Miyajima Highlights: Itsukushima Shrine & Island Nature
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the spiritual heart of Miyajima Island on a fully private walking tour guided by Japanese local guides deeply connected to Hiroshima, offering perspectives shaped by family history, cultural memory, and lived experience.
Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its floating torii gate and magnificent Daishoin temple. Learn about the island’s long-standing spiritual traditions, symbolism, and why Miyajima has been considered sacred for centuries.
Beyond the main landmarks, explore quieter areas of the island, natural scenery, and everyday local life. Your guide shares cultural context and stories that help you understand Miyajima not just as a destination, but as a living community.
As a private tour, the itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to your interests and pace—whether you want to focus on history, photography, nature, or a more reflective visit.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful experience.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Pick up on foot.
This is a walking tour. We basically use public transportation.
Transportation fee is not included, please pay by your own.
Please do not participate if you have cold symptoms
What To Expect
Hiroshima
The tour departs from a hotel or train station in Hiroshima City; the order of the tour can be changed between Miyajima and Peace Park to see the Floating Torii Gate. We use public transportation. Travel time to Miyajima is 1 hour.
Miyajima
Visit a spiritual island "MIYAJIMA" that has been revered as the gods' island since ancient times. Deer, the messengers of the gods, welcome you!
Options
Discover Miyajima half-day private tour w/ local
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Live Japanese Local Tour Guide
Entrance fee
Advance customization consultation
Any food or drink are not included
Basic (non-JR Pass users)
Optional: fast boats, direct boats or taxis (¥2300~¥8000/one way)
Tips
Meeting at Itsukaichi Port incurs an additional charge to pick up, payable in cash on the day.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent guide and value
garylQ3131YZ,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a private tour with Yuka. She was well organised, very knowledgeable, patient and friendly. She made every aspect of the tour easy. Her English is very good and everything is explained clearly. I learnt a lot on the tour thanks to Yuka and the price was worthwhile.
Fantastic island tour
Sally M,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Yuka was our guide today. She greeted us at our hotel (she was there early) we requested to walk to the train station vs taking a taxi. She got us through both the train and ferry station which ease. She knew where to sit on the ferry to get the best view, she is very knowledgeable of the entire island and shared her pictures with us. She selected a great restaurant for lunch and offered us the cable car ride back instead of the train for a different experience. Yuka speaks very good English, we had a great day on this island tour.
Masa was an outstanding...
Stephen H,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Masa was an outstanding guide. Because he grew up in Hiroshima, he had intimate knowledge which he shared with us. He took us on the normal tours but also on side streets and off the beaten path. Excellent English and ability to share and explain. Fully informative. A real pleasure.
Awesome time! It was magical!
534mitchn,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yuka gave an excellent tour of Miyajima Island. We had a great time. Her English was very good and easy to understand. Yuka’s knowledge of Miyajima and Hiroshima was outstanding. I would use her again in the future.
The highlights of Hiroshima-A magical day!
Don V,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing day! Aya was the perfect guide, patiently guiding us through (a rainy) Hiroshima and then a high-speed boat trip to Miyajima Island (which has to be anyone’s highlight on a trip to Hiroshima). I simply can’t imagine being guided by anyone other than Aya. She brought to life the culture, magic, and beauty of Hiroshima with stories and explanations.
Masa the knowledgeable guide
Curious463070,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Masa was a great guide! She is very knowledgeable about the Miyajima Island. She showed us the ways to be respectful of the Temples and shrines. As well as the history behind them. The Otorii Gate was very beautiful and there as sacred deer 🦌 just roaming around. You won’t be disappointed if you hire her to be your guide. We really enjoyed her company.
Profound and Unforgettable Insight from an Expert, Invaluable Guide
BearX220,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00How can we sum up the magic of being guided by Masa through the centuries-old Itsukushima shrine and Daishoin temple on Miyajima Island? Here the kindest, most knowledgeable guide one could possibly hope for: expert, energetic, enthusiastic, positively superb at interpreting the surroundings… going beyond simple dates and “fun facts” to impart deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual forces at work. It was such a privilege to be in Masa’s company; without it we would not have understood 10 percent of all we saw. Miyajima is charming of course but experiencing it with Local Gem Tours made a profound difference for us. We cannot recommend Masa and Local Gem Tours highly enough.
Amazing tour with lovely guide Masa
291yannag,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a wonderful tour and Masa was a brilliant guide. She had amazing personal history in Hiroshima and was more than happy to share the story of her family. She was a fantastic guide who was very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend the tour and Masa
Must do trip !
Trail686384,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very experienced knowledgable guide, Yuka. Must do trip over to the island to see the floating shrine and experience the ferry over with fabulous sights, a must do trip.
Hiroshima Experience
Arlan B,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome experience!!! Two thumbs 👍🏼 up! Our tour guide Aya-san was superb! She was punctual, professional, friendly and kind. She was also flexible to our request. We not just meet a tour guide, but made a good friend. I would definitely recommend friends and family to use Viator and request for Aya-san as their guide. Looking forward on our next visit to Hiroshima!
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Operated by Local Gem Tour Hiroshima