Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour — Guide Mari

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

The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They were very cheerful, and we chatted the whole way around. Since the booking was made only two days in advance, I considered the possibility that they might not have had time to review the itinerary I had sent beforehand, so just in case I asked again about their wishes when we met. They mentioned they enjoyed walking, so we decided to also visit Hiroshima Castle, which had not been included in the original itinerary. They were on a three-week trip, visiting Korea, Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, China, and Hiroshima, and were heading to Osaka after Hiroshima. They told me that Shukkeien Garden was their favorite among all the Japanese gardens they had visited so far. At Hiroshima Castle, they remarked how impressed they were by Hiroshima's resilience, noting that the castle had been rebuilt after the atomic bombing and that the city had recovered so remarkably. They said the appearance of the castle was completely different from those in their home region, and they even showed me photos of castles from their area. Both at Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle, they were interested in stories related to the atomic bombing, listening earnestly to the account of the remains at Shukkeien Garden and to the stories of the A-bombed trees. They also greatly enjoyed the okonomiyaki we had for lunch, and our conversation flowed well. They showed me photos of their home and we talked about many topics, including events and cuisine from their region. There was also a festival called Ebisu-ko taking place near their hotel, and since there happened to be a free kagura performance that day, I guided them there as well, which delighted them. At the Peace Memorial Park, they were deeply moved by the accounts of children affected by the bombing. One of the guests wanted to try folding a paper crane, so we folded paper cranes together and they took them home. I guided them to the entrance of the museum, and the tour came to an end.

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Tour Report by Mari

Hello. My name is Mari.
I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
Look forward to meeting you.