Hiroshima Departure – 1 Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour

Embarking on a journey through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in Hiroshima and Miyajima is an opportunity to take in Japan’s rich cultural and historical significance. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, visitors will explore the iconic Itsukushima Jinja Shrine on Miyajima Island and the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, uncovering the spiritual and political messages that resonate deeply within these hallowed grounds. From a scenic ferry ride to encountering the friendly resident deer, this one-day tour promises to leave a lasting impression, challenging participants to reflect on the lessons of the past and consider their role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in the Hiroshima and Miyajima region, immersing in the rich cultural and historical significance of the iconic landmarks.
• Discover the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine on Miyajima Island, known for its famous ‘floating’ torii gate, and learn about its spiritual significance.
• Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a poignant reminder of the city’s tragic past, and learn about the city’s rebuilding and memorials.
• Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Seto Inland Sea to Miyajima Island, where you can encounter friendly resident deer and explore the island’s serene, forested trails.
• Transportation costs, admission fees, and the Miyajima visitor tax are included, ensuring a hassle-free and sustainable experience.

Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites

What makes the Hiroshima and Miyajima tour so special is its focus on exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in the region.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural and historical significance of these iconic landmarks, guided by knowledgeable professionals.

The tour includes a visit to Miyajima Island, home to the renowned Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, where the famous ‘floating’ torii gate stands.

In Hiroshima, the group will explore the somber Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a poignant reminder of the city’s tragic past and its enduring message of peace.

Throughout the tour, you will gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s cultural heritage and the importance of preserving these remarkable sites for future generations.

Knowledgeable Guide Accompaniment

The knowledgeable guide accompaniment ensures visitors gain invaluable insights into the cultural and historical significance of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites featured in the Hiroshima and Miyajima tour.

The expertly informed guide’s commentary brings the destinations to life, enriching the overall experience. Highlights of the guide’s expertise include:

• Providing context on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the city’s subsequent rebuilding and memorials

• Explaining the cultural and religious importance of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island

• Sharing little-known stories and legends about the deer that roam freely on the island

• Guiding visitors through the serene Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

• Offering recommendations on the best vantage points to capture the scenic beauty of the locations.

Itsukushima Jinja Shrine Exploration

On Miyajima Island, visitors explore the stunning Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic floating torii gate. The shrine complex dates back to the 6th century and is considered one of Japan’s most sacred sites. Visitors can marvel at the impressive architecture, including the main shrine hall, pagoda, and numerous smaller shrines. They’ll also learn about the shrine’s rich history and spiritual significance.

Feature	Description
Main Shrine Hall	Impressive wooden structure with sweeping curved roofs
Floating Torii Gate	Iconic gateway that appears to float on the water at high tide
Pagoda	Five-story wooden pagoda, a classic example of Japanese architecture
Smaller Shrines	Various smaller shrines dedicated to different deities and spirits
Spiritual Significance	Considered one of Japan’s most sacred sites, associated with Shinto beliefs

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Another highlight of the Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour is exploring the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a powerful and poignant site dedicated to commemorating the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II.

Your guide will lead you through the park, sharing the somber history and the important messages of peace that resonate throughout.

Key sights you’ll encounter include:

• The iconic A-Bomb Dome, one of the few remaining structures from the 1945 attack
• The Children’s Peace Monument, dedicated to the memory of the young victims
• The Cenotaph, housing the names of all those who perished in the bombing
• The Peace Memorial Museum, which chronicles the devastating events and promotes nuclear disarmament
• The Flame of Peace, an eternal flame that will burn until all nuclear weapons have been eliminated worldwide.

Scenic Miyajima Island Ferry Ride

After exploring the somber Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the tour continues with a scenic ferry ride to the island of Miyajima.

This tranquil boat journey across the serene Seto Inland Sea offers breathtaking views of the iconic floating torii gate and the lush, forested slopes of Miyajima. The 10-minute ferry crossing is an opportunity to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and prepare for the next leg of the tour.

Travelers can admire the natural beauty surrounding them as the boat glides across the waters, setting the stage for the upcoming exploration of Miyajima’s UNESCO-listed shrines and temples. This serene ferry ride is a welcome respite before diving into the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Miyajima Visitor Tax Included

The Miyajima visitor tax is included as part of the tour package, allowing travelers to seamlessly access the island’s renowned landmarks without additional out-of-pocket expenses. This tax funds the preservation and maintenance of the culturally significant sites, ensuring their continued protection for future generations.

Visitors can look forward to:

• Exploring the iconic Itsukushima Jinja Shrine with its famous ‘floating’ torii gate
• Wandering the serene, forested trails of Miyajima Island
• Encountering the island’s friendly resident deer
• Discovering the Daisho-in Temple, a picturesque Buddhist site
• Capturing breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Misen

Transportation Costs and Admission Fees

Along With the Miyajima visitor tax, the tour package covers all admission fees and transportation costs, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants. The tour includes a scenic ferry ride to and from Miyajima Island, as well as entry fees to the iconic Itsukushima Jinja Shrine and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This saves travelers the hassle of purchasing individual tickets and navigating public transportation. The all-inclusive nature of the tour allows guests to fully enjoy the cultural and historical highlights without worrying about additional expenses.

Included Costs	Details
Ferry Ride	Scenic journey to/from Miyajima Island
Shrine Entry	Admission to Itsukushima Jinja Shrine
Memorial Park	Entry to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Island Tax	Miyajima visitor tax covered
Transportation	All local transportation provided

Sustainable Development Goals Contribution

By offsetting its carbon footprint, the Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour contributes to sustainable development goals, promoting environmental responsibility and global well-being. This tour’s carbon offset product supports initiatives that address climate change, resource conservation, and renewable energy.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the tour also:

• Minimizes waste through eco-friendly practices
• Encourages the preservation of cultural heritage sites
• Supports local economies and businesses
• Fosters cross-cultural understanding and peace
• Educates travelers on the importance of sustainable tourism

Through these efforts, the Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour exemplifies a responsible approach to travel, ensuring a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit Other Sites in Hiroshima or Miyajima?

Visitors can explore additional sites in Hiroshima and Miyajima beyond the tour’s inclusions. Options may include the Hiroshima Castle, Shukkei-en Garden, or Mount Misen on Miyajima Island, though these would require additional time and costs outside the provided tour.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is offered in English, but other language options may be available upon request. Visitors should inquire about language availability when booking the tour to ensure their preferred language is accommodated.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be customized. Customers can request a shorter or longer tour to suit their preferences and schedule. The tour operator will accommodate these requests when possible, subject to availability.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour operator does not provide storage or refrigeration for personal items, so it’s recommended to pack light and manageable items.

Is There a Discount for Children or Senior Citizens?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for children and senior citizens. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount, while seniors aged 65 and above get a 10% discount off the regular tour price.

Recap

This immersive tour offers a powerful exploration of Hiroshima and Miyajima’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Visitors will uncover the rich cultural and historical significance of iconic landmarks, guided by knowledgeable experts who provide valuable context and insights.

From the spiritual Itsukushima Shrine to the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial, this experience delivers a comprehensive understanding of the region’s profound significance, leaving a lasting impact on participants.