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
- 9:30 Pick-up at hotel on Miyajima Island
- Itsukushima Shrine, the Great Torii Gate, historical buildings, traditional culture experience, Omotesando Shopping Street,
- Lunch
- JR Ferry Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi
- 14:00
- Drop-off at JR Miyajima Station
What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania. After arriving in Japan, they spent a few days in Tokyo, then traveled to Hiroshima, and planned to continue on to Osaka, Kyoto, and other places before returning to Tokyo. In Tokyo they had mainly spent time in busy districts such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku, so this was their first opportunity to experience Japanese shrines, temples, and traditional culture. At Miyajima they showed interest in everything, and we ended up spending more time than usual at Itsukushima Shrine. Although it was raining heavily during the rainy season, perhaps because of this there were few other visitors, and the shrine wrapped in mist with Mount Misen in the background looked truly mystical, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed its beauty.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local 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!