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Private tour in Hiroshima Jackie I
Sacred Island Miyajima Full Day (8 hr)
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8 hours
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8 hours
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Jackie I.
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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.
Experience Breathtaking Natural Beauty And Ancient Spiritual Sites On An Island Considered So Sacred That Humans Were Forbidden To Set Foot On It For Centuries.
Overview of your Hiroshima tour
Wander with a local through historical streets on the ancient sacred island of Miyajima, with adorable deer roaming free everywhere you go. Hear about local samurai and pirate legends on the way. Stars of the day will be the stunning “floating” UNESCO World heritage site Itsukushima Shrine and its majestic vermillion coloured Grand Torii gate, as well as the culturally significant Daishoin Temple nestling at the foot of Mount Misen. Learn about Japanese spirituality at these prominent Shinto and Buddhist centres of worship, and take some time to reflect while meandering in the serene atmosphere of the primordial forest. Enjoy local delicacies and sweets at locally owned independent shops and cafes. If time & availability permits*, take a cable car up Mount Misen and enjoy the stunning views over the many islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Your Hiroshima tour itinerary
- 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 UNESCO World Heritage site Itsukushima shrine, learn about the kinds of Shinto ceremonies traditionally performed there, and hear legends from its history. - Visit Daishoin temple, a centre of Shingon Buddhism founded by one of Japan’s most famous Buddhist monks in 806AD. See its very photogenic collection of statues and perhaps try a Buddhist ritual, as you learn about Japanese spirituality through the centuries. - Take a cable car to the top of Mt Misen, with its spectacular views over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea* - Stroll around Momijidani Park, famous for its maple trees and unspoiled natural forest, mingling with the local “wild” deer, before heading back to the ferry. *if time/conditions permit ** Message me to customise this tour according to your needs.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
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.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 732-0822, Japan
I'll meet you just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates on the 2F of Hiroshima station building.
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
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English
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8 hours
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8 hours
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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
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.