Tomayo is an excellent guide. She has a welcoming personality, outstanding English skills & extensive knowledge about Hiroshima — history, politics & current events. Definitely ask for her!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Please enter the guest’s age when booking, as it is required for ticket purchases. Only the birth year needs to be accurate; the month and day may be approximate.
- Licensed Local English-speaking Guide and a Complimentary Private Vehicle
- Miyajima island entry tax
- Admission fees for the Itsukushima Shrine
- Ferry fare
Excludes
- Meals
- Costs for visiting places not included in the itinerary
- Without the equipment required by law, children under 6 cannot join this tour.
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- 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. Pickup type - car This tour uses my Mazda Flair Wagon, which is a Japanese “Kei car.” A “Kei car” is a uniquely Japanese type of compact vehicle. The word “Kei” comes from the Japanese term keijidōsha (軽自動車), and does not refer to the English letter “K.” These cars are designed specifically for Japan’s roads and regulations, so you will hardly see them outside the country. They have become increasingly popular in Japan in recent years because of their efficiency, convenience, and the comfortable interior space they offer.
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 unique statues with expressive faces and poses, along with peaceful pathways that create a calm and spiritual atmosphere. Visiting the temple is optional, as there is a long staircase. If you prefer not to climb the stairs or would rather skip the temple visit, we can simply spend more time at other stops—such as trying local food, shopping, or staying longer at the Peace Memorial Museum. The plan can be easily adjusted 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.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Visiting Hiroshima was a deeply meaningful part of our trip, and having Tomoyo as our guide made the experience absolute perfection. She guided us through the Peace Memorial Park and local shrines with so much grace, depth, and local insight. Tomoyo took care of every single detail, making our entire day feel smooth, effortless, and wonderfully memorable. We couldn't have asked for a better host to share Hiroshima with us—we highly recommend booking a tour with Tomoyo!
Excellent, knew all the information very kind and attentive we had an amazing experience with her !!
A really enjoyable trip organised by Tomoyo. A lot was packed into the time we had even an extra unexpected but really appreciated visit to a traditional garden. We were picked up promptly at the port and Tomoyo had given clear instructions as to where to meet. We kept to the itinerary but were able to also do things we would have been reluctant to do on our own. We tried street food and ate konomiyaki in a lovely local restaurant. Tomoyo answered all our questions with extremely good English. Tomoyo is a very careful driver dropping us off in all the prime spots and rejoining us promptly when she had parked her car. Everything was clearly explained . We would highly recommend her to enrich your time in Hiroshima.
Tomoyo was fantastic. Fluent English, punctual, great personality and highly knowledgeable, great sense of humor. You learn so much from a private guide, instant answers and a translator as a bonus. This fantastic excursion will always be remembered, thanks Tomoyo.
Tomoyo was excellent. Her English was great. She was easily understood and quick to please. Great knowledge of culture and history. The weather in Hiroshima was very rainy. Tomoyo adjusted the schedule to accommodate the weather situation and our mobility issues.
Our guide Tomoyo did an amazing job of showing us our requested destinations. She made sure we had time to enjoy and understand the local culture. She was friendly, knowledgeable and made good use of our time. We experienced some very local activities and HIGHLY recommend her and this tour.
Wow. Just. Wow. We had such a great day! There were three of us, including my older mother-in-law. Tomoyo is lovely! She met us at the cruise terminal and we had a very full, fun, and educational day. Most importantly, she was able to tailor the tour to our needs. The day was perfection. She had tickets purchased already so we were able to ship most of the lines. It was very hot and humid. She encouraged water breaks and was willing to stop when we needed to. Most importantly we were able to move in such a way that my mother-in-law didn’t have any trouble and had a fabulous day. She was very thoughtful about dropping us off and then going to park, which was very helpful given the heat and humidity. What an incredibly city. It was so moving to hear so much of the history of the area and the people. Tomoyo really made it special! Thank you!!! ❤️
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Tomoyo was an excellent private guide. She spoke very good English. She is knowledgeable about sights and the way around the crowds.
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!
Hiroshima and Miyajima with Tomoyo, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. She is incredibly sweet, kind, polite, easygoing, and resourceful. Her deep knowledge of history brought each site to life, and her thoughtful insights into Miyajima added so much meaning to our visit. Tomoyo made us feel completely comfortable throughout the day. She drove safely, kept us on schedule, and went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of—providing umbrellas, water, and even taking beautiful photos of our group. Her storytelling was engaging and informative, and her warm personality made the entire experience feel like traveling with a dear friend. One of the highlights was the fun and delicious sushi restaurant she introduced us to, where everything was automated and the sushi arrived like a carousel—such a unique and memorable experience! If you’re planning an adventure to Hiroshima, we wholeheartedly recommend Tomoyo. She’ll guide you safely and punctually to the port, manage your schedule with ease, and make your day truly unforgettable.
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