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
- 9:00 Ujina Port Cruise Ship Terminal, Welcome
- 9:10-9:30 Travel by taxi to Peace Memorial Park
- 9:30-10:45 Peace Memorial Park, guided tour of each monument begins
- 10:45-12:00 Museum
- 12:00-12:15 Travel by taxi to Shukkeien Garden
- 12:15-12:45 Shukkeien Garden
- 12:45-13:00 Travel by taxi to the downtown lunch venue
- 13:00 Tour ends
# What's a Private Guided Tour in Hiroshima Like from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe, enjoying a cruise ship journey together. Because the ship had stopped at a port the previous day, immigration procedures were required upon arrival, and disembarkation took considerable time, possibly due to a shortage of staff handling the process. I was worried about the delay, but the guests were only about 10 minutes behind schedule, and we were able to meet up and depart. After visiting the Peace Memorial Park and the museum, the somewhat solemn atmosphere was gently eased by the cherry blossoms at Shukkeien Garden, where the blooming had been declared three days earlier. This private tour with a government-licensed guide from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) allowed the guests to experience both the historical significance and the seasonal beauty of Hiroshima. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.
Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Welcome to Hiroshima.
My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
Hiroshi
Jul 31, 2026
Helene R
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Experienced guide Hiroshi
Hiroshi was a great experienced…
Jul 31, 2026
Helene R
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Experienced guide Hiroshi
Hiroshi was a great experienced guide, with a in-depth knowledge. We learned a lot from him about the history and culture in Hiroshima. We can highly recommend him!
Jul 26, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Miyajima Half-Day customized tour with licensed local guide (Hiroshi)
We went…
Jul 26, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Miyajima Half-Day customized tour with licensed local guide (Hiroshi)
We went on a half-day tour with Hiroshi to Miyajima which was simply the best tour guide experience we have had!
He went above and beyond what could be expected – in terms of time (much longer), places we went, knowledge and kindness.
Hiroshi truly deserves our warmest recommendations!
Jul 17, 2026
oswaldom406
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Excellent tour, Fantastic guide!
We had an absolutely wonderful…
Jul 17, 2026
oswaldom406
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Excellent tour, Fantastic guide!
We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring Miyajima and Hiroshima. Everything was perfectly organized, and the itinerary allowed us to experience both the beauty and the history of these incredible places. Our guide, Hiroshi, was truly exceptional. He was knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and spoke excellent English. His passion for Japanese history and culture made every stop much more meaningful, and he was always happy to answer our questions and adapt the tour to our interests. Visiting Miyajima with its beautiful shrine and peaceful atmosphere, followed by the moving experience of Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Park, made for an unforgettable day. Hiroshi’s explanations added so much depth and emotion to the visit. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Japan. If you have the opportunity to tour with Hiroshi, consider yourself very lucky. He made this one of the highlights of our trip. Thank you, Hiroshi-san, for an amazing and unforgettable experience!
Jul 13, 2026
Jennifer L
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Perfect day in Miyajima and Hiroshima
Hiroshi is…
Jul 13, 2026
Jennifer L
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Perfect day in Miyajima and Hiroshima
Hiroshi is an excellent guide. He was very communicative from initial booking and planned a lovely day for us customised to our requests and interests and organising lunch to try a meal unique to Hiroshima. It was a packed itinerary as we only stayed a short time in Hiroshima and wanted to see Miyajima as well.
We learned a lot about the history and customs of the local area and he showed us how to make paper cranes to leave at the peace memorial.
He deserves six out of five stars. He even brought electric fan an neck coolers!