Private tour in Hiroshima Hugh C

Hiroshima: Ancient and Modern

5.0

(47) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-9 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-9 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Hugh C.

5.0

Guide rating

90

Reviews

Tours delivered

9 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello! I'd like to give you some background. I have been a resident of Japan for 24 years over a more than thirty-five year relationship with Japan. I was born in Sydney, Australia into an old Australian show biz family with a career path in that field. Still, in my late twenties, I opted to relocate to Hiroshima, Japan. I immersed myself in the culture and social fabric, studying the language and traditional culture, notably the martial arts Aikido, Iaido, and Japanese calligraphy for which I have received various awards in all those disciplines. I also have a profound interest in Buddhist teachings and I have spent many days staying at temples to fully experience the lifestyle. I did my first tour in Japan in 2007. Since returning in 2015 to resume my life in Japan I have been working as a full-time small group tour leader throughout many regions of Japan. The key to the vest tours is story-telling. I love food and love to introduce the food culture as well as broader Japanese history and culture, social phenomenon and look forward to sharing my depth of knowledge and anecdotes with you. And if you'd like, I am happy to customize the tour for you. Please inquire for a quote. ***Please note that I hold a type 2 Japanese driver's license which qualifies me to both drive and guide at the same time and provides for a trouble-free experience. That is were you on a chauffeured tour and a driver guide does not have the qualification, in the event of an accident (however unlikely) you may run into problems with travel insurance claims. IMPORTANT I appreciate your interest in my tours. If available I'd be delighted to receive your enquiry and look forward to following up with a booking. However, if I may, I ask you to spend a moment and check my calendar availability before sending a message to save valuable time and manage expectations. Thanks for your understanding. I have been working as an English language tour leader/guide in Japan since 20. I have a Japanese commercial passenger carrier licence entitling me to offer chauffeured tour experiences and I have almost 20 years of experience as an interpreter and translator. Unlike (as far as I’m aware) nearly all other guides in Hiroshima and surrounding prefectures I have a commercial passenger carrier accreditation and can legally drive you.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Hugh C.

Overview of your Hiroshima tour

The overall plan for a day in Hiroshima: Join me on a very memorable stroll through its ancient history via the "shrine island" Miyajima, designated one of the three most scenic sites in Japan and a World Heritage Site. Afterward, we'll return to Central Hiroshima to learn about its modern history with a tour of Peace Memorial Park and its monuments and museums including the Atomic Bomb Dome; however, if desired, I am happy to discuss customising your tour to include other attractions in my town. **The order of attractions may differ on the day, depending on tides to provide the best possible experience opportunity for guests. I have lived for approximately 24 years in Hiroshima and have led tours here and throughout the country since 2006, and it is with great pleasure I share my knowledge and tours with guests. **pleae note the depicted image of Itsukushima Shrine "floating" is dependent on the tide timing on any given day

Recent Reviews

Ellen V.Belgium
August 2026

We had a really great tour with Hugh as our guide for the day. Everything was organized in great detail by Hugh, but still allowing flexibility when asked. His knowledge and story telling is just exceptional. For example the way he explained the history and the details around the Hiroshima bombing was so informative and especially really appreciated by our 2 teenager sons. Hugh also knows the best coffee shops in Hiroshima and around! Hugh is a kind person with great life experience and the way he interacted with us and our teenager sons was very warm and genuine. Just wish we could have spent another day with him. Thank you Hugh!

Karine B.Canada
April 2026

Our experience with our guide in Hiroshima exceeded our expectations. He provided insightful explanations, adapted perfectly to our interests, and showed us some truly stunning locations. The tour was both enriching and enjoyable, and we came away with a deeper appreciation. We would not hesitate to recommend!

Randall S.United States
April 2026

Excellent tour! Covered everything on the itinerary and even some additional hidden gems! Highly recommended!

Denise L.United States
March 2026

Our tour in Hiroshima with Hugh was a deeply moving and unforgettable experience. Hugh was incredibly knowledgeable and provided such important context at the Peace Memorial Park and Memorial Museum. He managed to balance the somber history with a message of hope and peace perfectly. The trip to Miyajima Island was equally magical, seeing the shrine and the range of beautiful ancient structures was a highlight of our time in Japan. Hugh made navigating between the city and the island seamless. Thank you, Hugh

Craig B.United States
October 2025

We had a great day with Hugh. Knowledgeable and native English speaker who is also completely fluent in Japanese, so he provided great perspective of Japanese culture and customs in a very understandable way. Kept us on track and made sure to return us safely to our cruise ship on a timely basis.

Jerome T.United States
October 2025

Hugh was very knowledgeable, great communicator, refreshingly non-political and yet detailed on historical events that led up to WWII and the atomic bomb. His tour of Miyajima Island and shrine was also excellent. He knows the history and cultures of Japan both as an educated guide and a full time resident. The van was great for the 8 of us and allowed time saving so that we could do both sites in one day.

Your Hiroshima tour itinerary

Guided tours of: Miyajima (shrine) Island and a range of its beautiful ancient structures. tour Peace Memorial Park, its monuments and Memorial Museum **Please note that the itinerary is designed to start at 9 am. Any later start may impact the itinerary.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train

Train and Bus If a touring van availability according to date

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Public conventional transportation: ¥2200 per adult for the day. Private transportation: please enquire for cost according to required seating and availability (includes rental, fuel and parking—reimbursed to guide in cash JPY on the day)
Public Transportation
Tickets: Admission fees:- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Adults (College students and up): 200 yen; Seniors with ID ¥100 / Itsukushima Shrine: Adults: ¥300,
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
Meeting location

Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan

At Hiroshima Station; or your hotel, or your cruise ship birth (please specify which of the two cruise ship ports you will dock at) **Guests staying at the Grand Prince Hotel will need to meet in the city centre at a location TBA

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
647271
Languages
English
Japanese
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Hiroshima best suited for?

This private tour in Hiroshima is ideal for travellers interested in exploring both the ancient and modern history of the city. You'll visit the scenic Miyajima Island and the significant Peace Memorial Park. It's perfect for those who want to connect with a local expert like Hugh C. for deeper insights into Hiroshima's culture and history.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Hiroshima be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Hiroshima suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-9 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-9 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Hiroshima by Hugh C.
Similar tours in Hiroshima
Explore more of Hiroshima
Hiroshima-Miyajima full day walking tourTwo World Heritage Sites - Hiroshima and Miyajima Full Day TourTwo World Heritage Sites Private Tour - Hiroshima/ Miyajima Full Day Tour with Government Licensed GuideExplore Hiroshima and Miyajima with your local guideExplore Hiroshima city with your local guideHiroshima: Ancient and ModernHiroshima & Miyajima: History, Peace & Island BeautyHiroshima 2-Top Sights Peace Park AND Miyajima island All-Day Highlights TourHalf day in Peace Memorial Park and city walkEnjoy with the beautiful Hiroshima City with your local guideHiroshima city highlights tourHiroshima Half Day City Tour with Government Licensed GuideHiroshima and Miyajima full day TourShore Excursion : Hiroshima and Miyajima full day TourTrace the History of Hiroshima and Witness the Resilience of its LocalsHiroshima and Miyajima HighlightsUNESCO Heritage Journey: Hiroshima Peace Park & Miyajima ShrineCRUISE SHORE EXCURSION: Hiroshima & Miyajima Major Highlights in One Day (8hrs )Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Garden + Soul Food – Tour Walk through the history of Hiroshima with your local guideHiroshima and Miyajima island full-day Private tourHiroshima Highlights TourHiroshima-Miyajima full day tour. Two of the Hiroshima's UNESCO World Heritage sightsFull day tour on your requestHiroshima's Modern HistoryFull day in Hiroshima cityFull day Tour in MiyajimaFull-Day Hiroshima and Miyajima World Heritage Sites TourFrom the Cruise Ship Port to Central HiroshimaMiyajima at a Local Pace: Full-Day Island Walk, Shrine, Temple & Sea ViewsHiroshima Islands by E-Bike: Cafés, Coastlines & Local LifeHiroshima's Modern History and Sake Tasting TourMiyajima Highlights in 6 hoursFull‑Day Miyajima Discovery TourHiroshima Day Trip: Kintaikyo Bridge & Miyajima Island HighlightsThe best of Miyajima half day tourHiroshima: Miyajima Island Half-Day Tour with Guide4 Hours in HiroshimaHiroshima A-Bomb Legacy & Origami Experience Tour with Government Licensed GuideHiroshima's Modern History