Hiroshima Cruise Pickup : Miyajima & Peace Park Tour with car
Description
Experience Hiroshima with a small, heartfelt tour (max 3 guests) that feels like spending the day with a local friend as a shore excursion. We will visit Hiroshima’s two most meaningful UNESCO sites, the Peace Memorial Museum and Itsukushima Shrine, with an itinerary personally tailored to your ship’s arrival and departure. Your Guide: I am a U.S. university graduate and a Hiroshima government‑licensed guide who has led over 190 tours. I have also welcomed guests from around the world as a host mother. This tour is personally designed and guided by me from start to finish. Relax: Enjoy your day without worrying about logistics or how much cash you need. You won’t need to take out your wallet and pay for transportation and entrance fees in Japanese yen along the way. All necessary tour costs are included, so you only need to bring enough for your lunch, drinks, and any souvenirs. My goal is simple: I want you to enjoy Hiroshima. Let’s have fun!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Hiroshima has two cruise ship ports (Ujina and Itsukaichi), and I will pick you up at the correct one. The official cruise ship schedule provided by Hiroshima Prefecture will be checked in advance to ensure we meet at the right port. The order of visiting Miyajima (Hatsukaichi City) and the Hiroshima city center will be arranged flexibly based on your schedule, the weather, and any other circumstances on the day.
After a 40–50 minute drive, we will park near the ferry terminal and enjoy a short 10‑minute ferry ride to Miyajima. Since the island has very limited parking and the road conditions are not ideal for cars, we do not cross to the island by vehicle.
While walking toward Itsukushima Shrine, the iconic Great Torii gate gradually comes into sight. You can enjoy the surroundings and take photos as we approach.
We will continue on to Itsukushima Shrine, Japan’s only shrine built over the water. As we walk through its graceful corridors, your guide will explain the history and features of the site, and you can enjoy taking photos or purchasing charms along the way.
We will then visit Daishoin Temple, one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places on Miyajima. The temple grounds are filled with colorful statues, peaceful pathways, and stunning views, creating a calm and spiritual atmosphere. Visiting the temple is optional, so if you prefer to spend more time on other experiences—such as trying local food, shopping, or staying longer at the Peace Memorial Museum—we can easily adjust the plan to your interests.
We will spend a fun time strolling along the shopping street, enjoying local food and drinks and browsing for souvenirs. Lunch I will explain Hiroshima’s local specialty foods during the tour. If you would like to sit down at a restaurant and enjoy Hiroshima’s famous dishes, please let me know in advance so I can secure enough time for lunch. You are also very welcome to enjoy a light “food‑walking” style and try small bites along the way.
We will take the ferry back to the mainland, with the ferry ride and drive taking roughly one hour in total, before arriving in Hiroshima City. After parking the car nearby, our walking tour will begin at the Hiroshima A‑bomb Hypocenter.
At the Atomic Bomb Dome, we will spend some quiet time reflecting on Hiroshima’s history and the significance of this landmark.
Your guide will share the stories and significance of the memorials and monuments as we explore Peace Memorial Park together.
Our final stop will be the Peace Memorial Museum, a quiet and reflective space where conversations are kept to a minimum. Since all exhibits are displayed in both Japanese and English, you will explore the museum on your own after I scan the QR code of the ticket I have reserved for you at the entrance. If you prefer an audio guide in another language, I can assist you in renting one. (Audio guides are not included in the tour price.)
We will return to the port where your ship is docked. On the way back, we can spend some time talking about your visit and any thoughts you’d like to share. If you still have a lot of time before your ship departs, you may also choose to end the tour in front of the museum and return to the port on your own by taxi or other transportation. (Taxi fares are not included in the tour price.) I will plan the itinerary according to your preferences, including your preferred ending point.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Meeting Place There are two cruise ship ports in Hiroshima: Ujina and Itsukaichi. I can meet guests at either port. Ujina Port: I will meet you near the taxi stand, just outside the terminal building. Itsukaichi Port: This port requires an entry permit. If the permit is approved, I will meet you inside the terminal building. If the permit is not approved in time, I will meet you outside the restricted area, about a 3‑minute walk from the terminal. Meeting Time I confirm the official cruise ship arrival schedule provided by Hiroshima Prefecture and consult with guests about their preferences. Using their available time in Hiroshima, I suggest the most appropriate meeting time and make any necessary adjustments.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour is open to guests aged 7 and above.
- If you have any mobility aids, please check their size before booking.
- To the agency, When making the reservation, please write in the notes both your company’s phone number and the guest’s phone number.
Reviews(11)
Tomoyo was our guide. Very good with communication before tour. Met as Yokohama port as planned. Very grateful for her assistance with my elderly mother. We started the day by driving to Peace Museum, then took ferry to Miyajima, Dome, lastly we had lunch at a recommended Okonomoyaki restaurant which we loved. I would give her 10 stars if i could.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We were able to begin the tour early and avoid the crowds because your cruise arrived very early in the morning at the Ujina Cruise Port. I’m very glad to hear that my suggestions to reduce walking as much as possible helped make the day a little easier for your mother. It was also lovely to hear that you enjoyed the Okonomiyaki with the extra shrimp and green onions you chose. The conversations we shared — not only about Hiroshima’s history but also about our everyday lives and your mother’s memories of the war — gave me the chance to learn from many different perspectives, and I found them truly meaningful. I would be very happy to welcome you back to Japan and Hiroshima again someday. Tomoyo
We loved spending the day with Tomoyo at Hiroshima. Our tour was well planned. She had so much to share about the local culture as well as the history of the city. The day was full but flexible. She recommended the perfect lunch spot. We are still raving about the lunch! One of our favorite days of a 17 day trip to japan.
Thank you so much for your kind review. On Miyajima, you enjoyed eating the grilled oysters with cheese and buying a beautiful necklace. I thought your idea of collecting jewelry made from local stones and local materials was great and a meaningful way to remember your travels. For lunch, I took you to a very local Okonomiyaki restaurant, and the kaiware radish and garlic toppings you chose were a combination I had never tried before. They were so delicious that I’m thinking of making the same style at home. It was a wonderful day for me as well. I hope you discover another beautiful piece of jewelry on your next journey. Tomoyo
This tour with Tomoyo was exactly what we wanted in Hiroshima. She picked us up at our cruise terminal in her K Mazda—so cute and comfortable! We drove to the ferry to see the Miyajima Shrine. She had tickets for us and on the ride over gave us the history of the island and shrine. What a lovely site and there was even a wedding! After touring we walked the shops then requested to sample the famous oysters and cakes. Afterwards we went to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. She shared the somber history of that first atomic bomb blast. She showed us the marker for ground zero where the hospital was annihilated as well the basement that protected the only blast survivor in the nearby kimono factory. We toured the museum on our own with audio and set our own pace. To hear the stories from the survivors was heartbreaking, but confirmed the fact that war is devastating and nuclear war is horrific. Tomoyo is just delightful and very knowledgeable about history. Her English is excellent and we highly recommend her as a licensed guide.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m very happy to know that you enjoyed your day in Hiroshima, and I’m also glad you had the chance to try our famous grilled oysters and Momiji manju. Talking with you about our families, wedding traditions, world events, and your memorable experiences in Japan brought such warmth to the day. Your friendly and open personality made every moment feel relaxed and enjoyable. It means a great deal to hear that the Peace Memorial Park and Museum left a meaningful impression. I truly appreciated the sincere way you listened and the thoughtful questions you shared. Guiding you was a real pleasure, and your kind recommendation means so much to me. Wishing you many more wonderful journeys ahead. Tomoyo
Fantastic day! We spent the day visiting all the sites we wanted to and Tomoyo was amazing. She was highly organised, very informative and friendly and was just a delight. Her English and knowledge was outstanding. Highly recommend this tour.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. On Miyajima, you enjoyed so many local foods — the fried oysters you loved, the amazing grilled oysters, and the peach and cream momiji manju. After that, I invited you to a local ramen shop, and it was fun to share something truly local. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom that day, and everything looked beautiful. I’m sure your family loved the cherry‑blossom T‑shirt you chose as a souvenir. Our conversation was lively and enjoyable, even touching on how you installed a Japanese washlet toilet in your home because you liked it so much. I truly had a wonderful time with both of you. I hope we meet again in Japan. Tomoyo
Excellent tour of Hiroshima. Our guide, Tomoyo, met us at the Cruise terminal. She was full of knowledge and explained everything to do with the area. There was only two of us on this private tour and Tomoyo had a small reliable/comfortable car. No problems to get us back to the cruise terminal well before time.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. You really seemed to enjoy taking beautiful photos of Miyajima, and I loved seeing the cute pictures of your grandchildren. I’m sure they will be happy with the souvenirs you chose. At the Peace Park, I appreciated sharing our thoughts about the past and today’s world, and I’m grateful for how sincerely you listened. I hope you’ll visit Hiroshima again someday — the chestnut cake will be waiting for you! Tomoyo
We had the absolute pleasure of spending a full day in Hiroshima with Tomoyo, and she was truly one of the best guides we have ever experienced. From the very first communication before we even met, Tomoyo was responsive, thoughtful, and exceptionally well organized. On the actual tour day, Tomaya met us at the cruise terminal & we set off in her spotlessly clean car. She guided us seamlessly through an unforgettable itinerary that included the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and the downtown shopping district. At every stop, she shared rich historical context, cultural insights, and meaningful details that brought each location to life and clearly reflected her deep knowledge and passion for Hiroshima. Beyond her expertise, what truly set Tomoyo apart was her warmth, care, and genuine concern for our experience. She was incredibly friendly, attentive to our pace and comfort, and consistently positive and encouraging throughout the day. Even after we returned to the ship, she followed up with us, which was a thoughtful and much-appreciated gesture that speaks volumes about her professionalism and character. Tomoyo is an outstanding guide in every sense - knowledgeable, kind, engaging, and deeply committed to her guests. We are extremely grateful for the care and motivation she provided throughout the day, and we would recommend her without hesitation to anyone visiting Hiroshima. Future travelers should feel confident knowing they will be in excellent hands with Tomoyo.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Reading your message made me truly happy, and I am delighted that I could help you enjoy Hiroshima. From the moment we met, the three of us immediately started talking and felt comfortable together. Both of you shared so many interesting stories, and your warm and friendly personalities made the whole day even more enjoyable for me. On Miyajima, we had such a fun time strolling through the shopping street and trying many different kinds of oysters such as fried oysters, oyster tempura, and grilled oysters, and also enjoying both the classic and the deep fried Momiji Manju. You said it was your first time trying the sweet red bean flavor, and it turned out to be nicer than you expected. At the Peace Memorial Park, you listened with great interest to the story behind the thousand paper cranes, which meant a lot to me. You also told me that you enjoy turning your souvenirs into Christmas decorations, and that you like looking back at your photos and videos as well. I hope the items you picked up in Hiroshima will bring back warm memories whenever you see them. Thank you again for such a wonderful day. I truly enjoyed spending time with you both, and I hope we can meet again the next time you visit Japan. Tomoyo
Tomoyo gave us an excellent guided tour of Miyajami and Hiroshima. She met us at the cruise terminal and took us in her car around the local area . Firstly to the shrine then into Hiroshima to see the peace park and museum. Nothing was too much trouble and all admission and ferry tickets were included. Being a local has its advantages as you know the best places to eat. On the day we visited it was very busy because it was a national holiday but Tomoyo guided us around the crowds and suggested places to pick up some local food. The grilled oysters were fabulous. She took photos and sent them to us and gave us enough time to look around at our own pace. All in all a great experience of Hiroshima.
Thank you very much for your kind review of the Hiroshima & Miyajima tour. I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the day, even though it was a busy national holiday. Exploring Miyajima together with grilled oysters, nigiri‑ten, and even a juice refill made the walk feel like a true local experience. It was also fun to chat about some differences between American English and British English, and those conversations always add extra smiles to the tour. I hope the photos bring back happy memories of Hiroshima, and perhaps inspire another visit in the future. Thank you again for joining the tour. It was a pleasure to spend the day together.
Tomoyo was as excellent a guide as you would wish for. She was informative, punctual and gave us a wonderful tour around Hiroshima and Miyajima island. She drove us around safely in her comfortable car and made sure we were looked after every step of the way. She included all admission fees in her quote so all we had to do was enjoy the day-which we did. Thank you Tomoyo- we loved exploring your wonderful city with you!
Thank you so much for your lovely review! I remember how much you enjoyed Miyajima. It was wonderful to see your delight as we explored the island together. After trying Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, you said, “I wasn’t even that hungry, but it was so tasty I finished it quickly!” I'm really glad I could introduce you to our soul food. It was also a joy to see photos of your grandchildren and family, and to share stories with each other throughout the day. I truly enjoyed spending time with you both. You were so friendly, kind, and full of warmth. If you ever come back to Japan, please do get in touch. I’d love to welcome you again! Your guide, Tomoyo
Tomoyo was an excellent private guide. She spoke very good English. She is knowledgeable about sights and the way around the crowds.
Thank you so much for your kind review! It was such a pleasure guiding you through Hiroshima’s sights and tastes. From fresh oysters to Okonomiyaki lunch and matcha ice cream, we explored the best of Hiroshima’s cuisine. I especially enjoyed our thoughtful conversations—your insights and openness made the day truly memorable. I hope our paths cross again. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch when you return to Japan.
Tomoyo Fujii was an incredible guide during our visit to Hiroshima. She speaks excellent English and gave us a fascinating explanation of the sacred Miyajima Shrine, including its floating structure and the tradition that women cannot give birth there. She also took us through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the exact site of the atomic bomb’s impact, sharing powerful insights. We enjoyed a delicious lunch together, including oysters, at a fun automated sushi restaurant. Tomoyo’s warmth, knowledge, and thoughtful guidance made our experience unforgettable. We highly recommend her for anyone visiting Hiroshima!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and kind support. Exploring Miyajima’s sacred traditions and Hiroshima’s history together was truly special, and I’m glad our conversations left a lasting impression. I also have fond memories of our lunch—you looked so happy, and that made me happy too. Seeing you enjoy the moment brought me real joy. Your kind words mean a lot to me, and they help others discover Hiroshima through heartfelt storytelling. I’d be delighted to welcome you again if you return to Japan. Thank you again!
