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
- 08:40 Meet at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal, tour begins (started 10 minutes late)
- 09:10 Arrive at Miyajima
- Stroll along the coastal street, video and photo shooting
- 10:30 Visit Itsukushima Shrine, video and photo shooting
- 12:00 Lunch
- 12:30 Stroll along Machiya Street, shopping, video and photo shooting
- 13:00 Arrive at Miyajima Pier
- 13:15 Disband at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal
What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests had originally planned to join as a group, but on the day the tour proceeded with a slightly smaller group, as one of the guests did not participate due to a strong emotional reaction from visiting a peace memorial museum the previous day.
Some of the guests had previously lived in Japan for a period and had a strong desire to share the wonderful aspects of Japanese culture, which is why they planned this trip to Japan.
Since they had expressed a wish to take photos in advance, Daishoin Temple was also included as a planned destination, but most of the time was devoted to taking videos and photos at Itsukushima Shrine and its surroundings. A wedding ceremony was taking place at Itsukushima Shrine, and they were able to photograph that as well. The guests also took an interest in offering coins and drawing omikuji fortunes, and enjoyed the experience.
They also love Japanese food, and mealtimes were filled with big smiles.
I would like to thank [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) for promptly responding regarding how to guide in case the tour was delayed, and for also sending an email to the guests.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hello there!
I’m Hiroko Aikawa, your local host in Hiroshima. I am here to provide full support to ensure you have a wonderful time and experience in Hiroshima and Japan.
I am eager to introduce and share my passion for Japanese culture, Japanese gardens, pottery, kimono, dyeing, and weaving that is beautiful Japanese art for those (guests) who are interested in them.
As a food enthusiast, I can also recommend the best culinary experiences in Hiroshima for those who love delicious food.
As for my work background, I worked for Ford Motor Company from Japan/Asia Pacific for 30+ years to work with many people in the world and now it is the time for meeting many guests from the world.
I look forward to welcoming you in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
May 7, 2025
stevene928
We did more than we thought we would in one day – 19,000 steps!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private…
May 7, 2025
stevene928
We did more than we thought we would in one day – 19,000 steps!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Hiroko met us at the Hiroshima train station and took us to Miyajima by Ferry. We toured the shops, had lunch, and got educated on the shrines and the island.
After that we took a boat back to Hiroshima City and toured the Peace Museum inside and the grounds and were educated on why the monuments were erected.
Then we walked to an observation building where we could see the whole city and how it had been reborn since WWII. Then we went shopping at a huge outdoor covered mall. W then toured the city gardens with beautiful flowers and garden and ponds with huge Koy fish (colored carp).
Hiroko then took a cab with us to the station to make sure we were on our way safely
Apr 28, 2025
StephanieMcGovern17
Ask for Hiroko!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This trip was amazing thanks to…
Apr 28, 2025
StephanieMcGovern17
Ask for Hiroko!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This trip was amazing thanks to our incredible guide, Hiroko! Please request her personally when booking. She is born and raised in Hiroshima and has excellent English as she worked in the United States for 30 years.
To start, she promptly met us in our hotel lobby with printed itinerary for each member of our party. We started on the train to Miyajima as tide was high allowing for beautiful photos of floating torii gate. We got on ferry to Miyajima and arrived on the island. Hiroko provided facts and information along the way. We stopped for snacks at some of her favorite places and enjoyed momiji and oysters. Later we took the ferry to Hiroshima Peace Park. This was a more emotional and intense experience. She allowed us to walk the museum and waited for us at the end. We then went on to have okonomiyaki and talked about how resilient and peaceful Hiroshima people are and have they have overcome and prospered since the atomic bomb. We then taxi to Shukkeien to view the most beautiful botanical garden and ended our trip here.
At the end, Hiroko gave me a handwritten note in Japanese thanking me for the trip and opportunity to guide us. We are leaving Hiroshima greatly appreciative of her guidance and a lovely time in the city.
Apr 8, 2025
ancas
Best experience!!!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Hiroko was the best guide ever!!! She introduced…
Apr 8, 2025
ancas
Best experience!!!
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Hiroko was the best guide ever!!! She introduced us to the local food and best shops, explained the history and culture of the island and offered us the best candies. She became our best friend. I warmly recommend to ask her as your guide!!!!
Anca
Apr 4, 2025
500ericav
Hiroshima and Miyajima stole our hearts
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
My husband and…
Apr 4, 2025
500ericav
Hiroshima and Miyajima stole our hearts
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
My husband and I are on our honeymoon and we were lucky enough to have Hiroko as our guide! Hiroko is an amazing and knowledgeable tour guide. She took us to local spots, that without her, my husband and I would have never found. On Miyajima Island was this amazing spot with freshly made Momiji manjū, filled with sweet or savory delights. I picked 1 cheese filled and 1 chocolate filled and both were absolutely to die for. Back in Hiroshima, Hiroko brought us to a hidden gem, Shukkeien Garden, that had so many photo spots, gorgeous cherry blossoms, a mini bamboo forest, and my favorite, a bunch of hungry jumping coy fish that jumped high into the air from under the water. We ended the day at a local traditional Japanese dessert spot, that is Hiroko regularly attends. This cute little elderly woman came down the steps when we entered the store and we had some of the best traditional Japanese desserts filled with sweet beans and a soft and chewy sweet outer layer. We were also served real Green Tea and learned how to properly drink from a tea cup in Japanese culture. Hiroko even paid for our dessert as a honeymoon present. This tour exceeded my expectations and I could be happier to have met Hiroko.