Hiroshima - The Shrine Island
Joined 2018
Join me on a very memorable stroll through its ancient history - the "shrine island" Miyajima, a designated World Heritage Site. We'll get photos of the giant sentinal Torii Gate then visit the ancient Itsukushima Shrine also Daishoin Temple an equally important religious site and the stark mysteriously austere Senjokaku hall and adjacent Five-Story Pagoda. Enjoy an aerial gondola ride to some spectacular views and dine of fresh local fare.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel, or guests arrival point (Hiroshima Station, or cruise ship berth )
Hotel or Guest's arrival point.
Meet and head to the island to begin the historical tour
The Great Torii and The Itsukushima Shrine
Learn the history of why the gate and shrine were established and stroll the shrine.
Daishoin Temple
visit a historic Japanese temple complex with many temples and statues set amidst a garden landscape and venture into its mysterious corridor
Lunch
enjoy fresh local fare, especially if you love oysters grilled in the shell!
My Misen Aerial Gondola Ride
Take the cable car gondola up to Mt Misen for spectacular views of the surrounding Seto Inland Sea and its myriad islands
Senjokaku
Visit the strikingly austere and immense spaciousness of the hall commissioned by one of Japan's ancient rulers
conclude tour
escort you back to your hotel or departure form Hiroshima
Ending Point
at your hoterl
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
Transport:
If travelling on a JR Pass then pay for one short trip only = ¥220
**If NOT travelling on JR Pass: estimated total transit costs from Hiroshima city centre to and from the island: ¥1800 per person
**Guide's transit fares are NOT INCLUDED and please reimburse me for this cost.
**Guides lunch not included
Admission fees:
- Itsukushima Shrine: Adults: ¥300, High school students: ¥200, Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥100
- Senjokaku ¥200
- Aerial Gondola (called the Ropeway) ¥2000/adult; ¥1000/children (6-12 years)
Tour Important Information
wear comfortable clothes and footwear. Guests should be able to walk a proximate total of 3 km total over the course of the day, at a comfortable pace during the tour across a mostly flat course with the exception of the castle museum where there are steps ascending three floors
***
Once I send a requested tour offer I hold that date for 36 hours. Please note that I supply tours for several companies and I will close that date to enquiries via other providers for that period; if a booking is not made I reopen my availability. I am contractually obliged to accept bookings made for dates open on a provider site calendar; as such, I cannot guarantee availability until a booking is set. Thanks for your understanding.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2018
About Tour Guide Hugh C.
Hi!
Thanks for reviewing my profile.
I am Australian, from Sydney originally but my life with Japan and its culture and history spans 30 odd years and I have been a Hiroshima resident for 18 of those 30 years.
I joined GoWithGuide just recently but be assured I have led many tours in Hiroshima and more widely throughout metropolitan and regional Japan, sharing conversations about the unique society, its fascinating culture and history. I also have written several tourism blogs for inbound tour companies and also the Hiroshima Prefectural Tourism Bureau.
I speak fluent Japanese and I have immersed myself in the experience of living here in modern and traditional culture and spent many years studying martial arts Aikido and Iaido. I also have a strong interest in Buddhist teachings. My Japanese calligraphy work over the years has been received recognition and several awards and commissions both in Japan and elsewhere.
I'm looking forward to spending a great experience sharing the culture and history of Hiroshima with you.
Reviews
“Hiroshima Pub Crawl”
We had an absolutely fantastic time on the pub crawl! The event was so well-organized, and Hugh did an amazing job of keeping the energy high and everyone engaged. Each stop had a great vibe, with a perfect mix of lively atmospheres and unique drink selections. It was clear Hugh had researched the venues beforehand, as each spot offered something special and felt thoughtfully chosen to enhance the experience. It was a great way to meet people from all over and enjoy the local nightlife without worrying about where to go next. The restaurant we went to for dinner was an experience inside of an experience. We’ll definitely be doing this again next time we're in town! Thanks, Hugh!
Hugh C.
No, no. Thank YOU, Dan for choosing to spend your valuable time with me!
“A Canny Day in Hiroshima”
We had an incredible day of sightseeing with Hugh, whose vast knowledge of Japan and engaging storytelling made our visit to Miyajima and Hiroshima truly memorable. He was not only entertaining but also exceptionally helpful, always willing to answer our questions and provide insights. Hugh’s passion for sharing the culture and history of Japan was evident throughout the tour, making every stop feel meaningful and unique. His approachable and friendly demeanor put both of us at ease, and we never felt rushed as he tailored the experience to suit our interests. The okonomiyaki restaurant he took us to for lunch was an experience that a first-time visitor would never know existed. He even went above and beyond, at the end of our tour he walked us to the airport limo station and guided us through purchasing tickets. It was such an inspiring and seamless experience—if we ever return to the area, we wouldn’t hesitate to book with him again. Thanks, Hugh!
Hugh C.
Thanks Dan, it was my pleasure but this appreciation truly is the reward and inspires attention to the experience.
“Thank you, Hugh!”
We were fortunate to spend October 25th of this year with Hugh on a one-day tour of Naoshima. Not only did he guide us through museums and art installations, but he also introduced us to the island’s lesser-known corners and took us to the best local coffee spots.Hugh was incredibly accommodating, ensuring our day trip was comfortable and enjoyable. He went above and beyond, picking us up from our hotel in Okayama and dropping us off at the end of a long, fulfilling day.Having lived in Japan for decades, Hugh is deeply immersed in its culture. He has a fascinating life story and is an accomplished calligrapher, martial artist, painter, and overall intellectual. Our day with him was not only filled with art but also enriched by fascinating conversations and stories.Hugh had carefully planned our itinerary to ensure we made the most of our time on the island, and we are grateful for his thoughtful approach, especially since this was our only opportunity to experience Naoshima. If you're looking for a guide who speaks both English and Japanese, and who not only shares insightful information about exhibits but also offers a deep understanding of Japanese culture and customs, Hugh is an excellent choice. Be sure to book his time in advance!
$312/ per group
More tours by Hugh C.
A Canny Day in Hiroshima
The overall plan for a day in Hiroshima: Join me on a very memorable stroll through the history and culture of the "shrine island", designated one of the three most scenic sites in Japan and a World Heritage SIte, before returning to Central Hiroshima to tour Peace Memorial Park, it monuments and museums or, if desired, I am happy to discuss customising your tour to include other attractions.
Hiroshima Classical Walking Tour
A lovely relaxed half-day tour where we’ll share a comfortable three-stage walking tour as we stroll through Hiroshima’s classical Japanese landscaped gardens. Visit Hiroshima Castle and explore the interior Museum, before a tour of the fascinating modern history of Hiroshima including the A-Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Park.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima's History
An in-depth tour of the fascinating history of Hiroshima including the A-Bomb Dome, and the monuments and museum in Peace Memorial Park, followed by lunch as per what might be your available preference but I recommend Hiroshima okonomiyaki, a scrumptious layered savoury pancake.
Naoshima Art Island Excursion Day Tour
This is a wonderful day exploring the art on Naoshima, one of three islands creating a contemporary art experience set amidst the rice fields and mountains on the island and merging with the rural setting in the surrounding Seto Inland Sea. It features architecture by Tadao Ando. We will ferry from Uno Port to Naoshima and travel by local bus, or if you would like, hire bicycles and cycle around to visit the Chichu Art Museum and other art project installations in the town.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Hiroshima
Full-day Hiroshima/Miyajima tour with Local certified guide
This is full day tour stops 2 UNESCO’s world cultural heritage site Miyajima island and Atomic Bob Dome in Hiroshima city. Taking public transportation and walking, you can enjoy and feel atmosphere of the city.
Miyajima Full-Day Tour
Discover the beauty and culture of Miyajima island on a full-day tour. Explore the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its famous floating Torii gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through peaceful forests to the Daisho-in Temple, and take a scenic hike or cable car to the top of Mount Misen for breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Experience local cuisine while exploring the charming streets. This immersive tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture!
Hiroshima Classical Walking Tour
A lovely relaxed half-day tour where we’ll share a comfortable three-stage walking tour as we stroll through Hiroshima’s classical Japanese landscaped gardens. Visit Hiroshima Castle and explore the interior Museum, before a tour of the fascinating modern history of Hiroshima including the A-Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Park.
One day World Heritage Tour ~short version~
Hiroshima has 2 world heritage sites, Atomic bomb dome and Miyajima island. Hiroshima is the first city where Atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Atomic bomb dome is the symbol of " No More Hiroshima" Please visit here and study what happened to Hiroshima. Miyajima Island, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, has long been regarded as a sacred island on the beautiful Seto Inland Sea.
