Hiroshima and Miyajima Private Guided Tour

Our guests will embark on a deeply moving journey through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, immersing themselves in its profound message of peace and resilience. The tour will begin at the A-Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a haunting reminder of the events of August 6, 1945. They will explore the Peace Memorial Museum, encountering vivid exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and survivor stories that reveal the human impact of the bombing. At the Children’s Peace Monument, they can reflect on Sasaki’s story and contribute their own folded cranes as a gesture of peace. Guests will honor lives lost at the Cenotaph for A-Bomb Victims and witness the Peace Flame, burning until nuclear weapons are abolished. They will also ring the Peace Bell, symbolizing hope and harmony. Guided insights will highlight Hiroshima’s journey of recovery and advocacy for peace. Time for reflection within the park’s serene atmosphere will make this an unforgettable and meaningful experience.

The A-Bomb Dome, or Genbaku Dome, is one of Hiroshima's most iconic and haunting landmarks, preserved as a stark reminder of the devastating atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, this structure was one of the few buildings near the epicenter to survive the blast, though it was severely damaged. Its skeletal remains have since been carefully maintained as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing the resilience of Hiroshima’s people and their commitment to peace. Visitors to the A-Bomb Dome can walk around the structure, observing its preserved state, and reflect on the immense destruction caused by nuclear weapons. It stands as a powerful testament to the horrors of war and a call to action for global nuclear disarmament, offering a profound and sobering experience for all who visit.

The Peace Memorial Museum is the heart of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, offering a deeply impactful exploration of the events of August 6, 1945, and the aftermath of the atomic bombing. Through a vast collection of photographs, artifacts, personal belongings, and survivor testimonies, the museum tells the human stories behind the tragedy, portraying the devastating effects of the bomb on the city and its people. The museum also provides historical context about the lead-up to the bombing and Hiroshima's efforts in advocating for nuclear disarmament. Guests are encouraged to reflect on the lessons of history and the importance of peace as they move through the museum’s thoughtfully curated exhibits. It is a profoundly moving experience, leaving visitors with a lasting impression of Hiroshima’s message of hope and harmony.

The Children’s Peace Monument is a heartfelt tribute to the memory of the children who lost their lives due to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia from radiation exposure, the monument symbolizes hope and a wish for a peaceful world. Sadako believed in the Japanese legend that folding 1,000 origami cranes could grant a wish, and her determination to fold cranes even in her final days has become a global symbol of peace.

At the monument, visitors can see the bronze statue of a girl holding a golden crane, surrounded by display cases filled with colorful paper cranes sent from around the world. Guests are invited to fold and contribute their own cranes, adding to the collective hope for peace. The site encourages reflection on the impact of war on innocent lives and the power of unity in advocating for a nuclear-free future. It is a place of solemn remembrance and enduring inspiration.

The Cenotaph for A-Bomb Victims, located in the heart of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, is a solemn and powerful tribute to those who lost their lives in the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, the arch-shaped monument shelters a stone chest containing a registry of the names of all known victims, regardless of nationality, race, or belief. Inscribed on the monument is the heartfelt epitaph: “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”

Positioned in alignment with the A-Bomb Dome and the Peace Flame, the cenotaph offers a space for quiet reflection and remembrance. Visitors can pay their respects by bowing, offering flowers, or simply contemplating the profound loss and resilience the site represents. The Cenotaph serves not only as a memorial but as a reminder of Hiroshima's enduring call for peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons.

The Peace Flame and the Peace Bell are two powerful symbols within Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, each carrying a deep message of hope and a commitment to peace.

The Peace Flame has burned continuously since it was lit in 1964, symbolizing Hiroshima's vow to work towards a world without nuclear weapons. Positioned near the Cenotaph, it is intended to remain alight until nuclear weapons are completely abolished. The flame stands as a beacon of hope for global disarmament, urging visitors to reflect on the importance of peace and the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare.

The Peace Bell, located nearby, invites visitors to participate in its ringing, an act symbolizing the collective desire for peace and harmony. The bell is inscribed with the words "May all the souls of the atomic bomb victims rest in peace," offering a moment of reflection. Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell, sending their own wishes for peace out into the world, adding their voices to Hiroshima's ongoing message of reconciliation and global unity.

Hiroshima Hondori is a lively pedestrian street in the heart of Hiroshima, offering a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stretching for several blocks, this bustling arcade is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, lined with a variety of stores ranging from fashion boutiques to souvenir shops. Travelers can explore the many cafes, restaurants, and food stalls offering local specialties, such as okonomiyaki (a savory pancake) and Hiroshima-style oysters.

The area also boasts a lively atmosphere, with street performers often adding to the vibrant scene. Along with its modern appeal, Hiroshima Hondori preserves a connection to the city’s history, providing a contrast to the serene memorials nearby. It’s a great place to experience the energy of Hiroshima, enjoy local cuisine, and shop for unique items to remember the visit. Whether it’s for a casual stroll, shopping, or a taste of local culture, Hiroshima Hondori offers a lively and enjoyable experience

Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, is a historic landmark located in central Hiroshima. Originally built in the late 16th century by Mori Terumoto, the castle served as the seat of the Mori clan until the early 17th century. Although the castle was destroyed during the atomic bombing of 1945, it was carefully rebuilt in the 1950s and now stands as a symbol of Hiroshima's resilience and recovery. Visitors can explore the five-story main keep, which houses a museum displaying artifacts related to the castle’s history, samurai culture, and Hiroshima’s development. From the top, guests are treated to panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. The peaceful grounds surrounding the castle feature lovely gardens, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Hiroshima Castle beautifully blends historical significance with the modern spirit of the city, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in both culture and history.

Shukkeien Garden, located in central Hiroshima, is a beautifully designed traditional Japanese garden that dates back to 1620. Originally created by the Asano family, the garden’s name, which means "shrunken-scenery garden," reflects its design philosophy—depicting scenic landscapes in miniature. This tranquil garden features a large central pond, lush greenery, winding paths, stone bridges, and small islands, all carefully arranged to evoke the beauty of nature in a compact space.

Throughout the year, Shukkeien offers stunning seasonal views, including cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant irises in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn. The garden also has a traditional tea house where visitors can experience a Japanese tea ceremony, adding to its cultural charm. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll, relax by the pond, or reflect in the serene atmosphere of the garden, making it a perfect place to escape the city’s busy pace and immerse oneself in natural beauty and Japanese culture.

On a visit to Miyajima, travelers will experience the beauty of Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its "floating" torii gate. They can explore the shrine's serene grounds and enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea. A cable car or hike up Mount Misen offers stunning vistas of the surrounding islands. Along the way, friendly deer roam freely, adding to the charm. Visitors will also discover traditional streets filled with shops offering local treats like momiji manju (maple-leaf-shaped sweets) and fresh oysters. Miyajima’s peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it a perfect escape for exploration and reflection.

Itsukushima Shrine, located on the island of Miyajima, is one of Japan's most iconic and spiritually significant landmarks. Famous for its "floating" torii gate, which appears to rise from the sea at high tide, the shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will explore the striking red-painted shrine, which is built over the water, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The shrine’s architecture blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings, creating a serene atmosphere. Inside, travelers will encounter various halls dedicated to the deities of the sea and mountains. The torii gate and the shrine are central to the island’s spiritual significance, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the natural world. Itsukushima Shrine offers a peaceful, awe-inspiring experience, providing visitors with a deep sense of Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage.