Hiroshima’s haunting past can now be explored through a personalized private walking tour led by a licensed guide. This comprehensive experience allows visitors to customize their itinerary, visiting key sights like the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and the sobering Atomic Bomb Dome. With transportation, entrance fees, and even lunch included, this tour offers a seamless and immersive way to uncover the city’s complex history and resilience. Whether opting for the 4-hour or 7-hour option, guests can expect a moderate level of activity as they delve deeper into Hiroshima’s transformative journey. The only question remains: what will you discover?

Key Points

Hiroshima Custom Private Walking Tour With Licensed Guide (4/7h) - Key Points

  • This private walking tour of Hiroshima offers a personalized exploration with a licensed guide, customizable to include popular sites like Itsukushima Shrine and Atomic Bomb Dome.
  • The tour is available in 4-hour or 7-hour options, and includes entrance fees, transportation, and lunch for the guest and guide.
  • Pickup and drop-off are provided from Hiroshima city hotels or Hiroshima Station, designed for visitors staying in the city.
  • The tour operates rain or shine and is stroller accessible, but requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
  • Cancellation policy allows a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

Hiroshima Custom Private Walking Tour With Licensed Guide (4/7h) - Tour Overview

The private walking tour of Hiroshima provides a personalized exploration of the city, with a licensed guide accompanying visitors to provide commentary on the local sites.

The tour can be customized to include a range of attractions, such as the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, the somber Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial.

Guests can choose between a 4-hour or 7-hour tour, allowing them to delve deeper into the city’s history and culture.

With entrance fees, transportation, and lunch included, the tour offers a seamless and comprehensive experience, ensuring visitors make the most of their time in Hiroshima.

The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and takes place rain or shine, providing a truly immersive and memorable exploration of this historic city.

Inclusions

Hiroshima Custom Private Walking Tour With Licensed Guide (4/7h) - Inclusions

This private walking tour includes a professional local guide to accompany guests and provide commentary on the visited sites.

It also covers the entrance fees for the Itsukushima Shrine (300 yen) and the Peace Memorial Museum (200 yen), as well as the transportation fee (1,500 yen each for the guest and guide).

Lunch is provided for both the guest and the guide, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience throughout the tour.

The tour includes the following:

  • Professional local guide
  • Hotel meet-up or Hiroshima station pick-up
  • Private customized walking tour (4 or 7 hours)
  • Entrance fees for Itsukushima shrine and Peace Memorial Museum
  • Lunch for you and guide

Exclusions

The tour doesn’t cover any other private expenses incurred during the experience, nor does it provide a private vehicle for transportation.

Guests are responsible for any additional costs they may incur, such as souvenirs, snacks, or other personal purchases.

The tour also doesn’t include the cost of a private vehicle, as the guide will accompany your on a private walking tour through the city.

This allows travelers to fully enjoy the local sights and sounds while keeping the experience affordable and accessible.

Pickup and Drop-off

Guests can be picked up either at their hotel lobby in Hiroshima city or directly from Hiroshima Station, as the tour is limited to accommodations within Hiroshima City and doesn’t include airports or ports.

This convenient pickup service ensures a seamless start to the tour.

Pickup is available from hotels and Hiroshima Station only. No pickup from airports or ports is provided.

Pickup and drop-off are included in the tour package.

The tour is designed for Hiroshima city accommodations.

Guests will be returned to their original pickup location at the end of the tour.

The pickup and drop-off logistics are tailored to provide a hassle-free experience for guests throughout the Hiroshima custom private walking tour.

Policies

The tour comes with a set of policies that ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour takes place rain or shine as it’s a private activity only for your group.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible and located near public transportation. Moderate physical fitness is required, and a full refund is available if the tour is canceled 24 hours in advance.

The policies are designed to cater to the needs of different travelers while maintaining a high level of flexibility and responsiveness to any changes in plans. This ensures that guests can fully enjoy the Hiroshima experience without any logistical worries.

Itsukushima Shrine

Often regarded as one of Japan’s most iconic shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine sits on the island of Miyajima, just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its floating torii gate, which appears to be suspended on the water during high tide.

Visitors can stroll through the shrine’s peaceful grounds, which include:

  • The grand Otorii gate, the shrine’s main entrance
  • Several ornately decorated pagodas and halls
  • The Senjokaku pavilion, a massive wooden structure
  • The Treasure House, showcasing the shrine’s cultural artifacts
  • Deer that roam freely, considered divine messengers in Shinto tradition

The shrine’s unique architecture and tranquil setting make it a must-see destination for those exploring Hiroshima’s rich cultural heritage.

Atomic Bomb Dome

After the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the skeletal remains of the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, later known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, stood as a powerful symbol of the devastation wrought by the nuclear attack. This historic landmark, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and a call for global peace and nuclear disarmament. Visitors to the Atomic Bomb Dome can reflect on its significance through the following perspectives:

Perspective Meaning
Architectural A haunting reminder of the blast’s destructive power
Historical A witness to one of the most pivotal events of the 20th century
Emotional A somber memorial to the tens of thousands of lives lost
Symbolic A call for nuclear non-proliferation and worldwide disarmament
Educational A powerful lesson on the horrors of war and the need for peace

Peace Memorial

Situated in the heart of Hiroshima, the serene Peace Memorial Park serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s resilience and commitment to global peace.

Featuring the iconic Peace Memorial Museum, this expansive green space commemorates the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing and inspires visitors to reflect on the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare.

Within the park, you’ll find:

  • The Cenotaph, an arched monument that holds the names of those who perished in the attack
  • The Children’s Peace Monument, a statue dedicated to the young victims

The Memorial Flame, which is meant to burn until the last nuclear weapon is eliminated.

The Peace Bell, which is rung regularly to promote world peace.

The Peace Clock, a symbolic reminder of the ongoing pursuit of a nuclear-free world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Guide Fluent in English?

Yes, the guide is fluent in English. Private walking tours in Hiroshima typically use licensed guides who are proficient in English to provide commentary and ensure an informative and engaging experience for international travelers.

Can the Tour Be Modified to Fit Our Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your interests. The private walking tour allows for flexibility to focus on the attractions and aspects of Hiroshima that are most meaningful to you and your group.

Are There Opportunities to Interact With Local Residents?

The tour provides opportunities to interact with local residents as the private guide accompanies you and can facilitate conversations. The guide’s local knowledge allows for meaningful interactions that provide insight into the culture and daily life of Hiroshima.

Can We Stop for Snacks or Drinks During the Tour?

Yes, you can stop for snacks or drinks during the tour. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility to accommodate such requests, providing an opportunity to further learn about the local culture and experience.

How Reliable Is the Guide’s Knowledge of the Sites?

The guide’s knowledge of the sites is highly reliable, as they are a licensed local professional who provides knowledgeable commentary on the attractions visited during the personalized tour. Their expertise ensures an informative and engaging experience for the participants.

Recap

This private Hiroshima walking tour offers a comprehensive and personalized exploration of the city’s key sights.

With a licensed guide, guests can customize the tour to fit their interests, with all entrance fees, transportation, and lunch included.

It’s an ideal way to experience Hiroshima’s history and culture, with pickup and drop-off provided for a moderate level of physical activity.