Hiroshima & Miyajima: Peace Memorial, Shrine & Island Day Trip

Summary

Hiroshima’s stories echo at peace park and miyajima’s shrine calls with salt air and laughter

You’ll walk through Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park with a local guide who shares real stories, then ride out to Miyajima Island where wild deer roam and Itsukushima Shrine sits above shifting tides. Taste fresh oysters or okonomiyaki for lunch before heading back—this day trip from Hiroshima lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a folded map—creases already soft from use—and I’m trying to follow our guide’s finger as she traces the route from Hiroshima Station. She jokes about her favorite okonomiyaki shop near the tram line, but I’m distracted by the quiet hum of early morning commuters. The bus windows fog up as we cross the city, and I catch my own reflection looking oddly serious. Maybe it’s just nerves about seeing the Atomic Bomb Dome in person. When we finally step out, there’s this hush in the air—like everyone knows not to talk too loud here. Our guide, Yuki, tells us how her grandmother remembers that day. It hits differently hearing it from someone whose family lived it.

The Peace Memorial Museum is colder inside than I expected, or maybe that’s just me. There are school kids in matching hats sketching quietly by the displays. I lingered too long at one photo—I still think about that mother holding her child—and had to hurry to catch up with the group. Outside again, sunlight feels sharper somehow. We walk past the river where paper cranes hang from trees and head for Miyajima Island by ferry. The Seto Sea smells faintly briny; gulls wheel overhead like they own the place.

Miyajima is nothing like Hiroshima city—there are wild deer everywhere (one tried to nibble my map). The Itsukushima Shrine really does look like it’s floating when the tide is high; red pillars reflected in blue water, and Mt. Misen behind it all green and silent. Yuki points out a couple getting wedding photos under the torii gate—she says locals believe it brings luck if you spot one on your visit. For lunch we’re left to wander; I end up with grilled oysters at a tiny stand where an old man fans charcoal with a folded newspaper. He laughs when I thank him in broken Japanese—probably sounded ridiculous but he seemed pleased anyway.

I didn’t expect to feel so much in one day trip from Hiroshima—a little heavy after Peace Park, then suddenly light again on Miyajima with deer nosing my backpack and salt on my lips from sea air. By the time we’re back on the bus, everyone’s quieter than this morning but in a good way, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Hiroshima and Miyajima highlights

• See Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima
• Enjoy lunch on Miyajima island
• Visit Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome
• Explore Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Top questions

How long does this Hiroshima & Miyajima day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day, starting in the morning from Hiroshima Station and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on Miyajima Island?

No, lunch isn’t included—you’ll have free time to buy your own meal at various shops on Miyajima Island.

Are entry fees covered for Itsukushima Shrine and Peace Memorial Museum?

Yes, all admission fees including Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum are included in your booking.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup—the meeting point is Hotel Granvia Hiroshima lobby near Hiroshima Station.

Can small children join this tour?

Yes, children up to 5 years old can join for free but won’t have their own bus seat unless booked under child rate.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter leads the tour throughout the day.

Does this tour work with a Japan Rail Pass?

Yes—it’s recommended for travelers using a JR Pass coming from Kyoto or Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima Station.

What’s included

Your day includes all transportation between Hiroshima city and Miyajima Island (including ferry), entry fees for both Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, plus guidance from a licensed English-speaking local guide throughout—all you need to cover is your own lunch during free time on Miyajima before heading back together in the afternoon.