Daisho-in

Start your tour by taking the ferry to Miyajima, the island of the gods. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and the iconic Otorii, Miyajima's symbol, during the ride. Upon arrival in Miyajima, be welcomed by friendly deer. Stroll along the coast to the Otorii Gate and proceed to Itsukushima Shrine. Learn how the the distinctive architecture of the shrine, constructed during the Heian period (794-1192), is resilient to the tides' ebb and flow. Visit the museum to learn about the life and culture of Miyajima, and then go for a local lunch made from ingredients from Hiroshima Prefecture. Get ready to chow down on some local Miyajima delicacies such as delicious fresh oysters and fried momiji dumplings. Next, delve into the rich history and culture cultivated on the small island of Miyajima, experiencing traditional Japanese architecture, gardens, and crafts. Savor the picturesque mountain path and scenery on your way to Daisho-in Temple, the island's oldest with 1,200 years of history. Uncover the temple's past and the evolution of faith on Miyajima with your guide. Finally, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, immersing yourself in the serene nature and forests of Miyajima, concluding the tour on a souvenir shop street.

Start your tour by meeting your guide at your hotel. You'll be paired with a like-minded local host who will suggest a completely flexible and personalized itinerary based on your interests and requests. Begin the tour with a ferry ride to Miyajima Island, which offers great views of the Seto Inland Sea. Once on the island, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, a red gate (torii) rising from the water just off Miyajima’s shores. Stop by the oldest temple in Miyajima, Daisho-in, built by one of Japan’s most famous monks. Cherry blossoms in spring add to the magic of these well-known temple sites. Next, stop for a break at Gallery Miyazato. This local establishment serves up traditional Japanese sweets like the famous Momiji Manju, perfect for a refuel. Momijidani Park and its 200 maple trees await exploring next, and then Mount Misen, the most sacred place in Miyajima. You can choose one of the three official hiking trails (don't worry, you can also opt for a ropeway ride!) up to the mountain’s summit, but whichever trail your take, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtakingly spectacular views, making this hike one of the best leisurely hiking courses you can take in Japan. Important: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences.

Private customized tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites from Hiroshima city. We'll pick you up at your hotel or train station in central Hiroshima! Guided by Hiroshima native, including a second generation A-bomb survivor, you'll get information that only locals know and that you can't get anywhere else. We have been educated about peace since we were small children. Miyajima, known as "God's Island" since ancient times. You will visit the World Heritage Site "Itsukushima Shrine" with its world famous "Floating Torii Gate". We will also show you some Hidden Gems. Many Deer will please you! In Hiroshima City, you will witness the World Heritage Site "Atomic Bomb Dome", "Peace Memorial Museum". You will learn about the facts of the atomic bombing and the history of Hiroshima's powerful rebuilding. If we have time, we will visit "Hiroshima Castle" and the beautiful Japanese garden, "Shukkeien" found in 1620. You can also explore the hidden gems and off-beaten paths of Hiroshima that only the locals know about! Enjoy Hiroshima's specialties, delicious local food "Okonomiyaki", "Oyster" and sake. We will recommend some good restaurants for you. This is a private tour and can be customized for you. Flexible so that you can decide the drop-off point at your convenience. Pricing is family friendly, as the more people on the tour, the more you save, and children are charged at a lower rate than other tours. Includes entrance fees, public transportation in some cases.

Explore Hiroshima and Miyajima Island with a fully customizable private tour tailored to your preferences. You can choose your experiences and start time, allowing our local partner to create the perfect itinerary for you. Begin your day by meeting your guide at your hotel and select the sites you'd like to visit based on your interests. **Example 4-7-Hour Itinerary:** Start your adventure by meeting your guide at your hotel in Hiroshima and head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Here, you'll find the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few buildings that survived the devastating atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. This site now serves as a memorial for the victims and a symbol of global peace. Next, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the bombing. The museum features poignant artifacts from the time of the explosion and offers various educational exhibits that provide insight into this significant event. Afterward, take a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island. Enjoy a walking tour of this picturesque island and visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, renowned for its iconic floating red torii gate that appears to rise from the sea.

Explore Miyajima Island on an exciting rickshaw tour led by a knowledgable guide. Meet your rickshaw outside of the Miyajima Ferry Terminal. Cruise down Miyajima’s charming streets to the center of town. See the townhouses and old-fashioned shopping arcade. Continue along the waterfront. Take in the view of the large orange torii (gate) standing in the water in front of the Itsukushima Shrine. Select the 70-minute tour option and visit the Daishoin Temple. This 1200-year-old temple is said to be a “power spot”– a special location where visitors are charged up with good energy. Enjoy a phenomenal view over Miyajima from the temple. Select the 130-minute tour stop at the Senjokaku Shrine, which was built under the order of the former Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Learn about the temple's history and take in the sea views. Select the 190-minute option and in addition to gorgeous temples and shrines mentioned above, you’ll also travel down special scenic routes which snake through parks and along the seaside. Your tour is customizable and can be modified based on your interest and preferences. You can also choose your own endpoint.

Enjoy Miyajima to the fullest! A Private customized tour of Miyajima from Hiroshima city. We'll pick you up at your hotel or train station in central Hiroshima. Guided by a Hiroshima native, you'll get information that only locals know and that you can't get anywhere else. Miyajima, known as "God's Island" since ancient times. You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Itsukushima Shrine" with the world famous "Floating Torii Gate", the oldest temple "Daishoin" and also explore the hidden gems and off the beaten track! Many deer will delight you! If you are interested in hiking, take the cable car up to the top of Mt. Misen and enjoy the breathtaking views! (*optional and take 2.5hours) Enjoy Hiroshima's specialties, delicious local food "okonomiyaki", "oyster" and "conger eel rice bowl". We will recommend you some good restaurants. This is a flexible tour that you can customize! Pricing is family friendly, the more people on the tour the more you save, and children are charged at a lower rate than other tours. Includes entrance fees, public transportation in some cases.

A Sensory Journey of Mind and Spirit - Exploring Spiritual Culture at Daishoin Temple, Miyajima Daishoin Temple is your gateway to a deeper experience of the sacred island of Miyajima and insights into Japanese spirituality. The island’s oldest temple and protector of its ancient forests, serene Daishoin is the perfect place to become acquainted with some fundamental Buddhist teachings, expertly interpreted by local guides. Our journey of introspection begins as you pass through the temple gate. Surrender to the sound of drums and Buddhist chants that fill the air. Clear the mind by walking the dark passageway beneath the hall which houses the bodhisattva of compassion and encourages self-reflection. Returning to the light of day, commune with nature in a secluded meditation space that overlooks Itsukushima Shrine and its grand vermillion shrine gate, floating in the bay below. Feel centuries of history and devotion in the presence of an eternal flame, tended for 1,200 years in a cave illuminated with the light from hundreds of lanterns and filled with the aroma of incense. Experience for yourself the revelatory power of the simple act of tending to a traditional Japanese garden that exemplifies the concept of “shojin”, followed by the quiet pleasure of enjoying a bowl of matcha tea. We conclude our journey by sharing our impressions and how our insights might be carried into our daily lives, further deepening bonds of warmth and connection forged along the way. Why not join us in walking a path to inner peace in the natural and historical splendor of Daishoin Temple? --------------------------------------------------------------- ■Itinerary 9：00 A prologue at the六角茶房 "Hexagon.cafe" 9：15 A visit to 五百羅漢 "GOHYAKU RAKAN" 9：25 A visit to 観音堂 ”Kannondo” 9：40 A visit to 戒壇巡り "KAIDAN MEGURI" 10：00 An experience prayer and meditation in 摩尼殿 "MANI DEN" 11：10 A visit to 遍照窟 "HENJO KUTSU" 11：30 Japanese garden cleaning・Draw sand ripples 12：15 An epilogue at the六角茶房 "Hexagon.cafe" 12：30 The end of a journey -------------------------------------------------------------------- ■About Daishoin Daishoin is one of Miyajima's most significant temples. Intimately connected with Itsukushima Shrine for many centuries prior to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism at the end of the 19th century, Daishoin is a temple that accepts gods and Buddhas of all religions. ■Kukai, the Founder of Daishoin Daishoin was founded in 806 by the 9th-century monk Kukai, whose name means "sky and sea." One of Japan’s most famous religious figures, many tales of superhuman feats are associated with him and he had a wide-ranging cultural impact. Kukai is closely associated with the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and, to this day, is believed to remain in a state of deep meditation within his mausoleum on Mt Koya.