient meeting spot.

However, the city tram heading from the Atomic Bomb Dome to Miyajimaguchi was packed, and we had to stand. We boarded once, and while I was considering a transfer at Nishi-Hiroshima, the guests also asked whether we would go all the way to the final stop, saying they would gladly switch trains if possible, so we got off once at Nishi-Hiroshima. In fact, while I was checking a transfer to JR on the train, I discovered that JR was running behind schedule at the time, which may have been why there were so many people. In the end, rather than taking the possibly delayed JR, we waited for the next tram and reboarded. Since it was less crowded and we could sit down, it turned out to be the right choice. It was a good learning experience for me as well. Also, the guests' IC card (a type I had never seen before) had reached its limit and they were about to use cash, but I was able to help them recharge it at the machine and assist with various other things, which I was glad to do.

They were extremely curious, showing great interest in everything they saw and heard, and they seemed to enjoy themselves greatly. Considering the atmosphere and the timing, I suggested that if they didn't mind running slightly over time, we could take the ropeway up to the observation deck halfway up Mount Misen after visiting Itsukushima Shrine. They said they would love to go, so although there was some waiting time, I guided them on the ropeway. They kindly asked, "We have the time, but are you okay with it?" The view from the Shishiiwa Observatory on this perfectly clear day was truly magnificent, with the Seto Inland Sea, islands, and towns all visible in crisp detail. They repeatedly exclaimed, "glorious day!!" and I was truly glad I had brought them there. In the end, perhaps because we returned to Miyajimaguchi just before 17:30, they suggested, "We'll head back on our own by JR and taxi from here, so you take the tram back into the city. Let's part ways here!"

I feel the importance of exchanging messages several times in advance before the tour day arrives. A notable stop on the tour was Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Famous for its "floating" vermilion torii gate that appears to stand on the water at high tide, Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most iconic scenic spots. The shrine complex, built over the sea on wooden pillars, dates back centuries and reflects the elegant architectural style associated with the Heian period.

Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

Tour Report by madoiita

Hello. My name is Madoka Miyagawa, and I am a certified regional tour guide in Hiroshima Prefecture (4th term). I offer VR guided tours at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, as well as one-day tours of Miyajima and Peace Memorial Park. The more I guide, the more I feel the need to study more deeply. At the same time, I enjoy talking with my clients, and I prepare each tour so that everyone who visits feels that it was worthwhile. I also run a YouTube channel about mountain hiking, and I would like to offer guided tours of Mt.Misen in the future. Thank you for your consideration.