Hiroshima and Miyajima Private Tour From Osaka and Kyoto

The Hiroshima and Miyajima Private Tour offers a convenient way to explore these historic Japanese destinations from Osaka and Kyoto. With private transportation and an English-speaking driver, the tour provides flexibility and connectivity. However, customer reviews raise concerns about the driver’s commentary and safety, as well as cleanliness issues. While the tour may be an appealing option, travelers should weigh these factors carefully and consider alternative transportation to ensure a reliable and enjoyable experience.

Good To Know

• The Hiroshima and Miyajima private tour from Osaka and Kyoto includes private transportation, English-speaking driver, and Miyajima ferry tickets.
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with some customers praising the knowledgeable driver and others finding the experience lacking in commentary.
• Safety concerns have been raised, including reports of unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding and phone usage.
• The van cleanliness and fuel stops have been reported as issues by some customers.
• Considering alternative transportation, such as the train, may provide a better overall experience based on the feedback.

Tour Overview

The tour includes private transportation from Osaka and Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima.

It has a rating of 2.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. The price is $810.42 per group (up to 5 people) and the start time is 6:00 am.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour includes WiFi, an English-speaking driver (not a guided tour), and Miyajima Ferry Tickets.

Pickup is available at three major locations, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Inclusions

The tour includes WiFi on board for passengers’ convenience.

The English-speaking driver provides transportation but doesn’t offer a guided tour experience. Food isn’t included, so travelers will need to plan their own meals.

The tour also includes Miyajima Ferry Tickets, which are 400 Yen per adult and 200 Yen per child for a round trip.

Additionally:

• Infant seats are available for families with young children.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible with surfaces that accommodate mobility devices.
• Most travelers can participate in this experience.

Pickup Information

Three major pickup points are offered for this tour – Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

The tour doesn’t provide airport pickups.

It’s wheelchair accessible, and most travelers can participate.

The surfaces are wheelchair-friendly, making it accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Customer Reviews

Customers offered mixed reviews for this Hiroshima and Miyajima private tour.

While some praised the knowledgeable driver/guide, others were disappointed by the lack of informative commentary, describing the experience as a "silent delivery service."

Concerns were also raised about the driver’s unsafe behavior, including speeding and phone usage, as well as issues with van cleanliness and fuel stops.

• Negative feedback: Lack of informative tour experience, unsafe driving, van cleanliness issues.
• Positive feedback: Knowledgeable driver/guide who enhanced the experience.
• Suggestion: Consider alternative transportation for a better experience.
• Previous tours in Osaka and Kyoto were rated as fantastic.

Recommendations

Based on the customer reviews, it’s suggested that travelers consider alternative transportation, such as the train, for a potentially better experience compared to this private tour.

The reviews indicate the tour lacks an informative guide experience and the driver’s behavior raises safety concerns. The van’s cleanliness and fuel stops also seem to be issues.

The company should monitor the operator’s performance to ensure quality tours.

However, previous tours in Osaka and Kyoto received fantastic ratings, so the company may be able to improve this particular tour offering.

Transportation Options

While the private tour offers the convenience of door-to-door transportation, travelers may want to consider alternative options like the train for a potentially better experience.

The train provides:

• A more informative and immersive journey, with opportunities to observe local life and scenery along the way.
• Flexibility to explore at your own pace, with the ability to stop in different cities.
• Potential cost savings, especially for solo travelers or smaller groups.
• A more environmentally-friendly mode of transport compared to a private vehicle.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preferences and travel goals.

Operator Performance Concerns

Though the tour company, Milky Way Tours, received positive feedback for their guides in other locations, the Hiroshima and Miyajima private tour appears to have fallen short in terms of operator performance.

Reviewers reported that the driver exhibited unsafe behaviors, including speeding and phone usage while driving. Plus, the van’s cleanliness was an issue, and the tour itself was described as a "silent delivery service" without informative commentary.

Given these concerns, the company should closely monitor its operators to ensure a quality experience for future customers. Travelers may also consider alternative transportation options, such as the train, for this route.

Positive Experiences in Osaka and Kyoto

Despite the concerns raised about the Hiroshima and Miyajima private tour, Milky Way Tours received fantastic ratings for their previous tours in Osaka and Kyoto.

Customers praised:

• Knowledgeable and engaging guides who brought the history and culture to life.
• Well-organized itineraries that maximized sightseeing while minimizing downtime.
• Comfortable transportation and seamless logistics, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the experience.
• Flexibility in accommodating special requests, ensuring a personalized and memorable journey.

These positive experiences in Osaka and Kyoto suggest that Milky Way Tours has the potential to deliver a high-quality tour in Hiroshima and Miyajima, provided they address the issues identified with the specific tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

Unfortunately, the provided information doesn’t mention any discounts or package deals. The tour’s price is fixed at $810.42 per group of up to 5 people, without any promotional offers stated.

Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour can likely be customized to include additional stops, though this may incur extra costs. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss their specific needs and preferences for a more personalized experience.

How Experienced Is the Driver With Navigating the Routes?

The driver’s experience navigating the routes is unclear based on the provided information. While previous tours in Osaka and Kyoto were rated well, the negative reviews mention unsafe driving behaviors, suggesting the driver may not be highly experienced with the Hiroshima and Miyajima routes.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Pickup and Drop-Off Locations?

The tour offers limited flexibility, with three major pickup points in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Airport pickups aren’t available. While the tour is wheelchair accessible, there’s no mention of flexibility in drop-off locations beyond the primary destinations.

What Is the Policy for Lost or Damaged Personal Items?

The policy for lost or damaged personal items is not specified in the tour overview. Customers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about their specific policy regarding liability for any lost or damaged belongings during the tour.

The Sum Up

The Hiroshima and Miyajima Private Tour offers convenience, but customer reviews raise concerns about the driver’s commentary, safety, and van cleanliness. Travelers may want to consider alternative transportation options for a more reliable experience. While the tour includes features like private transportation and flexible scheduling, the mixed reviews suggest travelers should carefully evaluate the operator’s performance before booking.