Chauffeured guided tours in two sections of: Miyajima (shrine) Island - its beautiful ancient shrine the distinguished landmark Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni. Lunch will be as previously discussed and agreed upon according to availability. **Time allowing, possible stopover on return trip at a wonderful feudal age style cafe for refreshments.
Miyajima:
Fabulous ancient Itsukushima Shrine, a focus of reverence across the ages – historical significance and facts.
Kintaikyo and environs:
Visit the stunning multiple arched wooden structure bridge and surrounding park and its feudal age structures and monuments.
ITINERARY (8 hours)
Meeting Point Options: Rail or Bus Station, Cruise Ship Port berth, Airport, Hotel, Address or Intersection, Monument/Building, Suggested by Guide: your hotel, cruise ship birth or Hiroshima Station
- 9 AM Greet you at your hotel, the bullet train station or cruise ship
- Transit to our Miyajima: approximately 1 hours drive to port, leave vehicle and cross to island by ferry – approximately 20 mins. En route I will share Hiroshima’s historic significance to set the stage for the day.
- Pass through what was originally the "pilgrim’s road" now covered shopping street to tour the shrine and adjacent museum of feudal age art, weaponry, costumes and artefacts.
- Return to mainland board our chauffeur driven vehicle and set out for the bridge, approximately one hour drive away.
- LUNCH: En route, we will stop for your lunch choice.
- Arrive at Kintaikyo Bridge and learn its history, stroll the adjacent park with its monuments and feudal age buildings.
- Return departure for Hiroshima (***time allowing a stopover at a feudal age modelled café restaurant for refreshments before heading back to Hiroshima).
- 5 PM Deliver you back in our chauffeur driven vehicle to your hotel, the bullet train station or cruise ship
**I do not designate strict times of each stage component as timing often depends on the most comfortable pace according to the guest and it is flexible according to the day’s experience
TRANSPORTATION
Chauffeur driven in clean and comfortable late model vehicle, sized according to number of guests. **See below for cost range.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Guiding Services
- Venue admission fees
ESTIMATED LOCAL CASH NEEDED
- ¥3500 for lunch, refreshments
- souvenir spending
WHAT'S EXTRA?
- Personal Expenses
- Souvenirs
- Food, Drinks, Snacks
Other: as mentioned above a one time payment for vehicle hire – late model sedan/van – including all tolls, fuel, and parking – cost TBA according to the size of the vehicle required: 2 – 3 guests ¥15,000 / 4 – 6 guests ¥22,000
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
DETAILS
Kid Friendly: No. Involves approximately 3.5 km (2.3 miles) This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilise a wheelchair due to transportation mode. Wear comfortable clothing. You will need comfortable walking closed-toe walking shoes.
RESTRICTIONS
None.
We’ll drive west of the city to the famed Shrine Island of Miyajima and we’ll take a short ferry ride across the channel to the island to marvel at one of Japan’s most revered and ancient pilgrimage destinations: The elegant Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto “palace on the sea” with its sentinel Great Torii Gate towering from the water fronting the shrine. Afterward, continue to the west to the rustic but equally elegant Kintaikyo Bridge, an ancient five-span arch bridge of timber and stone spanning the banks of the Nishiki River.
**please enquire if your preference might be to substitute a tour of PEace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Memorial in place of the visit to Miyajima.
Included
Not Included
- Meals, refreshments, souvenirs and transport by chauffeured vehicle - **cost TBC according to the size of the vehicle required: 2 – 3 guests ¥15,000 / 4 – 6 guests ¥22,000
What to look forward to
After greeting you at your hotel or agreed meeting point, we will head straight to the historic island Miyajima with its famed shrine and Great Torii gate and enjoy a guided tour of its historical religious and cultural structures and then, following a sushi lunch en route, an hour by car to the west to visit the ancient historic Kintai Bridge, before returning you to your hotel we’ll head up into the hills to a traditional thatch-roofed restaurant roadside inn for refreshments.
It’s a favorite for domestic visitors with its display of enormous koi carp flags, and literally hundreds of red and white lanterns.
If you are arriving for a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, I will be happy to recommend your best inbound train schedule and make return bookings for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Unless your main goal is hitting the ski slopes, the best periods are March through May and September through November. That said, these are also the busiest (and priciest) seasons – so book early.
Here’s a quick month-by-month breakdown for Hiroshima and the surrounding region:
March – May (Best for cherry blossoms)
Mild weather, plum and cherry blossoms everywhere. Blooms typically last only 5–7 days, so check the annual “Cherry Blossom Forecast” online for precise timing across Hiroshima, Okayama, and Shikoku.
June – August (Hot & humid)
Can be very sticky south of Hokkaido. The rainy season usually falls in July (not June – a common myth). If you don’t mind heat and crowds, you’ll still enjoy summer festivals and lush green gardens.
September – November (Best for autumn colours)
Gorgeous vermillion momiji (maple), yellow larch, and poplar trees. Like cherry blossoms, the colours sweep north to south. Hiroshima’s peak autumn is usually late October to mid-November.
December – February (Quiet & cool)
Fewer tourists, lower prices. Ski resorts in Chugoku mountains or Shikoku are possible, but not world-class. Cities are crisp and clear – great for Peace Memorial Museum and indoor sights.
What about the rainy season?
July is the wettest month in Hiroshima. Don’t worry – it rarely rains all day. Pack a foldable umbrella and flexible plans. Indoor alternatives (museums, art galleries on Naoshima) work perfectly.
My advice as your local guide:
If you want cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, aim for late March–early April or late October–mid-November. Yes, costs rise – but the beauty is unforgettable. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, early June or late November are sweet spots.
Best way to travel within Japan?
There’s no single “best” way – it depends on your itinerary. But for most travelers visiting Hiroshima, Okayama, the Art Islands, and Shikoku, a combination of IC cards (Suica or Icoca) and single-ride tickets makes more sense today than the Japan Rail Pass.
Is it expensive in Japan?
Japan has an image of being one of the most expensive countries in the world – but you may find it’s not as expensive as you anticipate. That said, post-COVID economic pressures have affected accommodation charges, so it really depends on how you travel.
What kid of accommodation can I expect to find?
Accommodation in Japan is wonderfully diverse – and the cost really depends on your preferences. Choices range from Airbnb (still a bit new here – pay close attention to the details) to capsule hotels (a fun one-off adventure!), manga cafes, temple lodgings, and much more. Compared with many other countries, Japan offers a surprisingly vast range of options.
Let me walk you through the most common types, from budget to luxury.
