Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Hiroshima, Japan
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Spend half a day exploring beautiful Miyajima Island while learning all about its cultural and historic significance from your private guide. Reach the island on the ferry and enjoy the views of red-gated Itsukushima Shrine as you approach land. Visit the beloved shrine, and you can choose to visit other attractions on the island according to your interests.
- This private tour is customizable to suit your needs
- Travel is by public transport (extra cost) rather than private vehicle
- Visit Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple, a shopping street, and more
- Learn more about Miyajima than you would touring independently
What's Included
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Hiroshima
- Transportation fees, Ferry, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private Vehicle
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
- Miyajima Visitor tax of (100 yen, Cash only) JPY 100 per person¥100.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not available for this tour. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Itinerary
JR Miyajima Ferry (Pass By)
1
Miyajima
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Daishoin
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Itsukushima Jinja
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Tenshinkaku
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 194 reviews
Anupam_R, Apr 2026
We did this private tour with our guide Yuji. My wife and I have traveled extensively to several countries and Yuji was one the best guides that we have worked with. He gave us detailed information about Japan. He also showed us several hidden treasures of the island and took us to many spots with amazing views of the island. We covered a lot without feeling being rushed. We both really enjoyed our trip with him and would highly recommend him. If you plan to visit Miyajima, do ask for Yuji.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review.
It was truly a pleasure guiding you both on Miyajima. I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience, including the hidden spots and scenic views.
I sincerely appreciate your recommendation, and I hope to welcome you again in Japan someday.
- Yuji
Daniel_R, Mar 2026
Our guide was wonderful and so friendly. I enjoyed talking to her. She contacted me after making the reservation and
tailored the tour to what interested me.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your review. Actually, I was a little worried that you hadn’t enjoyed. Because there was a long line to take a ropeway and it was too hazy to see many beautiful islands dotting the sea on that day. So,I am very glad to know that you enjoyed Miyajima tour. During waiting for our turn, we talked about various things. It was really fun. Thank you indeed. I hope you come to Miyajima again and go up to the peak of Mt Misen.
Hiroko Hayashi
Phillip_J, Feb 2026
UG provides a memorable experience that we will cherish forever. It was a wonderful day trip: informative, inspiring, and engaging. He not only educated us and made sure all details were taken care of but he also was a really fun person with great stories and a great respect for the beautiful island of Miyajima. Cannot recommend enough!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your truly wonderful review.
I am deeply grateful for your kind words about the Miyajima Half-day Private Tour. Knowing that the experience became a memorable day that you will cherish forever means more to me than I can express. As a guide, my greatest hope is not only to share historical facts and cultural background, but also to help my guests genuinely feel the spirit and beauty of Miyajima.
Spending time together on such a special island as Miyajima is always a privilege for me. Your curiosity, warmth, and engagement throughout the tour made the day equally meaningful for me as well.
Thank you again for your generous recommendation. I sincerely hope our paths cross again someday in Japan.
With my warmest regards,
Yuji
Mariam_K, Dec 2025
Nori is a gem, like a crystal or emerald, he’s one of a kind! He was super patient with us, as we had just gone to universal the day before, yet was very kind and never made us feel bad about going at a slower pace. He even took the time to walk us through a last minute stop over at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which was not on the original itinerary.
Nori, thank you for answering our 101 questions. If you ever make the trip to Canada, we all would love to return the favour and show you around! Thank you again for everything!
Jing_Z, Nov 2025
I would say it’s my fault that I didn’t appreciate the trip. To be fair to the tour company, it did state clearly that the trip doesn’t include: private transportation, any entry fees for the temples, fears for the ferry, and food etc. It’s my fault that I booked the trip. But I would like to share my experience, so you don’t have to experience the same. Essentially, the tour is £200 to pay for someone’s time for 1-1.5 hours . Our tour guide, he is very nice and he is super helpful. However, the tour itself is deeply flawed. The pick up time is 14:00 and we were supposed to return to our hotel by 18:00. Without private transportation, we had to use public transportation. It takes about 1.5 hours to travel each way. By the time we get to the island it was already 15:30. Most temples close at 17:00 with last entrance at 16:30 or 16:45. So we didn’t spend much time on the island before we had to return home. I have been to 60+ countries, and this is one of the worst tour I have ever had. So please save your money and just use public transport to get to the island and google/ GPT to navigate and search for the things you want to know. You can enjoy the island at your own pace.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you very much for your review. We understand your complaints and feel that perhaps this tour was not the tour that would have best met your needs. However, many other customers that need the assistance of a guide for the 4 hours, help with transport, and have a limited amount of time prefer this tour route. We also allow for guest to meet the guide nearer to the Miyajima area (at the dock for the ferry) to start the tour from there. Perhaps this would have been a better route for your group? We do ask guests to rethink the idea that they are only paying 1 to 1.5 hrs of the guides time, as they accompany you for all 4 hours of the tour. Japan Guide Agency
Kathleen_G, Oct 2025
Our guide Mari kept in touch leading up to our tour and is very knowledgeable. She took us off the beaten path for a wonderful experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
I’m so glad you enjoyed exploring the off-the-beaten-path spots of Miyajima together. It was such a pleasure to share a special time with you, taking a quiet look at Itsukushima Shrine away from the crowds, receiving blessings at Daishoin Temple, and talking about the World Series, peace, and many other topics.
Wishing you many more memorable journeys ahead!
ーYour Miyajima guide, Mari☺
Mabel_B, Oct 2025
Viator never disappoints. Miyajima is a must when visit Japan. Our guide, Son, picked us up at the hotel and took me and my brother, to a personal trip to Miyajima. It was our first time in Hiroshima and we enjoyed this part of the Hiroshima experience very much. Son is very knowledgable and personable. He even gave us tips for other adventures while in Japan. I recommend Son as your tour guide while in Hiroshima.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I truly appreciate your kind words and am very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to see you again someday!
Sincerely yours
Son
Teri_L, Oct 2025
Hiroshi was an outstanding guide! He contacted me well in advance of the tour to present an itinerary. He listened to what we wanted to experience while on the island and went well beyond our expectations! We even went to his sister’s house and store. Special guest.
Hiroshi lives on the island and knew all of the back streets and best way to get around. He made our return reservation on the ferry that dropped us off right in the Peace Memorial Park.
He met us at our hotel in the early morning and stayed with us until we got on the ferry. Beyond the time scheduled.
Perfect guide and memorable experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you very much for your thoughtful and heartwarming review.
I was deeply touched by your kind words.
It was such a pleasure to welcome you to Miyajima. Seeing how close and caring you are with each other was truly heartwarming and made me feel very happy.
I sincerely wish you many more wonderful journeys together around the world.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
- Hiroshi
Ronald_W, Oct 2025
Lots of walking in a beautiful area
Fun to see the wild deer in the town
Lots of food stalls and shopping plus visiting the shrine
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you very much for your kind review.
We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed your walking cultural tour!
We hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future!
Japan Guide Agency
Victoria_B, Oct 2025
We had a half day private tour with Mari on Miyajima island. Mari is an excellent guide. She communicated a plan ahead of time and was very flexible with our tour. Mari is extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the area. She followed up after our tour with shopping and restaurant recommendations. My family loved the tour. We would highly recommend a tour with Mari.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
I’m so happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the Miyajima tour.
It was truly a pleasure spending the day with you and sharing the beauty and history of the island.
I hope the rest of your time in Japan was memorable as well.
It would be such a joy to see you all again someday!
- Your Miyajima Guide, Mari
Lauren_B, Jun 2025
We had a great time. Yoshi is a great tour guide who knows a lot about the area. It is well with a visit!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you very much for your kind words! I’m so glad to hear you had a great time on the Miyajima tour. It was a pleasure guiding you and sharing the beauty and history of the area. I truly appreciate your feedback and hope you’ll carry fond memories of your visit. Wishing you all the best in your future travels!
Yoshi
Amy_W, Jun 2025
We had a wonderful 1/2 day tour with Yugi to Miyajima in late May. Yuji met us at the ferry terminal and showed us insider tips on where to stand for good viewing as we approached the island. He did a super job of getting us around the to the sights of the island and out of the crowds. A highlight was a private performance on his flute. It was a memorable time.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review.
It was truly a pleasure guiding you around Miyajima, and I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour — especially the scenic views, the quieter spots away from the crowds, and the flute performance.
Your warm words mean a great deal to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shared such a special part of Japan with you.
I hope the memories from Miyajima will stay with you for a long time.
Wishing you all the best in your future travels, and I would be honored to welcome you again someday.
Warmest regards,
Yuji
GARY_M, Apr 2025
MokoMoko is a fantastic guide. She will go above and beyond in ensuring a great experience. Gave good history of the island and made sure we saw what we wanted and accomplished all that we wanted to see, do , and eat. Very flexible
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you so much for your kind review!
It was fun to hear about a country I've never been to.
The 500 disciples of Daisho-in Temple was cute!
I am so happy that you were able to take a great photo of them.
I hope you will come to see our country again.
Thank you.
Your guide, Tomo (MokoMoko)
Michael_N, Apr 2025
An excellent tour of Miyajima by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Tsukumoto-san tirelessly took us around the island to visit temples and shrines and explained the culture and the history of this wonderful spot. Truly a must for any visit to Japan.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you. I'm so glad to hear from you.
I'm very happy that you enjoyed your visting the temples and shrines. I was really impressed by how much your family knew about Japanese history. Some of the questions you asked me helped me discover new things and broaden my horizons. I am very grateful that you enjoyed having me as your guide.
Your guide, Tsukumon
Debra_S, Apr 2025
Tsukumoto made this tour worth it. His communication prior to the tour was timely and excellent. He had a suggested itinerary which we were able to modify to suit our thoughts. He notified us clearly where to find him and that he was at the meeting point. From the start he knew all of the key areas and best viewing points. His historical knowledge was excellent and he explained things for us to understand and appreciate the culture and importance of the area. There is soooo... much more to Miyajima that the majority of visitors miss but not with this tour. Tsukumoto took us to a quiet coffee shop away from the crowds. We visited the dark room under a temple where golden images are displayed and you need to feel your way using the wall. Be warned that Miyajima has a huge amount of steps once you leave the main ground level area so wear comfortable shoes and be able to do this climbing. It was well paced with us not feeling rushed. Tsukumoto took us to a chopstick shop as I mentioned that I wanted a special pair of chopsticks and he knew exactly where to go. As well he assisted with the explanation to the staff. He also knew where to find an area with cherry blossoms blooming and he took photos for us everywhere. Don't miss out on what Miyajima has to offer- do this tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for posting a detailed review.
Please come to Japan again with the person to whom you gave the special chopsticks and enjoy Japanese food together. I would be happy if you have the opportunity to interact with the locals next time.
Best regards,
Your guide, Tsukumon
Brenda_P, Mar 2025
Emmy is an amazing guide who shared first hand experience about life during the bombing of Hiroshima and also shared the rich history of miyajima - which was impressive. Great day out and would highly recommend!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
I had the absolute best time with you! It was incredibly heartwarming and fun. How lucky I am to have encountered such lovely, smart couple! Thank you for your generous feedback. I felt so encouraged!!
Your guide, Emmy
Samantha_E, Jan 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Yuji. Yuji was very knowledgeable and provided great insight on all the key sights on the Island.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Although our time together on Miyajima was brief, I hope the four hours we shared allowed you to fully experience its charm. It brings me great joy to know that you were satisfied with the tour. I sincerely hope you’ll have the opportunity to visit Hiroshima again in the future.
Yuji
Catherine_U, Dec 2024
We enjoyed our half day tour to Miyajima from Hiroshima with our private guide, Shin, a professional guide with Japan Guide Agency, in November 20. He met us at our hotel, which was next to the train station, then escorted us to the train and then to the ferry over to Miyajima. Lots of wild deer strolling about here but not as tame as those in Nara-avoid feeding them! Our first stop after brief walk from the ferry was the famous Torii gate that stands in the water. We were not there at low tide so we could not walk out to it but were happy just seeing and it (and posing for pictures. Our guide offered to take many photos for us). We also visited the Itsukushima Shrine and learned about the different buildings and uses of the Shrine and observed a bride and other traditions. We also walked through the peaceful and beautiful Momijidani Park and learned how to get to the Miyajima Ropeway to get to the top of the mountain for great views. Our guide showed us around to see the Senjokaku Shrine area, and some of the Omotesando Shopping Arcade, where we had a snack and parted ways at the end of our half day together, as we opted to stay in and explore further. Shin made dure we knew how to get back to the ferry and train. We had an excellent walking tour and appreciated our time together. Thank you Shin! Highly recommended! (Not as part of the tour, we took the Ropeway and spent some time enjoying the ride and views from up high, thanks to Shin's directions. Worth doing if you have time! It was a beautiful day!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
I am very happy to read that you had a good time in Miyajima and enjoyed panorama view of Inland Sea of Seto. I was wondering if your husband was tired after long stay in Japan because he was walking slowly a bit in the maple valley. I hope all your family are fine. Many thanks for your visit Hiroshima.
Shin
Charlie_M, Dec 2024
Eiji was fantastic, very friendly, very knowledgeable. The island was stunning at night and was well worth it to wait for!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you very much for your compliments.
I am very happy to hear that you were very satisfied with Miyajima Half-day tour.
I tell many of my guests that Miyajima Island is also beautiful at night,
and it was a great pleasure for me to have you two see the illuminated Torii Gate and other sights after sunset.
Next time you come to Japan, I will guide you other great places in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Thank you again!
Eiji Kurisaka
Carolyn_W, Nov 2024
This was a fun afternoon with our guide, Nob. He met us at our hotel and shared many interesting facts about Hiroshima, on our walk, bus ride, train and 10 minute ferry ride to Miajima Island. He spoke excellent English and was a wealth of knowledge. I highly recommend this tour and our guide, Nob. 10 stars!!
Carol and Thom, Seattle, Washington USA
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Dear Guest
Thank you for your high praise. I am very happy, but also a little embarrassed. My English ability and knowledge are not sufficient, but I will continue to work hard and do my best to be a better guide. The weather was good and the sky was beautiful, which left a strong impression on me. I'm glad you were able to take so many good photos. Please give my best wishes to your handsome husband, who looks like an actor.
Regards,
Guide to Hiroshima
Annabelle_T, Nov 2024
This half-day experience was amazing. Our guide Kahori-san organized a very low-stress enjoyable day. Even before the trip she communicated via email and WhatsApp so we knew where to meet and had a good idea of our itinerary. She was very knowledgeable about the history and cultural aspects of Miyajima and was also a very adept photographer. She took us up Mount Misen, which was quite a hike but well worth it at the top! I highly recommend this tour and our lovely tour guide!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much for your warm comments.
It was a great honor to accompany you on your “memorable trip of a mother and daughter”. Especially, I had a great time on the trail to the Mt. Misen.
Please come back to Hiroshima & Miyajima with other family members someday!
Kahori
Wynnifred_H, Oct 2024
Miyajima is magical. What a beautiful island with a rich history. Our tour guide was amazing! Communication with Eijirou, our tour guide, was easy from the start. Eijirou met us at our hotel and we walked together to the boat which took us to the island. Eijirou provided us with a detailed history of the area and perfectly paced us through the tour of the main sites. This is a memory my family will always share and we thank Eijirou for his time and attention and knowledge.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much for your compliments regarding this tour.
I am very happy to hear that you were very satisfied with Miyajima tour.
It was unfortunate that so many people had to queue to get on the cable car,
but I think it was good that I was able to guide the Great Torii Gate at both high and low tide.
Next time you come to Japan, I will guide you other great places in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Thank you again!
Eiji Kurisaka
Elissa_T, Aug 2024
Our tour guide Masa was brilliant, the best guide we have had in Japan. Even though you could probably visit the Island independently, having Masa explain the history of the area and point out the best shops and eating places was really helpful. She is very knowledgeable about the Island and has great energy when speaking about it. We would highly recommend Masa as your guide.
DanielL, Aug 2024
I truly recommend this tour for anyone who is coming to Hiroshima that wants to learn more about Japanese culture, and more about the city of Hiroshima. Michi was very knowledgeable, she will always answers questions. I learn so much from the the hard time of Hiroshima during the war, and how much progress Hiroshima has became over the years. When we got to Miyajima I was able to take wonderful pictures, learn more about Shintoism, and also find a true reflection on how to live a better life through what I have learn from Shintoism. I strongly recommend this tour for anyone that wants to learn, grow and have a better understanding of japanese life and culture.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for your warm comment! It was my pleasure to show you the precious holy island Miyajima. Also, I would like to thank you for visiting Hiroshima in August for the Lantern Floating for the victims. Your message for peace was really beautiful!
Thank you again from your guide, Michi :)
Allison_P, Jul 2024
Absolutely an amazing experience and so happy I had a guide as it helped with so much. Highly recommended
Response from Host, Aug 2024
I am so glad to know that the tour was an amazing experience for you.
I have been given such a good opportunity where I could be of service as a guide. Thank you very much!
Hiroko
Tim_M, Jul 2024
Our guide Kazuko was lovely. She was very kind and knowledgeable. She met us at the ferry terminal and described the island as we approached. We visited the Itsukushima shrine, Daishoin temple, and Senjokaku before having lunch together. She saw us off at the train station, waving goodbye to us from the platform. It was a great experience!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for a nice review. I really had a wonderful time with all of you. Actually I
almost cried when I waved to see you off at the station... Miyajima is worth visiting many times. I'm waiting for you here in Hiroshima. Thank you again !
Kazuko
Bethany_S, Jul 2024
Miyajima is magical. It’s very instagrammable and just beautiful to see. Our guide Nob went above and beyond and was very knowledgeable. He was great.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Guests
Hello. Thank you for your high evaluation.
I appreciate your patience with my poor English and guidance. I will continue to make efforts to improve my English and guiding skills in the future. Please take care of yourself and give my best wishes to your family and a friend.
Best Regards,
Your guide to Hiroshima
Patryk_K, May 2024
The tour can be tailored to what you want to see, and I loved it. I chose to see the Itsukushima shrine and the Daisho-in temple and both sights were stunningly beautiful!
My guide was Noriko-san, and she did an amazing job. She was very knowledgeable, well prepared, and the communication and preparation process for the tour were flawless.
I can certainly recommend this experience to anyone!
Response from Host, May 2024
Dear guest,
Thank you so much for the great review of the tour in Miyajima.
You were well prepared and made a request where you wanted to visit in Miyajima beforehand.
So I was able to make the itinerary as you liked.
I was happy you enjoyed the tour in Miyajima.
Thank you again for visiting Hiroshima and joining the tour in Miyajima.
Noriko
Danna_G, May 2024
This was an amazing tour! My tour guide was very knowledgeable, professional and informative. She took the time to help me look for souvenirs and food! I recommend this tour, you will not regret it! History, peace, scenic and simply beautiful!
Response from Host, May 2024
Dear guest,
Thank you so much for the great review of the tour in Miyajima.
I was glad to see you were moved even by the moss on the roof of Itsukushima Shrine.
Thank you for choosing Hiroshima as one of the three places to visit on your first trip to Japan.
I hope you will enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan.
Noriko
Ann_M, Apr 2024
Our guide Nori was fantastic! He communicated with us before our trip to see what we were interested in and to come up with itinerary. Day of our tour we asked to change our itinerary a bit and he was more than happy to accommodate! I would highly recommend Nori for a private tour if Miyajima and Hiroshima.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you very much for your feedback! I'm glad to hear that you and your group members were having a worthy experience here in Hiroshima. I'm also thankful for quick decisions and moves your group made for the sake of an extra visit to the downtown area. As some local routes and processes were rather new and unfamiliar, this exploration turned out to become a great learning opportunity for me :) Hopefully it will help to improve the quality of my guide service.
Just think about visiting Hiroshima again or come ashore in its neighbourhoods around the Seto Inland Sea to explore more if you have another chance. You're always welcome! N
Nori
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