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.
Tour Itinerary
- 7:00 Pick up at the hotel, take a taxi to Hiroshima Station
- 7:22 JR Hiroshima Station
- 7:51 Arrive at JR Miyajimaguchi
- 8:20 Arrive at Miyajima
- 8:50 Mount Misen Ropeway boarding area
- 9:30 Shishiiwa Observatory
- 10:30 Descend the Mount Misen Ropeway
- 11:00 Guide activity ends at Itsukushima Shrine
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in JR Hiroshima Station at 7:22, JR Miyajimaguchi at 7:51, Miyajima at 8:20, Mount Misen Ropeway boarding area at 8:50, Shishiiwa Observatory at 9:30, Descend the Mount Misen Ropeway at 10:30 and Guide activity ends at Itsukushima Shrine at 11:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Miyajimaguchi to Hiroshima Station by train (420JPY); Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi by train (420JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 840JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America, who chose Hiroshima and Miyajima as the final destination of their stay in Japan. They had already visited the Peace Memorial Park and the museum the previous day, and asked many thoughtful questions based on what they had learned there. As nature lovers, the guests' main goal on Miyajima was to take the Mount Misen ropeway and, from the Shishiiwa Observatory at the top, to gaze out at the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and enjoy their natural beauty. To avoid the crowds, I revised the itinerary for an early morning start, and we were able to enjoy a relatively quiet Mount Misen.
Click here for more details: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Miyajimaguchi～Hiroshima Station | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Hiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi | 420JPY |
| Total | 840JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited JR Hiroshima Station, JR Miyajimaguchi, Miyajima, Mount Misen Ropeway boarding area, Shishiiwa Observatory, Descend the Mount Misen Ropeway and Guide activity ends at Itsukushima Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 840JPY 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?
Hiroshi 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.
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
Sep 25, 2026
philiprA2432ZA
Hiroshima & Miyajima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Our guide Hiroshi picked us up…
Sep 25, 2026
philiprA2432ZA
Hiroshima & Miyajima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Our guide Hiroshi picked us up at our hotel. We went first to Miyajima on the ferry. Hiroshi was very knowledgeable about the area. We had a fabulous time there and a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. After that we went to Hiroshima museum. This was so sad. Again Hiroshi was very knowledgeable about the bombing as his family remembers it. We went to the Peace park. Hiroshi taught us how to make an origami crane! A great day with a lovely guide.
Margaret & Philip
Sep 23, 2026
Sygeplejersken78
The best guide – Thank you 🙏🇯🇵🇩🇰
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We had…
Sep 23, 2026
Sygeplejersken78
The best guide – Thank you 🙏🇯🇵🇩🇰
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We had an unforgettable day in Hiroshima and Miyajima with our wonderful guide, Hiroshi. He was kind, patient, knowledgeable, and explained everything so clearly. We felt comfortable asking him anything, and his stories made the experience even more meaningful.
Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was deeply moving and emotional. Hiroshi shared the history with great sensitivity, giving us a deeper understanding of the events and the importance of peace and remembrance.
Thank you, Hiroshi, for your kindness and for making our day so special. We highly recommend him as a guide! ❤️
From Tina, Lars, Dorthe and Henrik from Denmark
Sep 21, 2026
Pioneer19650761736
You Won’t Regret Booking with Hiroshi
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We had the most amazing…
Sep 21, 2026
Pioneer19650761736
You Won’t Regret Booking with Hiroshi
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We had the most amazing tour to Miyajima Island, all thanks to Hiroshi! He is such a lovely, kind, and genuinely thoughtful guide. From start to finish, he made us feel so welcome and went out of his way to ensure we enjoyed every moment of our trip. His warmth made the experience unforgettable. If you are planning a visit, definitely book a tour with Hiroshi—he is the best!
Sep 11, 2026
stephanie782022
Fantastic tour experience
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We had such a fantastic day with Hiroshi,…
Sep 11, 2026
stephanie782022
Fantastic tour experience
Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We had such a fantastic day with Hiroshi, who was very friendly, knowledgeable and helped us have a remarkable experience. Our highlight was our local lunch, where we created meaningful origami cranes and enjoyed local specialties. Tour and guide were beyond our expectations and we are very grateful for our experience.