• Shukkei-en Garden - The tour commences at Hiroshima Station at 9:00 AM. The guide will meet participants by the Shinkansen Gates under the Tourist Information sign. The guide will lead the group out of Hiroshima Station, sharing brief insights about the city en route to the first stop, Shukkei-en Garden.

In the garden, participants will enjoy a leisurely walk around the main pond, appreciating the tea houses, bridges, and hills, while pausing at prime photo spots. The guide will provide a detailed explanation of Japanese gardens and their core design principles. As the walk progresses, participants will learn about the construction of Shukkei-en during the Edo period, its concept as a “miniaturized landscape,” and its various restorations over the past 400 years.

• Hiroshima Castle - Following the garden visit, the group will proceed to the Hiroshima Castle Ruins. The guide will lead participants to the main sites within the ruins, explaining their history, purpose, and significance. These sites include the Castle Tower, Ninomaru enclosure, and Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. By examining Hiroshima Castle as a case study, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Japanese history and the evolution of castle towns. As they explore the ruins, the guide will help them envision life during the Edo Period in a thriving Japanese city.

The next stop will be the Atomic Bomb Dome within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This building, inaugurated in 1915, was intended for exhibiting and selling products from Hiroshima Prefecture and was the only structure left standing near the explosion’s hypocenter. As the group walks to this location, the guide will provide historical context about World War II and the events leading up to the bombing.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum - The final stop before heading to Miyajima will be the Peace Memorial Museum. Inside, participants can view personal belongings left by the atomic bombing victims. The exhibits will guide them through the events of August 6th, the subsequent hardships and trauma, and the city’s ultimate reconstruction. The tour guide will offer context before entering the exhibition rooms, allowing participants to quietly learn about and reflect on this historical event.

• Hiroshima World Heritage River Cruise - Next, the guide will lead the group to the pier near the museum to board the ferry to Miyajima. This ferry ride lasts about 45 minutes, with the guide pointing out relevant spots along the way.

Upon arriving at the Miyajima pier, the group will walk to the first destination, Omotesando Shopping Street. This street, lined with various shops and restaurants, is ideal for lunch, snacks, or souvenir shopping. Participants will have around two hours of free time before the guided tour in Miyajima begins. This is also a great opportunity to capture photos of the island’s many deer or enjoy a short seaside stroll!

• Senjokaku - The next stop is the Senjokaku Pavilion, a shrine whose construction remains unfinished. This shrine is unique for its spaciousness and lack of formal entrances or exits, offering beautiful views from all sides. The tour guide will explain the history and various elements within the shrine, allowing participants to relax and enjoy the island’s stunning scenery.

• Itsukushima Shrine Torii - Participants will then proceed to Itsukushima Shrine. The guide will share insights about Shintoism (Japan’s indigenous religion) and the shrine’s history. As they explore the temple, they will observe the different worship halls, the unique architecture of the “floating shrine,” and the iconic O-torii gate in the Seto Inland Sea.

The group will walk to the Daisho-in temple, a prestigious Shingon Buddhist temple near Itsukushima Shrine. Throughout the temple grounds, participants will see numerous Buddhist figures, with various statues greeting them at every turn. Multiple halls are scattered throughout the temple grounds, with the Daishi Hall being the most stunning, featuring 88 statues representing the Shikoku Pilgrimage of 88 temples.

After concluding the guided tour at the Daisho-in temple, the group will begin the journey back to Hiroshima.

• English speaking guide
• Entry fees at all tour locations
• Transportation to/from Miyajima (Ferry and Train)

• Accommodation
• Lunch
• Transportation to meet-up point

Hiroshima is a stunning prefecture filled with numerous charming and significant sites. With so many attractions, planning a trip can be challenging when time is limited. This tour is expertly crafted to allow visitors to explore the most important and highlighted locations in Hiroshima in just one day.

In the heart of Hiroshima City, the tour includes visits to Shukkei-en Garden, Hiroshima Castle Ruins, and Peace Memorial Park and Museum, offering a diverse experience of the city.

Guests will then enjoy the unique opportunity to travel to Miyajima, an island not far from the mainland, via the World Heritage Sea Route ferry.

Miyajima is a breathtaking island, celebrated as one of Japan’s three most scenic spots. Although the island is relatively small, it is rich with enchanting scenic views and offers a serene atmosphere that is nearly unparalleled.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.