Peace and Miyajima: 2 UNESCO Sites-One Day Private Tour
In just one unforgettable day, you'll visit Hiroshima's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome) and Miyajima, home to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate.
Because this is a private tour, you can enjoy the day at your own pace, with an itinerary tailored to your interests.
I hope you'll take home a genuine connection to Hiroshima and memories that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hiroshima station
- Let's meet either at the Shinkansen ticket gate at Hiroshima Station or in the lobby of your hotel in Hiroshima. If you prefer to meet at Hiroshima Station, please let me know your train's arrival time in advance. If you'd rather meet at your hotel, please send me the name of your hotel before the tour so I can arrange the meeting location.
Peace memorial park and museum
We'll travel to the Peace Memorial Park by public transportation or on foot, just as locals do.
As we walk through the park together, I'll share the stories behind its monuments and explain what happened on August 6, 1945. We'll then visit the Peace Memorial Museum, where the exhibits provide a deeper understanding of the human impact of the atomic bombing and Hiroshima's journey toward recovery. More importantly, we'll explore how Hiroshima's people rebuilt their city from the devastation and transformed it into a symbol of peace and hope.
Rather than simply visiting a historic site, this is an opportunity to reflect on the resilience of the people, the importance of peace, and the message Hiroshima continues to share with the world.
Lunch Break – A Taste of Hiroshima
If you're interested, I'd love to introduce you to one of Hiroshima's greatest specialties—Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
It's said that there are more than 2,000 okonomiyaki restaurants across Hiroshima Prefecture, each with its own unique style and loyal customers. Rather than taking you to a tourist spot, I'll introduce you to one of my favorite local restaurants, where you can enjoy authentic okonomiyaki loved by the community.
Okonomiyaki is much more than a delicious meal. In the years following the atomic bombing, it was an affordable, filling dish that brought comfort to people rebuilding their lives. As Hiroshima recovered, okonomiyaki became a symbol of resilience, supporting not only local businesses but also the hearts of the people who shared it with family, friends, and neighbors.
Today, it remains Hiroshima's beloved soul food. Sharing a meal together is one of the best ways to experience the city's warmth, culture, and everyday life.
Travel to Miyajima
Once our stomachs and hearts are full, we'll make our way to the beautiful island of Miyajima.
Miyajima is located in the neighboring city of Hatsukaichi. Using public transportation, the journey typically takes a little over an hour each way.
If you'd like to maximize your time, I highly recommend taking the World Heritage Sea Route, a direct high-speed ferry from the Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima. The ferry takes approximately 45 minutes and offers a comfortable, scenic ride across Hiroshima Bay.
If you choose this option, I recommend booking your tickets in advance, as seats can sell out, especially during busy seasons. The fare is ¥〇 per person, and as is customary for private tours, I kindly ask guests to cover the guide's ferry fare as well.
Miyajima – Where Nature, History, and Spirituality Come Together
Our journey continues to Miyajima, one of Japan's most treasured sacred islands. For centuries, people have believed this island to be a place where nature itself is sacred, and where Shinto and Buddhism have coexisted in harmony.
We'll explore the breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its iconic floating torii gate, while uncovering the stories, traditions, and beliefs that have shaped this extraordinary island for generations.
We'll also visit Daisho-in Temple, one of Miyajima's most important Buddhist temples, closely associated with Kukai, the monk who introduced esoteric Buddhism to Japan. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience a simple spiritual practice and enjoy a peaceful moment away from the crowds.
As we wander through tranquil temple grounds, charming streets, and scenic paths, I'll share local stories and cultural insights that go beyond the guidebooks. Along the way, I'll also take you to some of my favorite photo spots, where you'll capture unforgettable views that many visitors never discover.
My hope is that you'll leave Miyajima seeing more than a beautiful island. I hope you'll discover a place where nature, faith, and everyday life have been woven together for centuries—and leave with a deeper appreciation of Japan's spiritual heritage, along with memories that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
Ending Point
The tour ends at Hiroshima Station, your hotel in Hiroshima, or another location within Hiroshima City of your choice.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Services of a licensed local guide
Entrance fees (Peace Memorial Museum, Itsukushima Shrine, etc.)
Private guided tour (only your group)
Guide's transportation during the tour (public transportation)
Tour planning and personalized itinerary
Hotel pickup within Hiroshima City
Your transportation costs (train, tram, bus, ferry, etc.)
Meals and drinks
The guide's fare for the optional direct ferry to Miyajima
Personal expenses and souvenirs
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.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Important message from the supplier
I may not be able to reply immediately, but I will respond within 24 hours.
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
About Tour Guide Naomi K.
Hello! I'm Naomi—a licensed local guide, a rice farmer, and a mother of three in Hiroshima.
I believe that travel is about more than visiting famous places—it's about meeting people, sharing stories, and creating connections that stay with us long after the journey ends. That's why I love being a guide. Through this work, I've had the privilege of meeting wonderful people from all over the world, and every tour feels like the beginning of a new friendship.
My family and I live in a 200-year-old traditional farmhouse in the peaceful countryside, where generations before us have grown rice and cared for the land. As a working rice farmer, I enjoy sharing not only Japan's iconic sights, but also the everyday traditions, values, and way of life that many visitors never have the chance to experience.
I began learning English at the age of 40 because I wanted to connect with people beyond Japan. Although I haven't traveled overseas very much, welcoming guests into my world has shown me that kindness, curiosity, and laughter can bridge any cultural difference.
Whether we're exploring Hiroshima's World Heritage Sites or spending time in the countryside, my hope is that you'll leave with more than beautiful photographs. I hope you'll leave with unforgettable memories, a deeper understanding of Japan, and perhaps even a friend in Hiroshima.
I look forward to meeting you!
Reviews
Sara H.
“Personal tour of generational rice farm”
Naomi was an accommodating guide, with fun, pleasant surprises along the way. The tour was very different from other city based ones. This is a great way to understand countryside farmers and see a small, off-the-beaten-path residential community. It was interesting, relaxing and very memorable to be shown a personal side of Japan. Our kids loved it too!
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Naomi K.
Hi! Your boys were so pure-hearted, energetic, and absolutely adorable. Their curiosity and excitement brought so much joy to the day, and it was a pleasure to share the experience with them. Meeting your and your friend’s’ family helped me make this tour even better. I genuinely enjoyed preparing for your visit, and spending the day together gave me new ideas and inspiration for future tours. Thank you again for choosing my tour. I hope the memories of our little countryside adventure stay with your family for many years. Wishing all of you safe travels and I hope our paths cross again someday!
Lia B.
“Unique, relaxing, off the beaten track experience ”
If you are looking for fresh air, warm hospitality, an opportunity to learn about family life in a small Japanese mountain village and to see how rice is grown, this is the tour for you. We loved learning how the rice fields are watered, walking in the family’s beautiful Japanese garden, visiting the beautiful and peaceful village shrine where harvest celebrations are held and walking in the quiet forest near their home. It was such a lovely antidote to the crowds in the city. Naomi and her family were so kind to us and she was so patient in answering our many questions about life and culture in Japan. Naomi speaks fluent English. I highly recommend this tour. It has been a clear highlight of our trip to Japan.
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Naomi K.
Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to me and my family. We were also so happy to welcome such wonderful guests into our home and village. Your curiosity, kindness, and respect for our lifestyle made the day very special for us too. I really enjoyed sharing our rice fields, local shrine, forest paths, and everyday family life with you. I’m especially glad that you felt the peaceful atmosphere of our mountain village after the busy cities in Japan. That balance between nature, family, and tradition is something I deeply treasure, so it made me very happy to share it with you. Thank you as well for your many thoughtful questions and warm conversations throughout the tour. Hosting you was honestly one of the highlights for me too. I hope the rest of your journey in Japan is filled with many more wonderful memories, and you are always welcome back to our village anytime.
Nathaniel J.
“A life-changing day in a quiet mountain village in Hiroshima”
This special tour by far became the gem of my time in Japan. If you're searching for something deeper than the usual tourist experience, I can't recommend this enough! Naomi invites you into her home, her way of life, and lets you experience the culture of a quiet mountain village with unbelievable kindness, and at a place of breathtaking beauty. I was greeted at my hotel by Naomi and her daughter, who so kindly drew a welcome card for me - I will cherish this forever! Naomi then drove me to her village in the Hiroshima mountains. We walked around the rice fields, and the neighbouring forest which is nice and cool, dripping with mildew, and scattered with the occasional traditional graveyard. It reminded me of the forests in My Neighbour Totoro! We also checked out the local bridge which has an amazing view of the river and village. During our stroll, we talked about life, family, art, the history of the village, and everything in between as we watched the river steam past, and her children threw pebbles into the water. But despite all the natural beauty and Ghibli-esque atmosphere of the village, it was the kindness and welcoming nature of Naomi and her family that will stick with me forever the most. They cooked me the most DELICIOUS tempura lunch with sake, and I had a traditional tea ceremony with them. There was lots of laughing, stories, and being shown how the farming is done - I was almost in tears at how kind they were and the effort they made for me. All these wonderful moments of nature, calm and human connections have made this the most special trip of my life. OH, and Naomi is a writer too! Ask her about her awesome publications which feature life stories from the local community - it's incredible! I couldn't recommend this tour enough, though it didn't really feel like a tour. It felt much more special and profound than that, and I am forever grateful to Naomi and her family for letting me into their world for a while in the mountains!
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Naomi K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Even though it has already been a few days since your visit, the happiness you brought to our family is still with us. Your thoughtful gifts, including the adorable koala for my kids, meant so much to us. But more than that, I was truly touched by your intelligent, calm, and respectful attitude throughout the day. You showed genuine respect for everything you saw and experienced here, and that made our time together even more special. I was also deeply moved by how seriously you talked about wanting to share and support this tour. I learned so much from you, and honestly, I never expected to meet such an amazing guest. Meeting you reminded me why I created this tour in the first place, and it made me feel that all the effort was truly worth it. Before your trip, you sent me many messages, and I could feel how much you love Japan. You were always so friendly, and that made me want to welcome you with the best hospitality I could offer. Looking back, of course there are a few things I wish I could have done even better, but I truly hope I was able to provide you with a unique and meaningful experience that you could only have here. I’m sure you will visit Japan again someday. And now, I think you have a place here that feels like home. We’ll be waiting for you anytime. With warmest wishes, Naomi
$325/ per group
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