The Hiroshima & Miyajima 1 Day Bus Tour offers a convenient and enriching way to explore two of Japan’s cultural highlights. Departing from Osaka, the tour provides round-trip Shinkansen train tickets, allowing participants to travel in comfort. Visitors will explore the poignant history of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and marvel at the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, all while savoring a delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch. With an English-speaking guide to provide valuable insights, this tour promises a well-rounded experience, though travelers should be prepared for a full day of activities.
Key Points
- This 1-day bus tour from Osaka includes round-trip Shinkansen train tickets, ferry transport, and admission to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Itsukushima Shrine.
- The tour offers an authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch and an English-speaking guide to provide insights into Japanese history and culture.
- Significant walking is required, so the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
- The tour is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, with 95% of travelers recommending the experience, though some feedback suggests a rushed pace, especially in the museum.
- The tour has a minimum participation requirement of 10 travelers, and cancellation may occur if the minimum is not met 14 days prior.
Tour Overview
This 1-day bus tour from Osaka takes travelers on a comprehensive exploration of the historic sites in Hiroshima and the scenic island of Miyajima.
The tour includes round-trip Shinkansen train tickets, ferry transport, admission to key attractions, and an authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch.
With an English-speaking guide, visitors will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, and enjoy scenic views from the ferry.
Travelers should note this tour requires significant walking and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
The tour can be canceled if the minimum of 10 participants is not met.
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Inclusions
The tour includes a comprehensive package of transportation, meals, guidance, and entrance fees. Travelers are provided with round-trip Shinkansen train tickets from Osaka, as well as an air-conditioned bus and ferry to Miyajima. A traditional Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch is included, showcasing the local cuisine. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing valuable insights. Entrance fees to the Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum are covered, allowing for a seamless exploration of these historic and cultural sites.
Transportation | Meals | Guidance |
---|---|---|
Shinkansen, Bus, Ferry | Hiroshima Okonomiyaki | English-speaking Guide |
Roundtrip from Osaka | Traditional Japanese Dish | Knowledgeable Insights |
Tour Experience
Travelers embark on a comprehensive tour, visiting the iconic Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to gain insights into the city’s sobering history.
The tour then continues to the sacred Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, known for its iconic "floating" torii gate. Visitors can enjoy scenic views from the ferry ride and savor a traditional Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch, a savory Japanese pancake.
Though the pace may feel rushed at times, especially in the museum, the tour provides an enriching experience, immersing participants in Japanese history and culture.
Travelers with physical limitations or medical conditions should carefully consider the tour’s suitability.
Traveler Feedback
How do travelers rate this tour overall? Based on the 55 total reviews, the tour receives an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating.
The vast majority, 95%, recommend this experience. Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, the well-organized itinerary, and the enriching exposure to Japanese history and culture.
However, some feel the pace was a bit rushed, especially at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Large group sizes also impacted the experience for some.
A few travelers suggest considering an overnight stay for a more relaxed experience, as the long day from Osaka can be tiring.
Important Considerations
Prospective participants should be aware of a few important considerations before booking this tour.
First, a minimum of 10 participants is required for the tour to proceed, and a cancellation may occur if this threshold is not met 14 days prior to the scheduled date.
Second, no outside food or drinks are allowed in the restaurant, and menu changes are not accommodated on the day of the tour.
Finally, the long day from Osaka may leave some travelers feeling rushed, and an overnight stay is suggested for a more relaxed experience.
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Shinkansen Train Tickets
As part of the tour package, round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets are provided for transportation from Osaka to Hiroshima and back. The Shinkansen is renowned for its speed, punctuality, and comfort, allowing participants to travel between the two cities efficiently.
Shinkansen Specifications | |
---|---|
Speed | Up to 200 mph (320 km/h) |
Punctuality | Over 99% on-time record |
Comfort | Spacious seating, ample legroom, and amenities |
Capacity | Carries up to 1,323 passengers per train |
Safety | Excellent safety record with no passenger fatalities |
The Shinkansen experience is a seamless and enjoyable component of the Hiroshima and Miyajima tour, complementing the immersive cultural exploration.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum stands as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare.
As part of the tour, visitors can explore this powerful and emotional museum, which offers:
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Thought-provoking exhibits that chronicle the events of the atomic bombing and its aftermath, including personal belongings and artifacts that bear witness to the tragedy.
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Immersive multimedia displays that recreate the harrowing experiences of survivors, providing a deeper understanding of the human toll.
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Opportunities to reflect on the importance of peace and the ongoing efforts to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands majestically on the picturesque island of Miyajima. This iconic floating shrine, known for its large, vermilion torii gate, is one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Architecture | The shrine’s unique design features a series of wooden buildings connected by boardwalks, creating the illusion of floating on the water. |
History | The shrine dates back to the 6th century and has been an important spiritual site for centuries, dedicated to the Shinto sea goddess Benzaiten. |
Visitor Experience | Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, walk through the torii gate, and witness the tide’s ebb and flow, creating a mesmerizing sight. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be suitable for young children due to the long travel time, walking requirements, and lack of child-friendly activities. Parents should consider the stamina and interest level of their children before booking this tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted on organized tours. The tour operator may have a strict no outside food policy to streamline logistics and ensure a smooth group experience. Checking the tour details is advised.
What Happens if the Minimum Participants Requirement Is Not Met?
If the minimum participant requirement is not met, the tour may be canceled. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the experience if the minimum number of bookings is not reached by the specified cutoff date.
Can I Extend the Tour and Stay Overnight in Hiroshima?
Extending the tour to stay overnight in Hiroshima is not directly offered as part of this one-day bus tour. Travelers interested in a more relaxed experience may want to consider booking separate accommodations and planning their own extended stay in the area.
Is There a Dress Code or Any Special Requirements for the Tour?
This tour does not have a specified dress code. However, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and attire suitable for the weather, as the tour involves an extended period of sightseeing and walking. No special requirements are mentioned.
The Sum Up
The Hiroshima & Miyajima 1 Day Bus Tour offers a compelling opportunity to explore these significant historical and cultural sites from Osaka, with the convenience of round-trip Shinkansen train tickets. Travelers can expect a full day of activities, including visits to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, complemented by an authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch and informative commentary from an English-speaking guide.
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