From Hiroshima: City and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour

The "From Hiroshima: City and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour" promises an immersive exploration of Hiroshima’s rich history and cultural heritage. Offering a seamless blend of education, adventure, and local flavors, this guided tour takes visitors on a journey through iconic landmarks like the Hiroshima Castle and the Peace Memorial Museum. With a scenic ferry ride to the UNESCO-listed Miyajima Island, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the captivating stories that shape Hiroshima’s past and present.

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Key Points

A comprehensive 8-hour bus tour from Hiroshima that visits iconic landmarks like Hiroshima Castle, A-Bomb Dome, and Miyajima Island.
Priced at $118.04 per person, including an English-speaking guide, admission fees, and a local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch.
Highlights the history, culture, and resilience of Hiroshima, with in-depth exploration of the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
Offers a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island, providing ample time for sightseeing and exploration of the island’s renowned landmarks.
Highly rated at 4.6/5 from 280 reviews, praised for its excellent value and immersive cultural experience.

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Tour Overview

This 8-hour bus tour from Hiroshima offers an immersive journey through the city’s iconic landmarks and the serene Miyajima Island. Priced from $118.04 per person, the tour includes an English-speaking guide, admission fees, and a local lunch.

Highlights include visiting Hiroshima Castle, the A-Bomb Dome, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. After lunch, a scenic ferry ride takes you to Miyajima Island to explore the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine.

The tour provides ample time for sightseeing and free exploration before returning to Hiroshima Station. With a 4.6/5 rating from 280 reviews, this tour offers excellent value and an enriching cultural experience.

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Highlights of the Itinerary

The tour’s jam-packed itinerary begins at Hiroshima Station, where guests depart at 9:45 AM to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. First, they’ll visit Hiroshima Castle and the A-Bomb Dome, learning about the city’s tragic past. Next, they’ll spend an hour at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum before enjoying an authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch.

Hiroshima Highlights	Duration
Hiroshima Castle	15 minutes
A-Bomb Dome	30 minutes
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum	1 hour

After the ferry ride to Miyajima Island, guests will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy free time before returning to Hiroshima Station.

Guided Tour and Knowledgeable Guides

Conducted by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, the tour provides an in-depth look into Hiroshima’s history and cultural heritage.

The guides share their expertise on the city’s tragic past, including the atomic bomb devastation, as well as the resilience and rebirth embodied by the Peace Memorial Park.

Guests praise the guides’ ability to bring the sites to life, offering a deeper understanding of Hiroshima’s significance.

Whether exploring the A-Bomb Dome or learning about Miyajima Island’s Itsukushima Shrine, the guides’ insights elevate the tour experience, ensuring a meaningful and educational journey through this historic region.

Authentic Hiroshima-Style Lunch

Guests on the tour are served an authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for lunch. This savory pancake is a local specialty, made with cabbage, bean sprouts, and pork.

Vegetarian options are available upon request. The dish is prepared fresh at a local restaurant, allowing travelers to experience the flavors of the region.

Lunch is included in the tour price and lasts approximately 45 minutes, providing a satisfying break from sightseeing.

The meal is a highlight for many, offering a chance to savor Hiroshima’s culinary traditions while on the comprehensive day tour.

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Scenic Ferry Ride to Miyajima Island

After exploring Hiroshima’s historical sites, travelers embark on a scenic 10-minute ferry ride across Hiroshima Bay to reach the picturesque Miyajima Island.

The ferry provides breathtaking views of the island’s famous floating torii gate, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the boat approaches the shore, visitors can admire the island’s lush, forested landscape and the iconic O-Torii gate, which appears to float on the water during high tide.

This tranquil ferry crossing marks the transition from the solemn history of Hiroshima to the serene natural beauty of Miyajima.

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Exploring UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine

Upon disembarking the ferry, visitors set foot on the sacred grounds of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its iconic floating torii gate.

This ancient Shinto shrine is built partially over the water, creating the illusion of the torii gate magically rising from the sea. Visitors can explore the shrine’s ornate architecture, including its expansive vermilion-lacquered structures and the famous Noh theater stage.

As the tide rises, the shrine appears to float, offering a mesmerizing spectacle. With its unique location and spiritual significance, Itsukushima Shrine provides a profound cultural experience on Miyajima Island.

Important Inclusions and Information

This comprehensive tour includes several valuable inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers will enjoy air-conditioned bus transportation, entry fees for the Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and a return ferry ticket to Miyajima Island.

Lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is also provided, with vegetarian options available upon request.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Guests are advised to notify the provider of any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.

Earphones are provided, but a replacement fee of up to 18,000 yen applies for loss or damage.

Positive Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the 1-Day Bus Tour from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, awarding it an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 280 reviews.

The tour guides have been particularly well-received, rated 4.8/5 for their knowledge and helpfulness. Travelers have also praised the tour’s efficient transportation, rating it 4.8/5.

The overall value for money has been rated 4.5/5, with one customer remarking "Good value for money; able to see a lot in one day."

Another praised the "well-planned trip with knowledgeable guide," and an American traveler described the experience as "Amazing guide, very welcoming!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

Yes, the tour can accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies. Travelers are advised to notify the provider in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made, such as providing vegetarian meal options during the included lunch.

Is There an Option to Extend the Visit Time at Miyajima Island?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the visit time on Miyajima Island. Travelers can request additional free time on the island, subject to availability and coordination with the tour provider.

What Are the Rules Regarding Photography and Filming During the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to take photographs and film during the tour, but they should avoid disrupting the guide or other participants. Filming and photography may be restricted in certain areas, such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, so guests should follow the guide’s instructions.

Can the Tour Be Modified to Suit Personal Preferences or Interests?

The tour can generally be customized to suit personal preferences or interests, though significant changes may incur additional fees. Travelers should contact the tour provider to inquire about potential modifications prior to booking.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour Rather Than a Group Tour?

Yes, there is an option to upgrade to a private tour. Travelers can contact the tour provider to inquire about availability and pricing for a private version of the Hiroshima and Miyajima Island tour instead of the standard group tour.

The Sum Up

The "From Hiroshima: City and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour" offers an immersive and well-rounded experience, blending education, exploration, and local flavors. With visits to iconic landmarks, a scenic ferry ride, and an authentic Hiroshima-style lunch, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Hiroshima’s rich history and cultural heritage, guided by knowledgeable experts. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a deep dive into the city and its UNESCO-listed island destination.