Hiroshima: Ancient and Modern – Private Full-Day Tour with a Local Guide

Overview

This full-day Hiroshima private tour blends the city’s ancient spiritual heritage with its modern history. We begin on Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s three most scenic places and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to central Hiroshima to explore Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum.

I have lived in Hiroshima for 24 years and have guided travellers across Japan since 2006. This tour is the result of thousands of hours spent walking these sites, studying their history, and sharing them with guests from around the world

Note:

The order of the itinerary may change depending on the tide schedule to ensure the best experience at Itsukushima Shrine

Itinerary (7 – 8 hours)

9:00 — Meet in Hiroshima

Meeting options include:

• Hiroshima Station (arrival platform)
• Your hotel
• Cruise ship berth (please specify which of the two Hiroshima ports)

Guests staying at the Grand Prince Hotel will meet in the city centre at a designated location.

Miyajima Island — Ancient Japan

Travel by train and ferry to Miyajima (Itsukushima), known for:

• Itsukushima Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• The iconic “floating” torii gate
• Forested walking paths and traditional architecture
• Optional viewpoints and hidden corners depending on tide and interest

This part of the tour focuses on the island’s spiritual history, Shinto traditions, and centuries-old cultural practices.

Peace Memorial Park —Modern History

Return to central Hiroshima to explore:

• Peace Memorial Park
• The Atomic Bomb Dome
• Memorial monuments
• The Peace Memorial Museum

This section provides historical context, personal stories, and a deeper understanding of Hiroshima’s role in shaping modern Japan

Customisation Options

f you prefer a different balance of sites, we can adjust the day to include:

• Hiroshima Castle
• Shukkeien Garden
• Local neighbourhoods
• Food and cultural stops

What’s Included

• Full-day private guided tour
• Customisable itinerary
• Photography assistance
• Local insights from a long-term Hiroshima resident

What’s Not Included

• Transportation fees: approx. ¥2,000 per adult
  • JR Pass holders: only one fare required (¥290 private rail OR ¥2,000 direct ferry to Peace Park)

• Admission fees:
  • Peace Memorial Museum: Adults ¥200 / Seniors ¥100 / Under 15 free
  • Itsukushima Shrine: Adults ¥300 / High school ¥200 / Children ¥100
• Food and refreshments
• Optional private car (additional fee for fuel + parking)

Pricing

¥45,000 per group (up to 8 people) + ¥2000 per additional person up 12

This is one of the best-value private tours in Hiroshima, especially for families and small groups.

Transportation

We use efficient and comfortable public transportation:

• JR train
• Ferry
• Local tram or bus

A private car can be arranged for an additional fee:

Vehicle Pricing (includes rental, fuel, and parking)

2 passengers ¥10,000; 3-4 passengers ¥13,000; 5-6 passengers ¥19,000; 7-9 passengers ¥29,000;

Why Choose This Tour

• 24 years living in Hiroshima
• Guiding experience since 2006
• Fluent Japanese speaker
• Deep cultural knowledge (Aikido, Iaido, Zen practice)
• Balanced itinerary covering both ancient and modern Hiroshima
• Flexible, friendly, and personalised guiding style

Book Your Hiroshima: Ancient and Modern Tour

Send your preferred date, group size, and meeting point, and I’ll confirm availability and customise the day for you.

ITINERARY

Guided tours of:
Miyajima (shrine) Island and a range of its beautiful ancient structures and
tour Peace Memorial Park, its monuments and Memorial Museum. The order of each tour section will be set to hopefully get a tide high enough for the view of the shrine to appear to be “floating”.

Miyajima:

Fabulous historic Itsukushima Shrine

Beautiful Daishoin Temple, set amidst gardens dotted with statues and monuments.

Peace Memorial Park:

Hypocentre to set the stage.

Atomic Bomb Dome

Tour of monuments of Peace Memorial Park – Children’s Memorial, , Peace Bell, Unknown Victims Mound, Korean Victim’s Memorial, Cenotaph, concluding after a visit at the Peace Memorial Museum.

MEETING POINT + TOUR EXPERIENCE SUMMARY

Meeting Point Options: To be agreed and set prior to tour date. Rail or Bus Station, Cruise Ship Port, Airport, Hotel, Address or Intersection, Monument/Building, Suggested by Guide: your hotel, cruise ship birth or Hiroshima Station

Duration: 8 hours

• 9 AM Meet
• Transit to ferry port by public transportation and cross to the island (approximately 1 hour in total)
• Morning tour of the island as mentioned above
• Lunch ( as discussed and agreed on prior to tour commencement)
• Return transit to Hiroshima city centre (1 hour)
• Begin at Hypocentre - afternoon tour experience as mentioned above
• 5 PM Escorted back to your hotel or departure location.

**I do not designate strict times of each 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

• up to ¥3500 for lunch, refreshments
• souvenir spending

WHAT'S EXTRA?

•  Personal Expenses
• Souvenirs
• Food, Drinks, Snacks

**Other - Transportation Option:
if not travelling on JR Pass, estimated total transit costs to and from the island: ¥1500 per person

***Alternative Transportation Option:  Chauffeured Tour in a comfortable 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 - includes vehicle, fuel, tolls and parking costs.

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.