From Hiroshima: Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour

The Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich history and captivating natural beauty. Travelers will embark on a journey that showcases the poignant legacy of Hiroshima, explore the serene Miyajima Island, and savor the renowned Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that not only informs but also inspires deeper reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.

Key Points

• A one-day bus tour exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shinto Shrine.
• Includes a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island and a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) lunch, without sunny-side-up eggs starting August 2023.
• Centrally-located meeting point at Hiroshima Station, with a punctual 10:00 AM departure time and recommendation to book Shinkansen transportation after 6:30 PM for the return journey.
• The tour is exclusively for international travelers, and participants should notify the provider of any allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Non-private tour with other guests, participants are requested to refrain from bringing their own food or drinks to the restaurant.

Tour Overview

This one-day bus tour takes travelers on an immersive journey through the historic cities of Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, offering a comprehensive exploration of the region’s profound cultural and historical significance.

Over the course of 8 hours, guests will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the iconic A-Bomb Dome, before embarking on a scenic ferry ride to the serene Miyajima Island.

There, they’ll marvel at the magnificent Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is included, featuring the signature Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake.

With round-trip transportation and all entry fees covered, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience, allowing visitors to explore the heart of these two remarkable destinations.

Highlights of the Tour

In the Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour, the highlights are truly awe-inspiring.

The tour begins with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where travelers can stand in awe before the iconic A-Bomb Dome, a haunting reminder of the city’s tragic past.

From there, they’ll embark on a scenic ferry ride to the serene Miyajima Island, home to the magnificent Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour also includes:

• Savoring the delectable Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, a Japanese pancake delight, for lunch
• Exploring the island’s vibrant culture and natural beauty
• Discovering the rich history and significance of the Itsukushima Shrine
• Enjoying the breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea from the island.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned bus for transportation, entry fees to the Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, as well as a round-trip ferry ticket to Miyajima Island.

Plus, guests can opt for a Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) lunch. The Okonomiyaki will be served without sunny-side-up eggs, starting in August 2023.

Guests with any allergies or dietary restrictions should inform the provider in advance. It’s recommended that travelers refrain from bringing their own food and drinks to the restaurant.

For the return journey, the tour company suggests booking Shinkansen transportation after 6:30 PM to ensure a smooth connection.

Meeting Point and Time

The tour departs from the Shinkansen gate on the 2nd floor of Hiroshima Station’s North Gate, with travelers meeting at 9:45 AM and setting off at 10:00 AM sharp.

This centrally-located meeting point ensures a smooth start to the day’s adventure. Punctuality is key, as the bus won’t wait for late arrivals.

Once gathered, the group embarks on their journey, eager to explore the historic sites of Hiroshima and the scenic wonders of Miyajima Island.

Convenient Hiroshima Station departure point
Prompt 10:00 AM departure time
Gather at the 2nd floor Shinkansen gate
No waiting for tardy participants

Important Information for Travelers

This tour is exclusively for international travelers, as Japanese nationals can’t join.

Guests should notify the provider in advance of any allergies or dietary restrictions, as the included Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki lunch won’t feature sunny-side-up eggs starting August 2023. Participants are kindly requested to refrain from bringing their own food or drinks to the restaurant.

To ensure a smooth return journey, the company recommends booking Shinkansen transportation after 6:30 PM.

It’s important to note that this isn’t a private tour, so you’ll be joining other guests. The tour includes an air-conditioned bus, entry fees to Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, as well as a round-trip ferry ticket to Miyajima Island.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Situated in the heart of Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a somber testament to the devastation wrought by the atomic bomb, forever etched in the city’s history.

As part of the 1-day bus tour, visitors can explore this poignant site, which features:

• The iconic A-Bomb Dome, a haunting reminder of the bomb’s impact
• The Peace Memorial Museum, which chronicles the tragedy through powerful exhibits and artifacts
• The Children’s Peace Monument, a symbol of hope and resilience
• Serene gardens and memorials that encourage reflection and contemplation

This powerful experience offers a profound opportunity to honor the victims, reflect on the horrors of nuclear warfare, and foster a commitment to lasting peace.

Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine

After exploring the solemn grounds of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the 1-day bus tour whisks visitors away to the serene Miyajima Island, home to the iconic Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nestled in the Seto Inland Sea, this picturesque island offers a peaceful respite from the somber history of Hiroshima, inviting travelers to enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

As the ferry approaches the shoreline, the famous ‘floating’ torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine comes into view, a legendary structure that appears to rise directly from the water during high tide. Visitors can stroll through the tranquil shrine grounds, taking in the stunning scenery and the island’s lively deer population.

Lunch: Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki

Lunchtime on the tour provides the perfect opportunity to savor Hiroshima’s signature dish – the mouthwatering okonomiyaki.

This savory Japanese pancake is a local specialty that delights the senses. The tour includes a delectable Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, sans the traditional sunny-side-up egg, ensuring a harmonious dining experience.

Diners can look forward to:

• A fluffy, griddled pancake base
• Generous helpings of cabbage, pork, and other tasty ingredients
• Drizzles of tangy Worcestershire-based sauce
• Sprinkles of aonori seaweed and bonito flakes for added flavor

The okonomiyaki lunch is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy Hiroshima’s vibrant food culture and savor a truly authentic local delicacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Water and Snacks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, bringing your own food and drinks is not recommended. Participants are asked to refrain from bringing their own items to the included restaurant. Respecting this request helps ensure an enjoyable dining experience for everyone on the tour.

Is There a Bathroom or Restroom Break During the Tour?

The tour includes several stops throughout the day, providing ample opportunities for bathroom breaks. Restrooms are available at the major sites, ensuring participants can comfortably manage their needs during the excursion.

Can I Take Photos at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum?

Yes, visitors can take photos at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, as long as they don’t use flash photography. The museum encourages guests to capture images of the exhibits to help raise awareness about the devastating impact of nuclear weapons.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour is suitable for children and families, offering a fascinating historical and cultural experience. With a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island, it’s an educational day out for all ages.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in English and Japanese. Travelers can choose their preferred language when booking. The tour provides an engaging experience with knowledgeable guides to explore the historical and cultural highlights of Hiroshima and Miyajima.

Recap

The Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the region’s profound history and captivating cultural heritage.

From the sobering Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to the breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable experience, complete with delectable Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

Travelers can expect seamless transportation, knowledgeable guidance, and a deeper appreciation for this remarkable corner of Japan.