Hiroshima

Temples & shrines

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This tour is conducted by an English-speaking guide only. Head out of Fukuoka or Osaka or Kyoto on a day trip to Hiroshima to visit the sobering Atomic Bomb Dome, as well as the uplifting Itsukushima Shrine. Sit back and relax in a bullet train from your starting point, then enjoy the comfort of a tour bus while you visit Hiroshima. Meet your guide and head to your bullet train, also known as shinkansen, to make your way to Hiroshima. Once arrived, hop onto your tour bus to begin your visit of the city's main attractions and world heritage sites. First, make your way to the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. See and feel the weight of the effects of nuclear warfare firsthand, as you look at the derelict dome in front of you. Lunch is Authentic Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki which is topped with pork, cabbage, bean sprout and noodles (*in stated as included in the plan) Next, head back into the bus and make your way to catch the ferry to Miyajima Island. Once there, marvel at one of the most scenic sites in Japan, the Itsukushima Shrine. Stroll on the island, known as the historic site of Shinto, literally translated as "the way of the Gods", taking in the peaceful scenery. End your day by heading back to Fukuoka or Osaka or Kyoto by bullet train.

This tour is conducted by an English-speaking guide only. Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to see the A-Bomb Dome, a memorial in the ruins of a building damaged by the atomic blast. Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island, the site of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a Japanese pancake or Okonomiyaki for lunch. Come to the meeting point and board the bus to depart from Hiroshima station. First, head to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to visit the A-Bomb Dome, the ruin of a former building, which is now the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Learn about the tragic effects of nuclear warfare and the importance of peace. Try an authentic Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, or Japanese pancake, with pork, cabbage, bean sprout and noodles in Hiroshima city. Afterwards, take a ferry over to Miyajima Island, a small island in Hiroshima Bay. See the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine, and a famous red gate which appears to float in the sea.

Meet your guide and head to your first stop amidst the vibrant cityscape, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a place that transcends time and emotion. This sacred sanctuary stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity. Amid serene greenery and tranquil waters, find a solemn reminder of the past and a beacon of hope for the future. At the center, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a witness to the devastating events of August 6, 1945, carrying a message of peace resounds stronger than ever. As you walk through the park’s winding paths, encounter the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, where countless paper cranes symbolize the world’s collective wish for peace. Nearby, the eternal Flame of Peace burns brightly, a commitment to a world free from nuclear weapons. Also step into the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a solemn tribute to the enduring spirit of hope and resilience. Gain profound insights into the tragic atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Continue to the Shinto Shrine of Itsukushima crafted with precision and devotion, standing on the very edge of the Seto Inland Sea. During high tide, the shrine appears to float on the water’s surface, as if suspended between the earthly and the divine. Then, behold Tenshinkaku, the “Pavilion of Heavenly Spirits,” is a serene retreat nestled in a peaceful setting. Marvel at Japanese architectural beauty with intricate wooden design and traditional tatami interiors, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage. Move onward to explore the serene nature and hills behind the shrine on Miyajima Island and gain a deeper appreciation for these environs. During your hour of free time before departure, walk through charming streets that will lead you to vibrant shops and stalls. Sample local delicacies like Momiji Manju, a maple-leaf-shaped cake with sweet or savory fillings. Discover hidden treasures, from quaint boutiques offering handcrafted souvenirs to tea houses where you can savor the flavors of Japan. Finally, gather at the ferry to return to central Hiroshima. Professional photo option Join us on a memorable journey with our expert guide-photographers, as we delve into the poignant history of Hiroshima at the Peace Memorial Park. Amidst the solemn atmosphere, our guides skillfully capture moments of reflection and reverence. Then, journey to Miyajima Island, where our guide-photographers transform your experience into timeless memories, expertly framing each moment. Join us for a tour that ensures every step is captured in stunning professional photos.

Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a tour through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Here, you will learn the horrors of the atomic bomb and how the people of Hiroshima coped with the tragedy. This will be a tour filled with hope, as the people of Hiroshima learned never to give up even in the darkest days. Feel the breeze as you go up to the Orizuru Tower's observatory area. Here you can get wide view of the city and feel the strength of the people of Hiroshima. The Orizuru (paper crane) is considered as a symbol of peace; learn how to make a paper crane and make a wish for peace.  After visiting Orizuru Tower, have lunch. Following, your guide will take you to see the Aorigi Tree, which brought hope after the atomic bomb. The final destination is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Atomic Bomb Dome. Learn more about Japanese life and feel the revival of the city.

※Please note that the duration of this tour has been changed from 7 hours to 8 hours, effective November 6th, 2024. If your reservation was made before November 6th, 2024, your tour will still be 7 hours and you will be charged for the 7 hour tour only. We kindly ask for your cooperation in reviewing the tour duration details in the confirmation email you received. Thank you for your understanding. Discover Hiroshima and Miyajima Island on a fully customizable private tour. Choose what you would like to experience, what time you would like to start your tour, and the local partner will arrange a tour to suit you. Start your day by meeting your guide at your hotel, then choose to sites you wish to visit depending on your interests. Example 8-hour Itinerary: Meet your guide at your hotel in Hiroshima and first visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. See the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, known today as the Atomic Bomb Dome, which was one of the very few buildings that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Today, the building serves as a memorial to the victims of the bombing, and as a symbol of international peace. Visit the onsite Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and learn more about the bombing. See poignant artifacts from the time of the atomic explosion on display, as well as various educational exhibits. Afterward, take the ferry to Miyajima island. Take a walking tour of the picturesque island and visit Itsukushima Shrine. This shrine is famous for the mysterious floating red torii gate that stands in the middle of the sea.

In Hiroshima City, there are many heritage sites in the suburbs in addition to the Peace Memorial Park, each with a story connected to the atomic bombing. While at the heritage site of the bombing, we will introduce you to the power of the atomic bomb and the situation at the time. 70 years after the war, the destroyed Hiroshima has been dramatically revitalized, and now you can see it full of greenery. You can get a real sense of it through your own eyes, and cycling is the best way to do that. With the guidance of our local staff, who grew up in the city, come and experience the real Hiroshima that you can't experience through photos and books. ＜About the route＞ [11:00 / 15:00] Meeting up [11:05 / 15:05] Peace Memorial Park What is the Peace Memorial Park? Learn about the memories contained in the monuments and the Atomic Bomb Dome and what happened 70 years ago. [12:00 / 16:00] Did you know that there is still a train running today that survived the atomic bombing, known as the A-Bombed Streetcars?The guide will show you the actual townscape of Hiroshima in the suburbs away from the touristic area. You will find beautiful Hiroshima vigorously revived from the tremendous damages by the atomic bombing while visiting numerous A-bomb heritage sites and listening to the episodes handed down in Hiroshima. [13:00 / 17:00] The tour finishes at the meeting point. *This tour is an English guided tour. *It will be a mixed tour for up to 10 people. *As this is a shared tour, if there are guests in other groups who are not accustomed to cycling, especially children, we will adjust the pace accordingly. We appreciate your understanding. *You will be given data of the photos taken on the day. *If you wish, we can also guide you to the Atomic Bomb Museum. (Additional hour, plus 3,000 yen cash payment on the day. Not possible when combined with other guests, only from 11:00 to 13:00) *The timetable may change depending on the situation on the day.

Join us on a profound journey through Hiroshima to understand why the atomic bomb was dropped on this city. Our thematic tour covers three key sites: Gokoku Shrine, Hiroshima Castle, and the Peace Memorial Park. Each location provides unique insights into Hiroshima's military significance during World War II, the strategic reasons behind its selection as a target, and the devastating human and cultural consequences of the bombing. Explore the historical and military context at Gokoku Shrine and Hiroshima Castle, and then reflect on the tragic aftermath and the enduring call for peace at the Peace Memorial Park. This tour offers a comprehensive look into the events leading up to the bombing, fostering a deep appreciation for peace and reconciliation. Join us to explore the profound impacts and the ongoing legacy of one of the most pivotal events of the 20th century.

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.

Enter Tokujuji Temple and enjoy traditional Japanese cultural experiences, combining your choice of a tea ceremony, calligraphy lesson, or both, all while wearing traditional Japanese dress. During the calligraphy lesson, you'll learn how to draw the lines with step-by-step instructions. You'll have plenty of time to practice one or more of the Kanji, Chinese Characters. While you practice, your instructor will make a sample of your name. Once you have practiced the Kanji, practice how to write your name in Japanese alphabet, either in Hiragana or Katakana. Sign your work with Japanese and you are done. Wrap your art work to safly take them home. The tea ceremony has strict percedures. Starting from greeting, tea master will purify the tools, make the tea, clean the tools and close the tea ceremony. Enjoy sweets and matcha tea. Learn how to drink the tea in the correct manner and how to make the tea. We will have tea ceremony in Ryurei style, which means using table and chairs. Take a walk in the beautiful Japanese garden and have pictures taken.