Hiroshima & Miyajima: Peace Memorial, UNESCO Shrine, Okonomiyaki

Summary

Atomic Bomb Dome, ferry to Miyajima, shrine gates at low tide and layered okonomiyaki

You’ll walk through Hiroshima’s Peace Park with a local guide, take a ferry to Miyajima Island for Itsukushima Shrine at low tide, meet wandering deer by the shore, and share laughter over layered Okonomiyaki in a cozy island restaurant. This day trip lets you feel both history’s weight and small joys—sometimes in the same moment.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what silence feels like in a city? I didn’t really know until we stood in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. Our guide, Junko, didn’t rush us—she just let us stand there for a bit. The air felt heavy but not unfriendly. There was this faint smell of rain on concrete (even though it wasn’t raining), and the only sound was some school kids giggling somewhere behind us. It’s strange how a place so loaded with history can still feel alive. I caught myself staring up at the twisted metal dome longer than I meant to—just thinking about how people rebuilt their lives here.

The Peace Memorial Museum was tough. I mean, you hear about Hiroshima all your life but seeing the photos and tiny artifacts—charred lunch boxes, letters—it hits different. Junko shared her grandmother’s story quietly while we walked through the exhibits; I’m not sure if she always does that or just felt like sharing with our group. Afterward, we wandered through the park with its paper cranes and quiet ponds before heading for the bus again. The ride to Miyajima Island was maybe 40 minutes? I lost track because I kept looking out at all that green along the way.

Catching the ferry over to Miyajima was a weirdly peaceful break—I remember salt on my lips from the breeze and a couple of deer just wandering near the dock like they owned the place. The Itsukushima Shrine really does look like it’s floating when the tide is right. We were lucky; it was low tide so we could walk almost all the way out to those giant red torii gates (the pillars are massive up close). There were locals taking selfies and an old man sketching quietly on a bench—he nodded at us but didn’t say much.

I’d heard about Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki but never tried it until this tour. They layer everything instead of mixing it together—cabbage, pork, noodles—and then drown it in sweet sauce and mayo. It’s messy but good; my chopstick skills failed me halfway through and even Junko laughed (I probably got sauce on my shirt). If you’re vegetarian you can ask for that version too—they made sure everyone had something they could eat. Honestly, sitting there eating hot food after everything we’d seen just felt right somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiroshima and Miyajima Island tour

• Visit Atomic Bomb Dome
• Explore Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• Tour Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• Take ferry to Miyajima Island
• Visit Itsukushima Shrine
• See Daishoin Temple and statues
• Enjoy Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki lunch
• Return ferry to Hiroshima Station

Top questions

How long is the Hiroshima & Miyajima day tour?

The tour lasts one full day, starting from Hiroshima Station in the morning and returning by evening.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is included if you select that option during booking; it's Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki served on Miyajima Island.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian Okonomiyaki (no pork or bonito flakes) is available if requested when booking.

Do I need to book museum tickets separately?

No, admission fees for both Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Itsukushima Shrine are included in your tour.

Is pickup from my hotel provided?

No hotel pickup is offered; you meet at Hiroshima Station for departure.

What languages are available for guidance?

The bus has audio guides in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Ukrainian; your main guide speaks English.

Can infants join this day trip?

Yes, infants can join if seated on an adult's lap; strollers are allowed on board.

What happens if Peace Memorial Museum is closed?

If closed (e.g., Feb 16-21 2026), you'll visit Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for Atomic Bomb Victims instead—no refunds due to this change.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry rides between Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, entry fees for both Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Itsukushima Shrine (plus Daishoin Temple), multilingual audio guidance on board in several languages, an English-speaking local guide throughout the journey, comfortable air-conditioned transport from Hiroshima Station and back again—and if you pick that option—a hearty lunch of local Okonomiyaki layered fresh right on Miyajima itself before heading home as evening falls.