Explore Hiroshima’s most renowned attractions, both designated as impressive UNESCO sites, which offer stunning beauty throughout the year. While it is recommended to visit them on separate days, a comprehensive tour encompassing both sights is available for those with limited time.
This full-day excursion features the top two attractions in Hiroshima: Miyajima Island, also known as Itsukushima, and the city of Hiroshima itself. The tour revolves around essential themes such as peace, history, resilience, culture, traditions, heritage, locally-made products, and natural splendor.
The duration of the tour is approximately 10 hours, which can be adjusted based on the group’s walking pace, level of interest, and desired stops. For a more relaxed experience, the guide is willing to extend the tour up to 12 hours, allowing ample time for rest, meals, and refreshments along the way.
The tour fee includes the services of a guide who will assist with translation, transportation for the guide, and entry fees. However, guests should be prepared to cover their own travel expenses, entry fees, and transportation costs. It is advisable to budget an additional 5,000 yen per person to account for food and drink expenses. Note that the JR pass covers JR train, JR ferry, and JR bus services, which can be utilized for transportation within the tour.
Itinerary
- Meet Rail or Bus Station, Cruise Ship Port, Hotel, Monument/Building
- (Depending on the time and weather) Travel to the island of Miyajima by train and ferry (up to ~1 hr)
- Visit the stunning Otori – giant “floating” tori gate and “floating” Itsukushima shrine UNESCO sites (60-90 min)
- Visit one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist temples Daishoin (1 hour)
- Coffee/tea break at a beautiful, interesting cafe on the island (30~60 minutes)
- Thousand mat hall and 5-story pagoda visit (30 minutes +)
- Interesting local shops and eateries (30 minutes +)
- Finish the tour on the island (in about 4 hrs) and head to Hiroshima city by tram or train for the 2nd part of the tour
- Hiroshima castle, shrine and ruins (not inside the castle)
- Shukkei-en zen gardens
- Hiroshima peace park: UNESCO A-bomb dome and meaningful memorials
**Due to accessibility restraints of some historic sites (including Daishoin temple, the 5-story pagoda, the thousand-mat-hall), the guide can plan modifications to the tour. Please be sure to discuss your needs with the guide in advance.
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