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
- 1:00 p.m. Meet at the lobby of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima
- 1:10 p.m. Lunch at an okonomiyaki restaurant
- 2:10 p.m. Visit Hiroshima Castle
- 3:00 p.m. Visit Shukkeien Garden
- 4:00 p.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park
- 5:15 p.m. End of the tour at the entrance of the Peace Memorial Museum
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 13:00 at lobby of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima and ended at 17:15. The day ran to 4 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at an okonomiyaki restaurant at 13:10.
Over the course of the day the route took in Hiroshima Castle at 14:10, Shukkeien Garden at 15:00 and Peace Memorial Park at 16:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: In front of Shukkeien Garden to In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome by bus (240JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 240JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Hiroshima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a single traveler visiting from North America. They had signed up for a group tour, but as the start date did not align with their schedule, they arrived in Japan later than the group and came directly to Hiroshima on their own. They mentioned staying in Hiroshima for two days before rejoining the group in Kyoto.
It was their first visit to Japan, and they had come to celebrate a milestone. They were very cheerful and enjoyed conversation, so we chatted continuously from the moment we met. Since they enjoyed activities such as hiking, swimming, and cycling and liked being active, I asked about their preferences and we decided to explore mainly on foot, using the bus only for longer distances. As they mentioned feeling some jet lag the day after arriving in Japan, we took occasional breaks, sitting down for a while to talk here and there.
Since the guest was traveling alone, I offered to take photos at scenic spots, which they greatly appreciated. They loved the quiet and beautiful atmosphere of Shukkeien Garden, took many photos, and looked delighted as they planned to send them to their family.
They had a strong interest in history and listened intently throughout our time at the Peace Park. They also shared their own experiences and family stories related to 9/11. Because the museum tends to be crowded with students on school trips during this season, I guided them to the museum after 5:00 when there were fewer people, and they were pleased to find it uncrowded, which concluded the tour. At the end, they thanked me warmly, saying it had been a special and truly wonderful day and that they would recommend visiting Hiroshima to friends coming to Japan in the future, which made me very happy.
Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | In front of Shukkeien Garden～In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome / JR Bus Chugoku | 240JPY |
| Total | 240JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at lobby of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima at 13:00, and the tour finished at of the tour at the entrance of the Peace Memorial Museum at 17:15.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 15 minutes in total, from 13:00 to 17:15.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden and Peace Memorial Park.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 240JPY per person across 1 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?
Mari 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.
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.
Jul 27, 2026
Jen_S21
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
The highlight of our trip!
Mari was an excellent…
Jul 27, 2026
Jen_S21
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
The highlight of our trip!
Mari was an excellent guide and really was the highlight of our 17 day Japan trip. She had great information about Hiroshima, the history and culture. I had selected a start time for the tour but she reached out to recommend a slightly earlier start so we could hit the tide schedule just right for Miyajima Island, which I really appreciated. She also had recommendations for stuff to see and foods to eat. As we took a short break from all the walking, she told us the story of Sadako and the paper cranes, then showed us how to fold our own paper crane and had a bag we could put it in to take it home. It made for a wonderful souvenir. I would HIGHLY recommend this tour, especially if you are lucky enough to get Mari as your guide!
Jul 26, 2026
Celine B
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
A faire
Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
Mari a été…
Jul 26, 2026
Celine B
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
A faire
Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
Mari a été une super guide et nous a permis de mieux comprendre ce quil s’est passé ici. Merci à elle
やるべきこと
とても素晴らしい見学でした。たくさんの感動がありました。
Mariさんはとても素晴らしいガイドで、この場所で何が起こったのかをより深く理解できるように案内してくださいました。ありがとうございました。
Jun 25, 2026
Bill_C
Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
My son and I really…
My son and I really…
Jun 25, 2026
Bill_C
Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
My son and I really…
My son and I really enjoyed our tour with our tour guide Mari. She was extremely
knowledgeable and engaging. We felt like she went above and beyond to ensure a good
experience.
Jun 22, 2026
Beth W
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…
Jun 22, 2026
Beth W
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit to Hiroshima!!
Mari was a fantastic guide !!! I hope you get her when you book this tour!!! She is charming and quite knowledgeable . We had some poignant moments at the peace park and such interesting insights into the Japanese culture and history. She knows the ins and outs taking us a bit off the beaten track as requested. And we had a great lunch !!!! The traditional Japanese layered pancake whose name I cannot spell. I look forward some day to returning and meeting up again with dear Mari!