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

  • 8:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
  • 9:30. Arrive at Onomichi Station
  • 10:00 Old temple tour
  • 11:00 Senkoji summit
  • 12:00 Lunch
  • 13:00 Shopping street
  • 14:00 Onomichi Station
  • 17:00 Hiroshima Station Disband

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The itinerary covered Onomichi Station at 9:30, Old temple tour at 10:00, Senkoji summit at 11:00, Shopping street at 13:00, Onomichi Station at 14:00 and Hiroshima Station Disband at 17:00.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hiroshima Station to Onomichi Station by train (1,520JPY); Onomichi Station to Hiroshima Station by train (1,520JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 3,040JPY per person.

Title: What Is a Private Onomichi Temple and Senkoji Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Body:

Tour Report Date: June 2025 Places visited: Historic temple walk Senkoji Observation Deck Old shopping street

Guest: The guest Weather: Clear and sunny Experiences: Sutra chanting experience at Senkoji Temple Experience of the worship etiquette at Ushitora Shrine Stroll through the shopping street

Details: The guests were a group visiting from Oceania.

This group was the same party who had also booked a Hiroshima tour for the following day. Originally, the Onomichi tour had been scheduled for the later date, but because the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was to be closed on the earlier date due to an official visit by the Emperor to Hiroshima, I proposed switching the schedule in advance, which the guests kindly accepted.

Since one of the guests had reduced hearing in the right ear, I made a point of speaking from the left side whenever possible.

In Onomichi, in addition to the temple walk, I wanted the guests to enjoy an experience that reflects the character of Onomichi, which is also well known as a cycling town, so we stopped by a cafe attached to a hotel catering to cyclists. The guests seemed to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in a calm and pleasant atmosphere.

It turned out to be a day in which the guests could comfortably enjoy Onomichi, a place where history and modern charm coexist.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Onomichi Station1,520JPY
Section 2TrainOnomichi Station~Hiroshima Station1,520JPY
Total3,040JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Onomichi Station, Old temple tour, Senkoji summit, Shopping street, Onomichi Station and Hiroshima Station Disband.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 3,040JPY 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?

Yuji 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.

Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

Jun 1, 2026
John_W
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
A top day with a top guide
My wife…

May 27, 2026
Annabelle_C
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Hiroshima in a day
Yuji was a great communicator…

May 12, 2026
satishp656
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

May 10, 2026
StephanieB6076
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Incredible Experience
We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…