Hiroshima and Miyajima 1 Day Bus Tour

Discover Hiroshima and Miyajima in One Full Day

If you’re visiting Hiroshima and short on time, this Hiroshima and Miyajima 1 Day Bus Tour offers a thorough, meaningful experience. For around $129 per person, you’ll spend roughly 7 hours and 40 minutes exploring some of the city’s most significant sites, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. With an English-speaking guide, comfortable transportation, and an authentic Hiroshima-style lunch included, it’s an excellent way to get a broad yet intimate look at this historic city.

What we love about this tour: First, the personal stories shared by guides—like the account of a guide’s grandparents during the atomic bombing—bring a rare human dimension to the visit. Second, the combination of powerful historical sites with the serene beauty of Miyajima makes for a balanced, emotional day.

A potential consideration: the tour packs in quite a lot, which might leave little room for lingering at each stop, particularly at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a structured, informative experience. If you prefer to explore at a more leisurely pace or focus solely on one aspect—whether historical or scenic—you might want to consider longer or separate visits.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to see Hiroshima’s most important landmarks, those with limited time to explore, or anyone wanting a guided overview of Hiroshima’s poignant history and beautiful scenery.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Includes Hiroshima’s key memorials and Miyajima’s famous Itsukushima Shrine.
• Expert guides: Guides are knowledgeable, sharing personal stories that deepen understanding.
• All-inclusive convenience: Ferry, lunch, and entrance fees are included, removing planning stress.
• Authentic cuisine: Lunch features traditional Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, with options for dietary restrictions.
• Comfortable transport: Travel is in air-conditioned vehicles, ideal for the season.
• Balanced experience: Mix of somber history with scenic beauty, appealing to varied interests.

A Deep Dive into the Hiroshima and Miyajima Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

Your journey begins at Hiroshima Station at 10:00 am, with the convenience of a mobile ticket and a maximum group size of 40 travelers. The guide, who is often praised for their extensive knowledge and personal anecdotes, takes care to make the day flow smoothly. The bus is air-conditioned, which is a big plus in Japan’s summer or winter, ensuring comfort as you hop from site to site.

Visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome

The first stop is the Atomic Bomb Dome, a symbol of destruction and resilience. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, this building’s skeletal remains serve as a stark reminder of nuclear devastation. Visitors often find this site profoundly moving, especially after hearing stories shared by guides, like the personal account of Hiroshima residents. As one reviewer noted, “The tour left a profound impact,” emphasizing how these personal stories connect history to human experience.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Next, you’ll stroll through the Peace Memorial Park, a sprawling space designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange. Covering about 122,100 square meters, it’s a place that invites reflection. Among the park’s features are the Children’s Memorial, the A-Bomb Cenotaph, and the Peace Flame. The park’s design and the stories told here help visitors grasp the scale of destruction and the city’s commitment to peace.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

The Peace Memorial Museum is the most emotional part of the tour. It features photographs, personal belongings, and graphic displays that depict the human suffering caused by the atomic bomb. Multiple reviews mention how upsetting but necessary this visit is—“the personal details displayed are quite upsetting and serve to remind that we should not take peace for granted.” The museum is closed on certain days, but if it’s unavailable, the tour replaces it with a visit to the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall.

Lunch: Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki

Around midday, it’s time for a lunch break featuring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. This savory pancake, layered with pork, cabbage, bean sprouts, noodles, and eggs, is beloved locally. The tour offers three options, including a pescatarian and allergy-sensitive choice, which shows attention to diverse dietary needs. Reviewers consistently praise the lunch for being delicious and authentic—“the okonomiyaki lunch was absolutely delicious,” and “the place was cute and delish!”

Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine

After lunch, the tour takes a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island, famed for its floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine’s picturesque setting, with the gate in the water, creates one of Japan’s most iconic views. Visitors enjoy walking around the inlet, looking out over the sea, and snapping photos of the shrine and its surroundings.

Most travelers agree that Miyajima offers a peaceful contrast to the intense history of Hiroshima. As one reviewer put it, “Miyajima is a pretty place and worth the visit,” with many enjoying the scenery and the quaint shopping streets. Keep in mind, the shrine itself isn’t open after sunset, but the illuminated view at night can be magical.

The Overall Experience

Guides are often praised for their friendly, informative approach. Several reviews mention how guides like Yuka or Tom share stories that make the history come alive. The tour handles logistics seamlessly, balancing the emotional weight of Hiroshima’s history with the serenity of Miyajima.

What to Expect and What to Bring

Expect a fairly full schedule—each stop is carefully timed. The tour is designed for those who don’t mind walking and standing for periods, though it might be less suitable for visitors with mobility issues. The bus’s luggage compartment allows you to store belongings, and the tour’s structure helps avoid long waits or confusion.

Value for Money

At $128.69, this tour offers good value considering the included ferry ride, entrance fees, and a traditional lunch. The reviews highlight that guides go beyond the basics, sharing stories and insights that make the visit memorable. Many travelers mention how the experience left a lasting impression and recommend it as a “must-do” in Hiroshima.

Possible Drawbacks

While the tour covers a lot, some reviews suggest that more time at the Peace Museum would be appreciated. The tight schedule means less opportunity for reflection or lingering at individual sites. If you’re someone who prefers to explore slowly or focus on one aspect of Hiroshima, you might find this tour a bit rushed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, guided overview of Hiroshima’s most important sites in a single day, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, history buffs, or anyone wanting an emotional yet scenic experience. The knowledgeable guides blend factual information with personal stories, making it especially engaging. However, those seeking a more leisurely pace or focusing exclusively on one site (like the museum) might prefer to plan separate visits.

FAQs

Is transportation provided?
Yes, you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, and ferry tickets to Miyajima are included.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes, starting at 10:00 am and returning to Hiroshima Station.

Are meals included?
Yes, you get an authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for lunch, with options for dietary restrictions.

Can I bring luggage?
Yes, luggage can be stored in the bus’s luggage compartment during the tour.

What are the main sites visited?
The Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum, and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While many reviews recommend it for most travelers, be aware the Peace Museum can be graphic and emotionally challenging, so it’s not ideal for very young children or faint-hearted travelers.

What if the Peace Museum is closed?
The tour will visit the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall instead.

How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking at each site, especially around Miyajima and the Peace Park. It’s not recommended for those with difficulty walking long distances.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Hiroshima and Miyajima tour offers a well-rounded experience packed with history, culture, and natural beauty—all in one manageable day. The combination of guided storytelling, stunning scenery, and authentic cuisine creates an engaging and respectful way to understand Hiroshima’s past and present. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a traveler seeking meaningful experiences, or someone new to Hiroshima, this tour provides a detailed, balanced introduction with plenty of authentic moments.

If you want to see the key sites without the hassle of planning, enjoy expert guides, and experience the emotional depth of Hiroshima’s story, this tour is a wise choice. Just prepare for a busy day—your knowledge and perspective will thank you.