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
- 10:00 JR Miyajimaguchi Station (guest arrives 10 minutes late)
- 10:30 Miyajima Pier
- 11:00 Amulet-making experience (okeiko Japan)
- 11:50 Lunch (Omotesando)
- 12:40 Visit the Great Torii Gate/Itsukushima Shrine
- 13:10 Daiganji Temple ~ Tahoto Pagoda
- 14:10 Guide to Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal and finish
Title: What Is a Private Miyajima Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided a group visiting Miyajima. Because of the rain, we first enjoyed a charm-making experience on the island. Some of the guests helped the others make their charms, while the rest were able to relax. After the experience, the group enjoyed okonomiyaki, a local dish, along with beer, which they were very happy about.
On that day, cruise ships arrived at both Hiroshima Port and Itsukaichi Port, and perhaps because of this the ticket counter for Itsukushima Shrine was extremely crowded. Since I had obtained the guests' permission in advance, I purchased the admission tickets before meeting them and guided them accordingly.
After viewing Itsukushima Shrine, the guests seemed deeply moved by the great torii gate seen from the two-storied pagoda surrounded by cherry blossoms. Along the main approach, during "souvenir time," the guests enjoyed shopping in a relatively short amount of time.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Miyajimaguchi～Miyajima | 100JPY |
| Total | 100JPY | ||
My name is Tsukumoto. I have been living in Hiroshima for about 60 years and have a great deal of knowledge on Hiroshima. I had worked in chemical industry for 44 years as an engineer having some experiences dealing with the oversea business. After retiring, I have been working as an English staff for helping tourists enjoy Japanese traditional culture activities such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and wearing kimono since 2023. Besides that, I am familiar with tourist spots, history of the domain, local food, and night life in down town. You will see some my travling videos on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@HiroshimaGuide-Nori
I can help you explore any aspects of your interests, and will provide your safety travel and comfortable stay.
Jul 16, 2025
Travel15681726194
Hiroshima 4 hour tour
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
We had a great day touring…
Jul 16, 2025
Travel15681726194
Hiroshima 4 hour tour
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
We had a great day touring Hiroshima city today with our guide, Tsukumoto-san. He was very helpful and informative throughout, with good and clear English speaking.
We started out by touring the Peace Memorial Park – Hiroshima
平和記念公園.
We followed with Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
広島平和記念資料館
A very emotional and moving experience overall. The landmarks and museum convey vividly the horror of war and the bombing, and tells the story of the real people who were tragically lost, injured and left traumatized.
We had lunch in a nearby restaurant Okonomiyaki Mitchan Sohonten Orizuru tower; お好み焼みっちゃん総本店 おりづるタワー店
We had delicious Okonomiyaki a local specialty that a highly recommend trying.
We spent the final hour touring Hiroshima castle 🏯, interesting rooms, objects, weapons and other artifacts as well a view of the city from the reconstructed main tower.
Apr 14, 2025
Michael_N
Our family tour of Miyajima Island with a wonderful guide
Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
An…
Apr 14, 2025
Michael_N
Our family tour of Miyajima Island with a wonderful guide
Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
An excellent tour of Miyajima by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Tsukumoto-san
tirelessly took us around the island to visit temples and shrines and explained the culture
and the history of this wonderful spot. Truly a must for any visit to Japan.
Respond to review
Apr 7, 2025
448margarets
Miyajima- so much more than you think
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tsukumoto made this tour…
Apr 7, 2025
448margarets
Miyajima- so much more than you think
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tsukumoto made this tour worth it. His communication prior to the tour was timely and excellent. He had a suggested itinerary which we were able to modify to suit our thoughts. He notified us clearly where to find him and that he was at the meeting point. From the start he knew all of the key areas and best viewing points. His historical knowledge was excellent and he explained things for us to understand and appreciate the culture and importance of the area. There is soooo… much more to Miyajima that the majority of visitors miss but not with this tour. Tsukumoto took us to a quiet coffee shop away from the crowds. We visited the dark room under a temple where golden images are displayed and you need to feel your way using the wall. Be warned that Miyajima has a huge amount of steps once you leave the main ground level area so wear comfortable shoes and be able to do this climbing. It was well paced with us not feeling rushed. Tsukumoto took us to a chopstick shop as I mentioned that I wanted a special pair of chopsticks and he knew exactly where to go. As well he assisted with the explanation to the staff. He also knew where to find an area with cherry blossoms blooming and he took photos for us everywhere. Don’t miss out on what Miyajima has to offer- do this tour.
Mar 29, 2025
MICHAEL N
A meaningful day in Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Tsukumoto-san was very good…
Mar 29, 2025
MICHAEL N
A meaningful day in Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Tsukumoto-san was very good at setting expectations for the tour by contacting us by text ahead of our tour and was very considerate of special needs (our daughter is vegan). He picked us up from our hotel and we walked to the peace dome listening to the stories about the bombing and how his family and others were impacted. We visited the museum and afterwards we went to a vegan restaurant. After that we visited a castle, and then we went to a very beautiful Japanese garden. Throughout the tour he did his best to help us resolve issues and learn about the history of the sites. We are deeply grateful for an enjoyable day visiting Hiroshima.