1-Day Tour: Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights

Hiroshima’s past evokes both sorrow and resilience. This one-day tour takes travelers on a journey through the city’s hidden gems and essential landmarks, offering a glimpse into its complex history. From the serene Mitaki-dera Temple to the poignant Atomic Bomb Dome, each stop promises to engage the senses and challenge preconceptions. As visitors explore Hiroshima’s layers of memory and transformation, they’ll uncover the city’s inspiring story – one that continues to captivate and inspire.

Key Points

• Explore Hiroshima’s serene Mitaki-dera Temple and the historic Hiroshima Castle Ruins during this comprehensive 8.5-hour guided tour.
• Visit the UNESCO-listed Atomic Bomb Dome, a powerful symbol of Hiroshima’s past, and gain insights at the Peace Memorial Museum.
• Enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Shukkei-en Garden, known for its ponds, bridges, and symbolic landscape design.
• Partake in the meaningful activity of folding paper cranes at the Children’s Peace Monument.
• Includes lunch, all entry fees, and hotel/station drop-off, providing a hassle-free and immersive experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 1-day Hiroshima tour offers travelers the chance to discover the city’s hidden gems and highlights. Priced from £126.62 per person, the 8.5-hour tour provides free cancellation and a pay-later booking option.

Guests will explore key landmarks, including Mitaki-dera Temple, Hiroshima Castle Ruins, and the Peace Memorial Museum, while an English-speaking guide provides historical context.

The itinerary also includes time for reflection at the Cenotaph and folding paper cranes at the Children’s Peace Monument.

Lunch and all entry fees are included, making this a comprehensive and convenient way to experience Hiroshima’s essential sights.

Itinerary and Highlights

The guided tour takes visitors on a journey through Hiroshima’s key landmarks, beginning with the serene Mitaki-dera Temple.

Next, the group explores the Hiroshima Castle Ruins, followed by the tranquil Shukkei-en Garden.

The tour then moves to the Atomic Bomb Dome, a powerful reminder of the city’s tragic past.

At the Peace Memorial Museum, an English-speaking guide provides historical context.

Visitors reflect at the Cenotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb before enjoying free time for lunch at the bustling Hondori Shopping Street.

The tour culminates with the opportunity to fold an orizuru (paper crane) at the Children’s Peace Monument.

Tour Details

Participants meet at Hiroshima Station under the Tourist Information sign to begin the tour.

Transportation between all the activities is included, which takes the stress out of getting around.

Entry fees for all the tour locations – Mitaki-dera Temple, Hiroshima Castle Ruins, Shukkei-en Garden, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum – are covered.

Lunch is also provided, allowing guests to refuel during the 8.5-hour excursion.

The tour ends at either the Peace Memorial Museum or Hiroshima Station, and the guide is available for dinner recommendations or hotel instructions if needed.

Important Information

Although the tour is suitable for most participants, there are a few restrictions.

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 6 years old or people with heart problems. Wheelchair users are also unable to join this tour due to the uneven terrain and stairs at some locations.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bringing water and sunscreen is recommended to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

At the end of the tour, guests can choose to either end at the Peace Memorial Museum or return to Hiroshima Station, where the guide can provide dinner recommendations or hotel instructions.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Mitaki-dera Temple

Mitaki-dera Temple stands as a serene oasis amidst Hiroshima’s bustling cityscape. Nestled in a lush, mountainous area, this tranquil Buddhist temple offers a peaceful respite from the city.

Visitors can stroll along the temple’s winding paths, admiring the intricate architecture and the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. The temple’s main hall, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors, is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Guests can also experience the soothing sound of the temple’s flowing waterfall and the serene atmosphere that permeates the entire complex.

Hiroshima Castle Ruins

After exploring the serenity of Mitaki-dera Temple, the tour group makes its way to the historic Hiroshima Castle Ruins. Once a powerful fortress, the castle was reduced to rubble by the atomic bomb in 1945. Though the original structure is gone, the ruins stand as a poignant reminder of Hiroshima’s tumultuous past. The guide provides detailed insights, bringing the site’s history to life.

Fact	Reflection
The original castle was built in 1589.	A symbol of Hiroshima’s resilience.
It withstood numerous sieges over the centuries.	A humbling contrast to the destruction.
The bomb’s detonation left only the castle’s foundations.	A somber testament to the tragedies of war.
Today, the ruins are a designated National Historic Site.	A place to reflect on the past and envision a peaceful future.

Shukkei-en Garden

Next, the tour group moves on to the serene Shukkei-en Garden. This historic Japanese landscape garden dates back to 1620 and features ponds, bridges, and pavilions.

Strolling along the meandering paths, visitors admire the carefully curated scenery. Meticulously trimmed bonsai and azalea plants frame the tranquil scene.

The guide shares the significance of the garden’s design elements, explaining their symbolic meanings. Guests have time to explore the grounds independently, appreciating the peacefulness that inspired the name "Shukkeien", which translates to "landscape garden of intensive beauty".

The group then continues on to the next destination on the Hiroshima tour.

Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum

Leaving the tranquility of Shukkei-en Garden, the tour group heads to the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, a powerful reminder of the devastation wrought by the 1945 atomic bombing.

The guide provides historical context, explaining how the dome’s skeletal remains have been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Next, the group visits the Peace Memorial Museum, which offers a sobering and comprehensive account of the bombing’s impact.

Visitors can reflect on the cenotaph, an arched monument honoring the victims.

The tour allows time for personal contemplation and the opportunity to fold an orizuru, a symbolic paper crane, at the Children’s Peace Monument.

FAQ

Are Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not currently offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, the pricing is inclusive of all entrance fees and transportation, making it a value for those visiting Hiroshima’s key landmarks.

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your interests. The tour operator is open to modifying the itinerary based on your preferences, within the tour’s scope and duration. You can discuss your interests with the guide to personalize the experience.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

Tour group sizes typically range from 8 to 15 participants, allowing for a personalized experience. The tour operator can accommodate smaller or larger groups upon request, subject to availability and guide capacity.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks?

The tour includes a lunch at Hondori Shopping Street, so participants don’t need to bring their own lunch or snacks. The tour covers all entry fees and transportation, providing a hassle-free experience for the participants.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Tour Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the tour sites, though there may be some restrictions at the Peace Memorial Museum. Check with the guide for specific details on photography policies during the tour.

Sum Up

This immersive 1-day tour of Hiroshima offers a poignant exploration of the city’s past and present. From the tranquil Mitaki-dera Temple to the sobering Atomic Bomb Dome, visitors will gain profound insights into Hiroshima’s rich history and resilience. With guided visits to key landmarks and the inclusion of lunch, this tour provides a comprehensive and reflective experience for those seeking to understand this iconic Japanese city.

You can check if your dates are available here: