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.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:30 Meet at cruise ship terminal
- 8:49-8:55 Move to Prefectural Office by streetcar
- 8:59-9:21 Move to Shukkeien Garden by bus
- 9:25-10:05 Shukkeien Garden
- 10:20-10:35 Hiroshima Castle
- 11:00-12:30 Peace Memorial Park
- 12:45 Disband in front of Orizuru Tower
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:30 at cruise ship terminal and ended at 12:45. The day ran to 4 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Prefectural Office by streetcar at 8:49, Shukkeien Garden by bus at 8:59, Shukkeien Garden at 9:25, Hiroshima Castle at 10:20 and Peace Memorial Park at 11:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kaigan-dori to Kenbyoin-mae by train (240JPY); Nishimidori-cho by train (240JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 480JPY per person.
What Is a 4-Hour Private Cruise Passenger Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan and had boarded a cruise ship in Japan. During this 4-hour tour of central Hiroshima, they mentioned that being dropped off somewhere in the city center would be fine, so after reviewing the itinerary several times, we ultimately ended the tour at Orizuru Tower. Since we had 3 hours and 15 minutes available in the city, I was able to take the guests to more places than usual for cruise ship guests. However, on that day the museum was extremely crowded, so inside I explained only the key points. After parting ways, I had asked the guests to contact me once they returned to the cruise ship, and I received a message from them saying they had returned to the cruise ship on schedule without any trouble.
Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kaigan-dori～Kenbyoin-mae | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Nishimidori-cho / Hiroshima Electric Railway Bus～Shukkeien-mae | 240JPY |
| Total | 480JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at cruise ship terminal at 8:30, and the tour finished at front of Orizuru Tower at 12:45.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 15 minutes in total, from 8:30 to 12:45.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Prefectural Office by streetcar, Shukkeien Garden by bus, Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima Castle and Peace Memorial Park.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 480JPY 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?
To 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.
Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!
Sep 28, 2026
anita2336
The best time in Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
This was one of…
Sep 28, 2026
anita2336
The best time in Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
This was one of the best excursions we have had on our trip! Our guide , To, was absolutely fabulous! Quite possibly one of the best in Japan! He was so warm; welcoming, informative and most important, punctual! We were cruise ship passengers and To made sure we were on time and kept a rigorous schedule to ensure we are not stressed about missing the ship even though we had a packed itinerary. His wife even made us Origami paper cranes as gifts and To brought us extra folding paper to practice. Definitely don’t hesitate to book with this company when you’re in Hiroshima , and ask for To! He will make your time extra special
Sep 23, 2026
Mostew
Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We…
Sep 23, 2026
Mostew
Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We spent an interesting and insightful day with our guide, To. He very efficiently toured us around Miyajima Island and the key spots at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. He was very considerate of our needs and the sites we were mosted interested in. We received some excellent recommendations for local food specialities to try and appreciated the additional information he was able to provide at the sites we visited The tour was exactly what we wanted.
Aug 30, 2026
644lucys
Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Today we had…
Aug 30, 2026
644lucys
Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Today we had a full day with Kazuhisa To exploring Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. To was great with communication leading up to the day and made us feel very comfortable with a full itinerary provided before we arrived. The day was well thought out and covered everything we wanted to see in the area. To was knowledgeable and clearly passionate about his city and its history. He was friendly and easy to spend the day with, and booked us a beautiful place for lunch. We are so thankful to have had such a wonderful day! Thank you To!
Jul 21, 2026
anza
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
We had a…
Jul 21, 2026
anza
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
We had a wonderful day with our guide Kazuhisa To. He was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and kept us on track with our busy itinerary. He was the best tour guide we had on our entire trip to Japan. We highly recommend him.