3 Departures: Hiroshima & Miyajima Trip with Indian Lunch

Introduction

This tour promises a balanced blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, taking you from the bustling streets of Kyoto or Shin-Osaka to the poignant monuments of Hiroshima and the iconic floating torii of Miyajima. It’s a great way to cover some of Japan’s most meaningful sights without the hassle of planning each step yourself.

What we love about this experience are three main things: first, the respectful and thoughtful approach to Hiroshima’s history; second, the breathtaking views on the ferry and at Itsukushima Shrine; and third, the chance to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine in a place where Japanese options are plentiful. A possible consideration is the full-day nature of the trip, which can be tiring if you prefer more flexible or leisurely sightseeing.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a structured, insightful day exploring Japan’s historic and spiritual sites, especially if you’re interested in meaningful memorials and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s also suited for those eager to combine cultural exploration with comfortable transport and a tasty meal.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation and organized logistics make the day smooth from start to finish.
• A respectful visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome emphasizes peace and remembrance.
• Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine offers iconic photo opportunities and cultural insight.
• Ferry ride across Hiroshima Bay adds a scenic element to the visit.
• Indian lunch with vegetarian options provides a delicious, filling meal in the middle of a busy day.
• Guided experience with knowledgeable guides, as praised by reviewers, enhances understanding and engagement.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins early in the morning from either Kyoto or Shin-Osaka station, with options also available from Hiroshima. The transportation is by air-conditioned bus, ensuring comfort during the drive. For travelers choosing the Osaka or Kyoto option, roundtrip bullet train tickets are included, which means you’ll experience the quick, smooth Shinkansen journey—adding value and convenience to the day.

One traveler, Lexcursion, mentioned, “L’accueil à Shin-Osaka était parfaite et à l’heure,” highlighting the punctuality and efficiency of the start. The bus’s role is to eliminate the stress of navigating public transport, letting you focus on the experience ahead.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & A-Bomb Dome

Your first stop is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a space dedicated to remembrance and reflection. The A-Bomb Dome, a haunting remnant of the 1945 atomic bombing, is one of the most iconic and poignant sights in Japan. It’s a stark reminder of the devastation, but also a symbol of hope for peace.

A review from a traveler named Momo highlights the depth of this part of the trip: “Abholung aus Kyoto und Hilfe zum Bahngleis hat auch super geklappt.” The guide, who was praised for giving in-depth explanations about Hiroshima and the local culture, enriches this part by sharing stories and context behind the memorials.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, included in the tour, offers exhibits that are both sobering and educational. If the museum is closed, the alternative is a visit to the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, ensuring visitors still get a meaningful experience. The emphasis here is on understanding the horrors of nuclear war while promoting peace—a sentiment that resonates strongly, as one reviewer put it: “non seulement ils nous a donné les informations mais aussi des explications en profondeur sur Hiroshima et la culture locale.”

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Cross to Miyajima Island

After the memorial visit, you’ll board a ferry across Hiroshima Bay. This ride offers scenic views of the water and surrounding islands, a perfect breather before the next highlight. The ferry ticket is included, making this a seamless transition.

Miyajima Island’s Itsukushima Shrine is the star attraction. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s famous for its “floating” red torii gate, which appears to hover on the water during high tide. The sight is stunning and has been a photographer’s favorite for decades. The shrine’s vibrant red and traditional architecture provide a stark contrast against the blue sea and sky.

One reviewer, describing the experience as “a mixture of memorial and island,” appreciated the scenic beauty and cultural significance of this spot. The Grand Torii Gate is a highlight, and you’ll love the views when it appears to float at high tide, an image that truly captures the spirit of Miyajima.

Lunch Break: Indian Cuisine

Midday, you’ll enjoy Indian curry, a choice that surprises many as it’s not a typical Japanese meal, but a welcome change for those craving spicy and flavorful food. Vegetarian options are available, catering to different dietary needs.

Reviewers like Lexcursion praised the meal, noting it was a “magnifique” experience and appreciated the opportunity to enjoy a filling, international dish amidst the busy day. The restaurant’s menu is fixed, so menu changes aren’t accommodated on the day, but the curry is generally well-received for its richness and authenticity.

Final Exploration & Return

After lunch, you might have some free time to wander around Miyajima or take photos of the torii gate from different angles. The tour then heads back via ferry and bus, concluding where it started.

The entire day, often lasting around 10 hours, is designed to maximize your time while balancing sightseeing and comfort. Some travelers, like Lexcursion, mentioned booking their return train for after 6:30 PM to avoid rushing, which is a practical tip.

Transport, Timing, and Value

This tour’s inclusion of roundtrip bullet train tickets (for Osaka and Kyoto departures) adds significant value, especially since train travel in Japan can be costly and complicated for travelers. The air-conditioned bus ensures a comfortable ride, vital for a full-day itinerary.

The cost of $128 per person is quite reasonable, considering the comprehensive inclusions—transport, entry fees, and lunch. Compared to organizing these visits independently, this package offers a lot of convenience and peace of mind.

The tour’s punctuality and guide quality are praised, making it suitable for travelers who prefer guided experiences over solo exploration. The tour also emphasizes safety and respect, especially at Hiroshima’s memorials, making it well-suited for those interested in history and remembrance.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This trip is ideal for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and first-time visitors eager to see Hiroshima and Miyajima without the hassle of planning multiple transport connections. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy scenic ferry rides and appreciate authentic local or international cuisine.

Final Thoughts

This Hiroshima and Miyajima tour offers a thoughtful, well-organized way to experience two of Japan’s most meaningful and scenic sites. The inclusion of transportation, entry fees, and a tasty lunch makes it a good value, especially for travelers who want a structured day with insightful guides.

The emotional weight of Hiroshima’s memorials combined with the breathtaking beauty of Miyajima’s floating shrine offers a balanced, memorable experience. With positive reviews praising punctuality, guides, and overall organization, it’s clear that travelers find this tour both enjoyable and educational.

While it involves a full day of sightseeing, the comfort of transportation and the richness of the sites make it highly worthwhile. Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or returning for a deeper understanding, this trip will deepen your appreciation of Hiroshima’s history and Miyajima’s timeless allure.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for travelers who want a flexible schedule?
No, this is a full-day, guided tour with a fixed itinerary. If you prefer flexibility, you might want to customize your own schedule.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?
Yes, vegetarian options are available for the Indian curry lunch, which is part of the package.

Does the tour include transportation from Hiroshima back to Osaka or Kyoto?
Transport from Hiroshima is included, but the tour is designed to start from and return to the meeting point. If you booked from Osaka or Kyoto, roundtrip bullet train tickets are included.

What happens if the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is closed?
If closed, the tour will include visiting the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims instead.

How long is the entire tour?
Expect about 10 hours of sightseeing, transportation, and meals, making it a full but rewarding day trip.

Can I join this tour if I am not an international traveler?
No, the tour is limited to international travelers. Japanese nationals cannot join.

Embarking on this trip means you’ll experience some of Japan’s most profound memorials and iconic sights in a single day, with the comfort of guided logistics and a delicious international meal along the way. Perfect for those eager to see history and culture without the stress of solo planning.

You can check availability for your dates here: