Hiroshima & Miyajima Day Trip: Peace Park, Ferry & Shrine

Summary

Peace Memorial moments, Miyajima ferry rides and shrine walks

You’ll start your day in Hiroshima with a local guide who’ll help you navigate both city streets and emotions at Peace Memorial Park before heading to Miyajima by ferry. Walk through Itsukushima Shrine’s corridors above water, taste island specialties like grilled oysters or sweet manju, and find small moments of connection with fellow travelers—all with transport and entry fees sorted for you.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the meeting spot at Hiroshima Station—my phone glitched, and I ended up outside a bakery that smelled like sweet red bean buns. Luckily, our guide (Yuko) spotted me waving my ticket around like a lost tourist. She just laughed and said, “Everyone gets turned around here.” There were maybe ten of us, all sleepy-eyed but curious. The bus ride was quiet except for Yuko’s gentle voice explaining how Hiroshima rebuilt itself. I didn’t expect to feel so much just looking out the window at regular city life rolling by.

At Peace Memorial Park, it was quieter than I thought it would be. There was this breeze that made the paper cranes flutter on the memorials—tiny flashes of color everywhere. Yuko let us walk at our own pace; I overheard an older man from our group whispering something in Spanish about his grandfather and war. The Atomic Bomb Dome is just there—no drama, just standing. It’s strange how normal people act around something so heavy. I kept thinking about the smell of grass and incense mixing together near the cenotaph.

The drive to the coast was kind of uneventful until we got a glimpse of Miyajima across the water—someone said it looked like a painting. The ferry ride was short but windy; sea spray hit my glasses and made everyone laugh (even the serious French couple). On Miyajima Island, everything felt softer somehow—the light, the voices, even the deer wandering near the shrine entrance. Walking through Itsukushima Shrine’s wooden corridors over water was surreal. The famous torii gate really does look like it floats during high tide; I took too many photos but none felt right.

We had free time after visiting the shrine, so I tried grilled oysters from a street stall (hot, salty, weirdly comforting) and bought a box of momiji manju for later. Li from our group tried to teach me how to say “thank you” properly in Japanese—I butchered it and she laughed so hard she almost dropped her pastry. Heading back on the ferry as dusk crept in, everyone was quiet again but not in a sad way—just full from walking and seeing too much beauty and history in one day. I still think about that moment when the island lights started flickering on behind us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiroshima and Miyajima Island tour

• Meet guide at Hiroshima Station
• Bus to Peace Memorial Park
• Explore Peace Memorial Park
• Bus to ferry terminal
• Ferry to Miyajima Island
• Visit Itsukushima Shrine
• Free time on Miyajima Island
• Ferry back to mainland
• Bus return to Hiroshima Station

Top questions

How long does this Hiroshima & Miyajima day trip take?

The tour lasts one full day, starting from Hiroshima Station and returning there after visiting both sites.

Is transportation included between Hiroshima & Miyajima?

Yes, all transportation including bus rides and ferry tickets are included in your booking.

Do we get free time on Miyajima Island?

Yes, after visiting Itsukushima Shrine you’ll have free time to explore shops or try local food.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No set lunch is provided but you’ll have time to buy food on Miyajima Island such as grilled oysters or momiji manju.

Are entry fees covered for Itsukushima Shrine?

Yes, your entrance fee to Itsukushima Shrine is included in the tour price.

Is there a guide throughout the trip?

A bilingual guide (English/Spanish) accompanies you from start to finish.

Where does the tour start & end?

The tour begins and ends at Hiroshima Station.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels with moderate walking involved.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transportation from Hiroshima Station by bus and ferry rides across to Miyajima Island; a bilingual English-Spanish guide who keeps things running smoothly; entry fees for Itsukushima Shrine; plus plenty of time to wander traditional streets or sample local snacks before heading back in the evening.