Hiroshima and Miyajima 1 Day Private Tour from Kyoto or Osaka

About this experience

Explore the resilience and ethereal beauty of Hiroshima and Miyajima. Reflect on profound history at the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, the serene Peace Memorial Park, and its moving Museum—a testament to the city's incredible rebirth and aspiration for peace. Then, journey to the spiritual island of Miyajima to witness the legendary 'floating' torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine, celebrated as one of Japan’s top three views. This tour offers a perfect harmony of historical reflection and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Join us to experience the enduring spirit and timeless tradition of two remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Itinerary

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1. Stop 1

   Duration: 105 min

   Miyajima (宮島) is a small island less than an hour outside the city of Hiroshima. It is most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views. While officially named Itsukushima, the island is more commonly referred to as Miyajima, Japanese for "shrine island". This is because the island is so closely related to its key shrine, Itsukushima Shrine, in the public's mind. Like the torii gate, the shrine's main buildings are built over water. Miyajima is a romantic place, best enjoyed by staying overnight at one of the island's ryokan. While there are usually many day tourists, in the evening the area becomes much quieter and more peaceful. There are also wild deer on the island that have become accustomed to people. In the day the deer wander around the same sites as the tourists, and in the evening they sleep along the walking paths.

2. Stop 2

   Duration: 60 min

   The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima Jinja) on Miyajima is the source of both the island's fame and its name. Formally named Itsukushima, the island is more popularly known as "Miyajima", literally "shrine island" in Japanese, thanks to its star attraction. The shrine is known worldwide for its iconic "floating" torii gate. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. The shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, a main hall and a noh theater stage, which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea.

3. Stop 3

   Duration: 60 min

   The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is the largest of Hiroshima's sites related to the atomic bomb. Designed by renowned architect Tange Kenzo (1913-2005), the museum opened in 1955, and in 2006 it was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The museum consists of two adjacent buildings inside Peace Memorial Park. The main hall houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the time of the bombing, while the east building is focused on peace education through a variety of media. The main hall recently underwent major renovation, and its collection is now even more powerful and moving.

4. Stop 4

   Duration: 30 min

   A symbol of Hiroshima and a focus for prayers for world peace. At 8:15am on 6th August 1945, the first atomic bomb in human history was dropped on Hiroshima. Although, the Atomic Bomb Dome was located almost directly underneath the explosion, it somehow avoided complete destruction and the remains of the building still stand today. The residents of Hiroshima decided to keep this tragic reminder of war intact. The site was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the suffering caused by war and nuclear weapons and the true value of peace.

5. Stop 5

   Duration: 30 min

   Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園, Heiwa Kinen Kōen) is one of the most prominent features of the city. Even visitors not looking for it will likely stumble upon the large park of over 120,000 square meters. Its trees, lawns, and walking paths are in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown area. Before the bomb, the area of what is now the Peace Park was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason, it was chosen as the pilot's target. Four years to the day after the bomb was dropped, it was decided that the area would not be redeveloped but instead devoted to peace memorial facilities.

What's included

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• Public transport at Hiroshima city(If you choose the Public Transport Plan)
• Bottled water (If you choose the Private Car Plan)
• Round trip bullet train ticket (Kyoto/Shin-Osaka ⇔Hiroshima)
• Private English guide from Kyoto / Osaka
• Round trip ferry fee from Hiroshima to Miyajima
• Private Car at Hiroshima city (If you choose the Private Car Plan)

What's not included

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• Meals
• Gratuities for guide and driver not included

Additional information

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• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• You can customize it as you like. If you have any requests please let us know in advance.
• If you want to change your schedule even on the tour day, your guide is always happy to help you.
• You can skip the spot where you don't go (※in this case we do not refund any fees) or change it with another place.
• If you add some new spots by your request, please pay the ticket fee on the spot. (Note that you may need to pay extra transportation fee)
• Please arrive at the meeting spot in time.
• Please refrain from bringing your own food and drinks into the restaurant.

Cancellation policy

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All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.