/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22124/712ddf1a-ed18-468d-a205-5697c2acedd6.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22124/574cd023-d548-4c78-89ce-13f29f05f081.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22124/e1a38be0-112b-49d4-92a3-6ad9fc7fb114.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22124/9aee6459-94e0-4a71-94ad-19132ee6a035.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22124/c2ae2732-dc98-4943-8639-3451643407bf.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22124/9cd82b2a-9ba0-402b-9a54-573a303f745a.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22124/6255d9e4-b3fe-46b5-a502-14e0ddd0bb89.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22124/7cca61f5-2301-4fda-ae16-8d3106a655da.jpeg)
Iwakuni Historical Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/59899/37a6a5fe-51a5-423e-825a-4a763fc7c0dc.png)
Joined 2024
Iwakuni offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and local culture.
Visitors can admire the iconic Kintai Bridge, a rare five-arched wooden structure of remarkable beauty. The castle town area reveals samurai heritage, traditional streets, and regional cuisine such as Iwakuni sushi.
With seasonal scenery and unique legends like the sacred white snake, the tour promises a memorable experience. It takes about 50 minutes from Hiroshima station by JR train.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hiroshima JR station
- In front of the central exit (around Seven-Eleven Convenience Store)
Kintaikyo-Bridge
It is a wooden five-arched bridge with a total length of 193.3 meters and is counted among Japan’s three most famous bridges. Since its original completion in 1673 during the Edo period, it has continued to captivate visitors with its elegant form, preserved through generations of traditional craftsmanship. Looking up at Kintai Bridge from the riverbed below, you can admire the artistic wooden joinery techniques used in its construction.
Kikko-Park
This park was developed on the former residence grounds of the Kikkawa family, the lords of the old Iwakuni domain. Across the spacious grounds stand historic structures that recall the feudal era, including the Mekata Family Residence, Kinkaku Pavilion, and Kikko Shrine. Seasonal flowers are planted throughout the park, making it a lovely place to relax and enjoy colorful blooms all year round
Iwakuni Shirohebi (white snakes) Museum
The Iwakuni white snake has ruby red eyes and is covered in lustrous white scales all over its body, giving it a beautiful and mysterious appearance. These rare and precious snakes are shy by nature and do not pose a danger to humans. Their white color is the result of a natural mutation occurring in Japanese rat snakes. The snakes have been found since ancient times in Iwakuni City, where they are revered as “messengers of the gods”
Iwakuni Castle
It was built by the first head of the Kikkawa clan, Hiroie in 1608.
This rare Momoyama Namban style mountain castle got rebuilt in 1962.
The old townscape, Kintaikyo bridge across the Nishiki river, islands on the Setonaikai sea, even the mountains in Shikoku island can be seen from the observatory on the fourth floor.
You can hike up to the castle on foot, or take the ropeway for an easy and convenient ride to the top.
Lunch/snacks
Iwakuni is famous for its local specialty chirashi sushi made with Iwakuni lotus root, as well as for its incredible variety of soft-serve ice cream, with hundreds of flavors to choose from.
From casual eateries to special course meals that require reservations, options can be selected to match your guests’ preferences.
Kashiwara Museum
The Kashiwara Museum of Art was established to share with you Japan's outstanding traditional culture and artworks, as well as the rich spirituality that has fostered this traditional culture. The museum shows you tons of collection of samurai armor from the Sengoku period to the end of the Edo period as a "culture of life and death.
Yokoyama-District Strolling
A stroll through the Yokoyama district of Iwakuni offers a charming glimpse into the town’s history and culture. This area features quiet streets, traditional buildings, and small museums that reflect the former castle town atmosphere. Surrounded by nature and historic landmarks, it’s a pleasant place to walk, explore local shops, and enjoy a relaxed, scenic setting.
Ending Point
Hiroshima Station
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
-Guide's transportation from home to the meet-up place and backward (2300 yen)
-Transportation during the tour: public transportation (JR from Hiroshima to Iwakuni: 770 yen per adult, Bus from Iwakuni to KIntaikyo-Bridge: 300 yen per adult) and metered taxi
-Lunch (incl. snacks & beverages on the way)
-Facility admission fees: Shirohebi Museum (200 yen for adult), Iwakuni Castle (270yen per adult), Iwakuni-ropeway (560 yen per adult for return ticket), Kashiwara Museum (800 yen per adult)
***Child fares are available at approximately half of the above prices.
Note*: Please cover the necessary transportation (from Hiroshima to Iwakuni by JR and from Iwakuni to Kintaikyo-Bridge by bus) and facility admission fees for the guide during the tour (mostly free of charge for guides).
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
The tour can be customized to suit your requests, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Important message from the supplier
Weekdays are basically available.
Weekends are also available upon request, though, family matters are prioritized.
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 2024
About Tour Guide Keiko K.
Hello, welcome to my profile! I'm Keiko (Kay). As a national certified guide deeply passionate about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this area, I am eager to share these experiences with you. With over 16 years of experience living abroad, mostly in Europe, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in diverse cultures and meeting incredible people from around the world. I'm sociable, outgoing and love making new connections wherever I go.
I'm also very active, enjoying sports like badminton, biking, jogging, and dancing, especially zumba and salsa. On top of that, I've been playing the piano for over *xx years, a passion that brings balance to my life. (The reason XX is simply because I hesitate to disclose my age...)
Health and nutrition are important to me, as is the same to everyone, and I love exploring new ways to stay healthy and enjoy good food!
Our itinerary will take us through some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or learning about the fascinating history that has shaped this place, I am here to tailor the tour to your interests.
Would I be a good fit for your company here in Hiroshima?
Warm regards,
Keiko(Kay)
Reviews
Manfred K.
“Thank you for a perfect tour in Hiroshima”
The tour with Keiko was lovely, interesting and informative. Her knowledge of history, culture, food and so many other things is brilliant. We saw and learnt an incredible amount. Thank you for this unforgettable day in Hiroshima.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/59899/37a6a5fe-51a5-423e-825a-4a763fc7c0dc.png)
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your warm and heartfelt review. It had been a while since my last tour (July) in German, so I was a little nervous at first. But your warmth and smiles soon put me at ease. After our tour, I happened to run into another group of German travelers and had a chance to chat with them. So, it turned out to be a day filled with German language! Next time, let’s take on the challenge of climbing Mt. Misen on Miyajima in winter! I’m looking forward to it. Enjoy the rest of your journey in Japan! Kind regards, Kay(Keiko)
Jesus G.
“The best of the best ”
Our day with Kay in Hiroshima and Miyajima was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. From the very beginning, Kay was incredibly professional, friendly, and attentive. Her itinerary was perfectly organized, with excellent timing throughout the day, allowing us to enjoy every place without ever feeling rushed. Every detail had clearly been carefully planned. What made the experience truly exceptional was Kay herself. She is deeply knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about Japanese history and culture, and you can see how much she enjoys sharing it with her guests. She explained everything with enthusiasm, patience, and warmth, making every visit even more meaningful. Kay also went far beyond what we expected. She stayed with us until the very end, helping us with the station lockers, checking into our hotel, and even making sure we got to the right restaurant. Her kindness and dedication made us feel completely looked after throughout the entire day. If you are looking for a guide in Hiroshima, don’t hesitate for a second—book Kay. She is exceptional, and we couldn’t recommend her more highly. Thank you, Kay, for giving us such a memorable and unforgettable day. We will always remember Hiroshima and Miyajima with great affection because of you.
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt and wonderful review! It truly means a lot to me. From the very moment we met, seeing all of you smiling and waving so enthusiastically made me feel as if I was meeting old friends again. It was such a warm and happy start to the day. Thank you as well for sharing the photo we took together on Miyajima. Spending the day with your lovely family was a real pleasure. The summer heat was intense, but thanks to all of you, I had such a fun and memorable time. I’m also looking forward to seeing your little model grow up one day!! Please come back to Hiroshima again someday. I’d love to see you all again! Hugs, Kay
Amy K.
“Best day in Hiroshima”
Kay was an amazing guide for our multi generational family. She helped us navigate a packed itinerary very smoothly which was so appreciated at the tail end of our trip to Japan and on a very hot day. She is full of knowledge and answered all of our questions all day long. Grandparents and teenagers agreed that she was a highlight of our trip and we are so grateful to have had her as a guide in Hiroshima and Miyajima.
Keiko K.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review so quickly! It was a very hot and humid day today, but I was truly happy to meet such a wonderful family. We were also lucky that the tide at Miyajima was low enough for us to walk all the way out to the Great Torii Gate. If the weather had been cooler, I would have loved to show you even more places, but we’ll save those for your next visit. I hope to see you again in Hiroshima someday! Wishing you a safe travel back to Canada. Warmest regards, Kay
$424/ per group
More tours by Keiko K.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16202/6ad2adc4-912a-4599-9793-2059fcd11dbe.JPG)
Hiroshima City Tour Highlights (4.5 Hours)
Hiroshima is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As you explore, don't miss these must-see sites that capture the spirit of the city. This tour includes Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Shukkeien (a stunning Japanese garden), and Hiroshima Castle known as "Carp Castle". These sites are a glimpse of what Hiroshima has to offer. The tour is flexible, allowing you to tailor the experience by adding destinations that capture your interest.
Hiroshima City Tour Highlights (4.5 Hours)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22135/e072ab46-05ad-45d7-86ae-83213fef65dd.JPG)
A UNESCO World Heritages Tour in Hiroshima (7-8 Hours)
This tour includes two UNESCO World heritages: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome and Miyajima island:Itsukushima Shrine, Five Storied Pagoda, Senjokaku, Daiganji Temple or Daishoin-Temple, and Omotesando shopping street. ※Depending on the situation, I may add Orizuru Tower to the itinerary, since Peace Museum may not be suitable for small children. Note: To maximize our tour, I would recommend using a fast boat at least once from or to Miyajima island during this tour.
A UNESCO World Heritages Tour in Hiroshima (7-8 Hours)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16205/c99bb87e-332d-442f-9e0d-57cc57115633.JPG)
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!
Miyajima Full-Day Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18547/dd6be863-01db-4baa-9f41-a2cb5edaf6d4.jpg)
Saijo Sake Brewery Tour in Higashihiroshima (2.5 Hours)
Step into the heart of Japan’s sake culture in Saijo, a charming town just 35 minutes from Hiroshima by JR train. Stroll along the historic Sake Brewery Street (Sakagura-dori), lined with traditional white-walled storehouses and towering red brick chimneys. Let me take you to this picturesque district, where you’ll learn how sake is made and enjoy tastings at seven different breweries. This tour offers a truly authentic and unforgettable experience—all easily accessible from Hiroshima.
Saijo Sake Brewery Tour in Higashihiroshima (2.5 Hours)
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Hiroshima
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/25457/cfdf38d5-2523-4853-ba19-0d7f8c91315b.JPG)
Half-Day Tour Tomonoura
Let's meet at Fukuyama train station. Take the bus and go to Tomonura, which is located in the south of Fukuyama. Walk and explore the 1300-years-old port town and feel the real local atmosphere in Japan. Have some fresh seafood dishes as lunch, too. After that, go back to the station by bus. You can go to other attractive places from Fukuyama.
Half-Day Tour Tomonoura
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/111724/ea23ee4f-4ccf-405a-a0db-79e094a083db.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22125/92f4ae84-fb89-480b-af97-67382138116e.JPG)
Onomichi Walking Tour
Onomichi is a charming seaside town known for its nostalgic atmosphere and scenic hillside views. Stone steps, narrow lanes, and historic temples create a unique townscape perfect for leisurely walks. The Shimanami Kaido cycling route starts here, offering spectacular bridges and island scenery across the Seto Inland Sea. Cozy cafés, local sweets, and art spots add to Onomichi’s relaxed and creative vibe.
Onomichi Walking Tour