Private tour in Hiroshima Jackie I
1
1
Jackie I.
5.0
Guide rating
2
Reviews
Tours delivered
5 hrs
Avg. response time
My family exists because of a fortunately located hill. On August 6th 1945, my mother-in-law was 3 years old and if her home had been almost anywhere else, my Japanese husband and my beautiful daughter would never have been born. So, even though I was born in Scotland, the story of what happened here feels personal to me, and like many who spend a lot of time in this city, telling it to as many people as I can feels like a mission given to me by the survivors of the atomic bomb I have had the privilege to meet. I came to Japan in 1991 “for a year”, and somehow now it is 2025 and I’m still here. I fell in love, not only with a boy from Hiroshima, but also with Japan, with all its natural beauty, its complex history and culture; at times enigmatic and contradictory, and at other times crazy, “kawaii” and quintessentially simple. My time in Japan has been spent teaching; facilitating cross cultural exchange and learning, translating and interpreting, helping film and documentary makers, and volunteering as an event facilitator for community outreach theatre, all of which involved introducing international guests to Hiroshima and its history, meeting survivors and prominent figures from Hiroshima’s post war reconstruction era. Hopefully this experience can add something to my tours. I’d love to share with you what I have learned during my 35 years here in Japan, and 25 in Hiroshima, and would love to hear your insights too. All tours can be customised and adapted to your needs. Japanese law prevents me from driving you around, so tours are assumed to be on foot or by public transport, but if you prefer a private car, I can help you arrange one. If you have any questions, please send me a message!
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jackie I.
If you only have one day in Hiroshima, this is the tour for you. Let me share the 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in my adopted home town with you. Visit the majestic “floating” Grand Torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine on the ancient sacred island of Miyajima with me and wander the quaint local streets sampling tasty local delicacies as you go. Then learn about how the people of Hiroshima experienced one of the 20th century's most defining events: the world's first ever use of a nuclear weapon in war time. Learn about Hiroshima’s journey from feudal samurai times, through the darkest days of WW2, to its current position as a self-styled International City of Peace, and find out about my personal connection to that history. Customise the basic itinerary below to your preference, and choose the sites which reflect your main interests, and maximise your learning experience in the short time you have. Look at my full day Hiroshima tour and full day Miyajima tour to see alternative options.
Sample plan: - Meet at Hiroshima station and travel together to Miyajima with me by train and ferry. - Learn about the history of the sacred island as we walk along the sea front, on our way to see the famous Grand Torii Gate. - Visit the vermillion coloured UNESCO World Heritage site Itsukushima shrine, learn about the kinds of Shinto ceremonies traditionally performed there, and hear legends from its history. - Explore the backstreets and visit local independent shops and food vendors on the way back to the ferry. - Travel back to Hiroshima city centre as we shift focus to the events of August 6th 1945. - Visit UNESCO World Heritage site, Atomic Bomb Dome. Learn about how Japan remembers that fateful morning - See the major monuments in and around Peace Memorial Park, including the Children’s Monument, Rest House, Flame of Peace and Cenotaph. - Hear the stories of Atomic Bomb survivors I have met, and their prayers for a nuclear free future for all. - End the tour at Peace Memorial Museum
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.
This is a walking tour but we will use public transportation to reach the island. Train from Hiroshima station to Miyajimaguchi Station. (About 30 minutes - ¥440 each way) Ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island. (About 10 minutes ¥500 round trip) Please let me know if anyone in your group has mobility issues. Taxis may be used for parts of the journey at your discretion and expense. Private cars may be arranged at your extra expense depending on availability but usually require booking well in advance. Message for details.
Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 732-0822, Japan
I will wait for you just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates on the 2F of Hiroshima station building.
Who is this private tour in Hiroshima best suited for?
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?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
1
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works