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3 Days in Hiroshima and Miyajima

Hiroshima and Miyajima are sometimes visited as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. However, this area has so much more than meets the eye. Take this Extension Model Itinerary of Hiroshima and Miyajima, and explore these most captivating areas of Japan at a slower pace. Discover its ancient and modern history and culture.

Duration

3 days

Theme

Informative sightseeing

Group size

Min 2 people

Tour Overview

This private extension is ONLY available with any of the scheduled Journey to the East Small Group Tours or as an add-on to a Private Tour.

Hiroshima is best known as the site of the 1945 Atomic Bomb, and Miyajima as an UNESCO World Heritage site of Itsukushima Shrine. This private tour model itinerary of Hiroshima and Miyajima aims to show you beyond these famous icons.

Walk through the Atomic Bomb Memorial Park with a knowledgeable local guide and you will get so much insight in to this 1945 event and its impact on the city and people of Hiroshima. Hiroshima is also the home of Mazda Automobile Headquarters with its very informative museum and factory tour. Nearby Saijo is a traditional sake producing town with many businesses still operating as a boutique brewery. Shukkei-en Garden is a magnificent Japanese garden on a par with other famous gardens in Kyoto and elsewhere.  It is lit up at night in Spring and Autumn to create dream-like scenes.

Miyajima on the other hand is much more than just the Itsukushima Shrine and Otorii gate. There are many little temples and historical monuments, charming shops and cafes in backstreets, and walking trails in beautiful natural settings. Miyajima is quintessential Japan.

Why not spend 3 days or more here and discover the hidden treasures of the region. It is a great way to wind down at the end of one of our Small Group Tours, or combine it with a Private Tour Model Itinerary to create a complete holiday.

Important notes about our model itineraries:

Our model itineraries are developed to show viewers the ideas for an itinerary and price guide. The itineraries can be further customized, and the accommodation and guide time can be adjusted to suit you. The number of people in your group will affect the price, too. We will give you more firm quotation once we develop your personal itinerary.

ようこそ
welcome

Itinerary

Day 1: Guided tour of Atomic Bomb Museum and Park

Arrive at JR Hiroshima Station and meet your private guide. The station was recently significantly updated and a great place for a quick lunch or shopping. A short bus or tram ride from the station will bring you to the site of the A-Bomb Museum and Memorial Park. Walk through the Museum and Park with a local guide and hear personal stories of Hiroshima people.

You can also visit Shukkei-en Japanese Garden if time permits. For tonight's dinner, why not experience Hiroshima's most famous dish, Okonomiyaki.

Dinner
Hiroshima
Private guide in the afternoon
Taxi
Day 2: Miyajima

After breakfast, meet your private guide at your hotel lobby and take the train and ferry to the island of Miyajima. After visiting Itsukushima Shrine it is time to enjoy the rest of this fascinating island, we can tailor the day to suit your interests. For example, the guide can take you through another fascinating temple, Daisho-in, you can take the ropeway to the top of Mt Misen for a great view of the Seto Inland Sea, backstreet walking for cafes and cute shops, or admire gorgeous red maple forests.

This model itinerary is based on you returning to Hiroshima to stay tonight, but there is an option of staying in traditional style accommodation (ryokan) on the island if you would like to experience the island when the crowds have gone. Please talk to us if you are interested.

Evening is free for you to stay in your hotel and relax, or venture out to the vibrant nightlife in Hiroshima. There are thousands of restaurants around your hotel and your guide will give you information you need.

Breakfast, Lunch
Hiroshima
Private guide for 8 hours
Train, ferry and walk 
Day 3: Guided tour of Saijo (town of sake) or Mazda Museum

Meet your guide again at your hotel lobby. Before you leave Hiroshima, we will take you to the town of Saijo, west of Hiroshima City, for a sake appreciation tour, or the Mazda Museum and Factory Tour depending on your interest. At Mazda, learn about the history of the company and see the actual production line in operation. Please note that Sake breweries in Saijo are open to public on Weekends, and Mazda Museum only operates weekdays.

Upon returning to JR Hiroshima Station, the guide will see you off to your next destination, your departing airport, or you may decide to stay a few more days in Hiroshima.

There are many other fascinating places nearby here, such as Iwakuni, which is worth a visit especially in the cherry blossom season. Hiroshima is also a great gateway to further west, such as Shikoku, Kyushu islands or the San-in region.

Breakfast
None
Private guide for 4 hours
Train and walk

Inclusions

Includes

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • Meals as specified
  • Transport described in the itinerary (starts and ends in Hiroshima)
  • Locally licensed English speaking tour guides and his/her expenses

Excludes

  • International and domestic airfare (unless otherwise stated)
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Tips and gratuities (not routinely expected in Japan)
  • Entrance fees to attractions
  • Personal expenses (laundry, internet, telephone, coin lockers etc.)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Travel insurance

Price Guide

3 Days in Hiroshima and Miyajima

Have a question about this tour? Get in touch with our staff directly.