Top Hiroshima Day Trips

What an amazing day and definitely a highlight of our trip to Japan! Hiroshi was the perfect guide for our tour of Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The arrival logistics were clear and he met us personally at the train station platform. Hiroshi began our day by giving us an articulate and insightful history of Hiroshima, Miyajima island and Japanese culture as we ventured to the ferry to Miyajima Island. Once onboard, he ensured we had the single best location to view the Itsukushima Shrine and floating vermilion tori gate. Upon arrival, he continued to shuffle us through the crowds to the best viewing and picture locations. Hiroshi was so knowledgeable about the history of the island and the importance of the shrines and temples. He created a choose-your-own adventure regarding how to experience the island and we chose a nature walk and hike up into the hills overlooking the town. Hiroshi really gave us the local experience by taking us away from the crowds and then a fun walk-about through the town where we had lunch, coffee, visited hidden shops and explored various shrines and temples away from the crowds. Truly special. After lunch, we took the river boat to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. He took us around the site of the bombing away from the crowds and tourists while giving a moving history of before, during and after the bombing of Hiroshima. This part of the tour was a moving, somber, yet also inspirational experience. Peace Memorial Park and the museum were both so powerful, tragic, thought-provoking and made even more so by Hiroshi’s guidance and stories. When we parted ways, we were left feeling moved, emotionally tired, inspired, and most certainly with a better understanding of the Japanese culture, people and complexities of humanity overall. This was one of, if not our favorite days of our Japan trip and having Hiroshi as our guide Hiroshi was integral to our experience.

We had a really good day with our guide Kazuhisa To. He knew a lot and was really good at telling stories. He was very helpful in telling us how to get around to other places after our guided tour was over. And he even drew everything on a map for us. He recommended some good places to eat in the evening. It has just been the best experience overall. The biggest recommendation from here.

We spent a wonderful day in Miyajima Island with our guide Hiroshi. From the day we booked the tour (about a month in advance), Hiroshi was in communication asking about our preferences for the day. He confirmed our tour the day before and met us at the ferry terminal in Miyajima. Hiroshi lives on Miyajima, so he is very knowledgeable about the island and its history and culture, as well as the history of Japan in general. He is both a caring and authentic guide. We felt lucky to be with him. His tour was personal and tailored to our desires and concerns. Specifically, because of our mobility issues, he found the quickest and easiest ways to get around the Island. Our visit included taking the ropeway to the top of Mt. Misen, walking along Omotesando Arcade, Miyajima's lively shopping street (where, with Hiroshi's help, we found some excellent locally-made souvenirs), and, of course, the Itsukushima Shrine. Our day with Hiroshi was one of the highlights of our two-week stay in Japan. And as an extra bonus, Hiroshi takes great pictures!