Begin your private tour at Hiroshima Station or from your hotel, where you meet your dedicated guide who will accompany only you and your group throughout the day. Together, take the train to Miyajimaguchi Station, followed by a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, also known as Itsukushima Island. As you approach, admire the iconic floating Torii gate, which appears to rise from the water.
Once you arrive on the island, be welcomed by friendly deer and a lively town filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions. Stroll along the shoreline towards the impressive O-Torii gate, which seems to float on the water during high tide, and have the chance to walk right up to it during low tide. Along the way, hear stories and insights from your guide that bring the surroundings to life.
Next, visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can take in its remarkable architecture. Afterwards, continue to the Daisho-in Temple complex, one of the most important temples in the region, known for its significant Buddhist artefacts and relics. Your guide provides the context and background needed to fully understand the cultural and historical importance of these sites.
After exploring the island’s landmarks, spend time in the vibrant city centre area. Here, enjoy a variety of local street foods. One of the most popular specialities is Momiji Manju, a maple leaf-shaped cake filled with flavours such as sweet red bean paste, custard, or chocolate, making it a perfect snack as you explore.
For the second part of your tour, return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park. Learn what Hiroshima was like before the tragedy, why it was chosen as a target, and how it rebuilt itself into a symbol of peace.
As you walk through the park, gain a deeper understanding of the events of August 1945 and how the bombing changed the lives of those who experienced it. The park serves as a place of remembrance for all victims of the atomic attack, both direct and indirect. Your guide shares the stories behind the monuments, statues, and spaces, helping you recognise important symbols that might otherwise go unnoticed.
During your visit, explore key landmarks such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Children’s Monument, the Hiroshima Peace Park Rest House, the Flame of Peace, the Peace Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims, and the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for Atomic Bomb Victims. Your guide connects each location to personal stories and historical context, creating a meaningful and coherent experience.
The tour concludes in front of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the events of August 6, 1945, and their lasting impact on Hiroshima and the world today.
