Hiroshima in Half a Day: Motoyasu Bridge Pier — Guide Emmy
September, 2025
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
- 13:00 Meet at Hotel
- 13:05 Move to Motoyasu Bridge Pier
- 13:30 Move to Miyajima
- 14:15 Tour Miyajima
- 16:10 Move to Miyajimaguchi
- 16:31 Move to JR Hiroshima Station
- 17:10 Disband at JR Hiroshima Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Hiroshima began at 13:00, when the guide met the guests at Hotel, and finished at 17:10. The day ran to 4 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Motoyasu Bridge Pier at 13:05, Miyajima at 13:30, Tour Miyajima at 14:15, Miyajimaguchi at 16:10 and JR Hiroshima Station at 16:31.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Motoyasu Bridge Pier to Miyajima Port by JGA Pre-Approved Fee (1,100JPY); Miyajimaguchi to Hiroshima Station by train (420JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 1,520JPY per person.
What Is a Private Miyajima Tour Like at the End of a Japan Trip? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a wonderful, close-knit group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After traveling through Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, Amanohashidate, and Kyoto, they came to Miyajima at the very end of their journey. Guests who enjoy the big cities and arrive in Hiroshima last are often quite tired from their travels, but they were both very energetic, which surprised and delighted me. They mentioned that they had found it difficult to adjust to Japanese food and had spent most of the trip eating at a fast-food chain. Their time in Hiroshima was short, so I guided them only around Miyajima and there was no time to see the city of Hiroshima itself. However, since I learned that one of the guests was also interested in peace-related topics, we talked a little about it on the JR train on the way back. What stood out to me was their comment that getting around the large cities had been confusing, so they often had no choice but to take taxis, sometimes costing as much as 300 dollars at once, and at times ended up in unnecessarily large vehicles.
Since they were concerned that the link sent from the tour company was not working, I took a photo of the messaging app just in case and shared it with your company by email.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | JGA Pre-Approved Fee | Motoyasu Bridge Pier～Miyajima Port | 1,100JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Miyajimaguchi～Hiroshima Station | 420JPY |
| Total | 1,520JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hiroshima tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel at 13:00, and the tour finished at JR Hiroshima Station at 17:10.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 13:00 to 17:10.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Motoyasu Bridge Pier, Miyajima, Tour Miyajima, Miyajimaguchi and JR Hiroshima Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,520JPY 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?
Emmy 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, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!
Jul 3, 2026
715rachnak
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
We…
Jul 3, 2026
715rachnak
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
We had a wonderful experience and learned soo much about Hiroshima and Miyajima! Emiko was amazing! She was so knowledgeable, sweet, and friendly! We felt like she was part of our family fir the day!
Jul 2, 2026
Janine_P
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Worth the money!
From the moment we booked our…
Jul 2, 2026
Janine_P
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Worth the money!
From the moment we booked our private tour, to being back home, the tour company and then our guide had excellent communication. We met our guide Emmy at the Shin-Hiroshima station and she immediately helped us navigate the station and be on our way to Miyajima. Having a second-generation Hiroshima survivor lead us through our day was wonderful and we were able to tailor the day to meet our interests.
Emmy provided answers to our questions, information on what we were seeing, and gave ample time for exploration and photos.
After Miyajima we headed back to Hiroshima for the tour to continue with more historical perspective and even a detour to a calligraphy store! She was patient when we wanted to buy snacks or were in the museum. We felt fortunate to have spent the day with this amazing tour guide.
It was a long day for all of us and Emmy made sure we weren’t overwhelmed with information. She stayed with us all the way back to the Shin-Hiroshima station and made sure we got through with our tickets before departing.
Following the tour, she sent photos that she took of our family throughout the day which was very much appreciated.
May 7, 2026
Diane_F
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Wonderful tour and guide
Our tour guide Emmy was…
May 7, 2026
Diane_F
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Wonderful tour and guide
Our tour guide Emmy was so gracious and knowledgeable, she was truly outstanding! Our
tour was wonderful and would highly recommend.
Apr 12, 2026
Curious613511
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…
Apr 12, 2026
Curious613511
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where we saw all the main attractions that we wanted to see.
We had a wonderful experience in Hiroshima. Our tour guide Emmy was just a delight. Emmy was very knowledgeable, & caring, looking after us throughout the whole day. She went out of her way to make our experience in Japan relaxing & enjoyable. Emmy met us at the platform at Hiroshima Station when we arrived & took us back to the train at Hiroshima Station when we were leaving. Nothing was too much for her.
I have no problems recommending Emmy to anyone who wants a wonderful experience in Hiroshima.