Exploring the historic city of Hiroshima and the scenic Miyajima Island in a single day sounds like a dream come true for many travelers. This comprehensive bus tour offers an immersive experience, taking visitors through the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, savoring the local delicacy of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and embarking on a scenic ferry ride to the UNESCO-listed Miyajima Island. With convenient hotel pick-up, seamless transportation, and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. But as you delve deeper into the details, you’ll discover why this one-day adventure is truly a must-do for anyone visiting the Hiroshima region.
Key Points
- This comprehensive 1-day bus tour takes you to the must-see sites of Hiroshima and the UNESCO-listed Miyajima Island, including the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
- The tour includes a ferry ride to Miyajima Island to witness the iconic floating Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine and explore the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Travelers can enjoy a traditional Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch, seeing the local cuisine and food culture during the tour.
- The tour provides a seamless and stress-free experience, with round-trip transportation, entry fees, and hotel pick-up/drop-off included in the price.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the comfortable transportation, educational experiences, and knowledgeable guides.
Tour Overview
The Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour offers an immersive exploration of Hiroshima’s historical sites and the scenic beauty of Miyajima Island, all within an 8-hour itinerary priced from $117.73 per person.
Departing from Hiroshima Station at 10:00 AM, the tour promises an unforgettable experience, with highlights like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and a lunch of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Participants will then ferry to the UNESCO-listed Miyajima Island to witness the iconic floating Torii gate and explore the island’s serene landscapes.
With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as a cancellation policy allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive and hassle-free day trip.
Itinerary Highlights
Visitors on the Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour will first explore the solemn Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where they can reflect on the tragic history of the atomic bombing while viewing the iconic A-Bomb Dome, a haunting relic from the fateful day.
They’ll then visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the devastating effects of nuclear warfare through poignant exhibits and displays.
After a delicious lunch of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the tour takes them to Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
With an hour of free time, guests can wander the island’s picturesque shrines, temples, and shops at their own pace.
Transportation and Inclusions
After exploring the historical sites and cultural highlights of Hiroshima, the tour whisks guests away to Miyajima Island via air-conditioned bus and ferry, with the round-trip ferry ticket included in the tour price.
Transport is seamless, as the tour operator handles all the logistics, ensuring a stress-free journey. Upon arrival, visitors can enjoy the island’s stunning natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, without having to worry about navigating the transportation.
The tour also covers entry fees to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Itsukushima Shrine, making it a hassle-free experience. For those who wish, a delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch is available as an optional add-on.
Customer Experience
Travelers consistently praise the tour’s seamless organization and educational value, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 187 reviews.
The transport receives an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating, with customers noting the comfortable, air-conditioned buses and convenient ferry service to Miyajima Island.
In terms of value for money, the tour earns 4.5 out of 5, reflecting its comprehensive itinerary and included entry fees.
Guides are singled out for their informative and friendly demeanors, which greatly enhance the tour’s educational aspects.
While the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch sparks mixed opinions, the tour’s staff are praised for their responsiveness to dietary requests.
Customer Reviews Summary
Reviewers consistently highlight the tour’s emotional and educational visits to Hiroshima, praising the well-organized itinerary and the beauty of Miyajima Island.
While opinions on the included Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki lunch are mixed, with some enjoying the savory dish and others encountering dietary issues, the tour staff’s responsiveness to requests is widely commended.
Customers appreciate the:
- Impactful experiences at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- Seamless transportation and ferry transfers
- Excellent value for money
- Knowledgeable and friendly tour guides who enhance the educational aspects of the tour
Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Upon arrival at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, visitors are immediately struck by the solemn atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling city surrounding it. The park serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare, with the iconic A-Bomb Dome standing as a powerful symbol of resilience and reflection.
As part of the tour, guests have the opportunity to explore the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which offers a deeply moving and educational experience. The museum’s exhibits explore the history of the atomic bombing, the suffering of the victims, and the ongoing efforts towards nuclear disarmament.
| Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| A-Bomb Dome | The skeletal remains of a building that was directly beneath the atomic blast, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| Memorial Cenotaph | A curved concrete arch containing the names of all known victims of the bombing. |
| Children’s Peace Monument | A statue dedicated to the memory of the young victims, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki. |
Exploring Miyajima Island
After exploring the solemn Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the bus tour continues its journey to the serene Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty and iconic floating Torii gate.
Upon arrival, visitors are struck by the island’s tranquil atmosphere and spiritual ambiance. The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the famous Itsukushima Shrine, whose vermilion Torii gate appears to float on the water during high tide.
Visitors can also:
- Wander through the island’s forested trails, home to friendly wild deer
- Hike up to the summit of Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea
- Indulge in local delicacies like grilled momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes)
- Explore the island’s charming shops and shrines at a leisurely pace
Enjoying Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki
The lunch break on the Hiroshima and Miyajima Island tour offers visitors a chance to savor the iconic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake that showcases the city’s culinary heritage.
This local specialty is a delightful combination of grilled cabbage, pork, bean sprouts, and noodles, all bound together in a light, fluffy batter.
As the okonomiyaki sizzles on the griddle, the aromas of soy sauce, ginger, and smoky char fill the air, whetting the appetite.
Served piping hot, each bite delivers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors that’s quintessentially Hiroshima.
Whether a longtime fan or new to the dish, this lunch stop provides a flavorful respite and insight into the city’s vibrant food culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Group of 10 or More?
Yes, this tour can accommodate groups of 10 or more. The tour operator offers group discounts and can tailor the experience to larger parties’ needs, ensuring an engaging and seamless outing for the entire group.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Yes, the tour operator does offer the option to extend the duration of the Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour. Customers can add extra time on Miyajima Island for independent exploration or visit additional sites in Hiroshima.
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Ferry to Miyajima Island?
Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food on the ferry to Miyajima Island. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand, as policies may vary. Enjoying a packed lunch while taking in the scenic views can enhance the overall island experience.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour operator offers discounted rates for students and seniors. Students can save around 10% off the regular price, while seniors (65+) can enjoy up to a 15% discount. Guests should inquire about these special offers when booking the tour.
Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Include Additional Sightseeing?
Yes, you can modify the tour itinerary to include additional sightseeing. The tour operator offers flexibility to customize the experience, allowing you to add extra stops or extend the duration on Miyajima Island within the overall 8-hour schedule.
Recap
The Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour offers an immersive experience, blending the poignant history of Hiroshima with the natural beauty of Miyajima Island.
Visitors can explore the Peace Memorial Park, savor local cuisine, and witness the iconic floating Torii gate, all while enjoying seamless transportation and knowledgeable guidance.
This tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to connect with Hiroshima’s past and present, leaving a lasting impression on all who take part.
