Dive into the multifaceted spiritual heritage of Japan!

Since ancient times, the island of Miyajima itself has been worshiped as a deity. Considered one of Japan’s three most scenic spots, it’s also a popular destination, offering visitors a wealth of history, culture and natural beauty.

Accompanied by a licensed guide, you’ll explore the island, learning about its uniquely Japanese blend of Shinto and Buddhism through visits to Itsukushima, a famous shrine on the sea, and the fascinating Daishoin Temple, founded by Kukai. Later, you’ll return to downtown Hiroshima by boat, where you’ll enjoy an exciting kagura performance, rooted in Shinto ritual. 

This tour offers a deep dive into the multifaceted spiritual heritage of Japan.

Tour information

■ Number of Participants (Min.- Max.)

2-6 participants (Private Tour)

■ Reservation 

By request

■ Deadline for Reservations

7 days prior

■ Tour Schedule/Time

Wednesdays / year round

11:00 a.m. – 7:45 p.m.

■ Meeting point and address

The reception area is in front of the Tourist Information Center on the 2nd floor of the Shinkansen Exit of Hiroshima Station. Guides will be waiting for you with a reception sign.

Price

– ¥24,000/person
*including tax

■ Included in the fee
– Transportation fee; Hiroshima Station – Miyajima – Motoyasu Bridge Pier (including Miyajima visitor tax)
– Admission fee to Itsukushima Shrine
– Ritual prayer fee at Daishoin Temple
– Japanese tea ceremony green tea and sweets
– Admission fee for Kagura performance
– Licensed Hiroshima local English interpreter guide


■ Not included in the fee
– Souvenir
– Lunch & Dinner

Feature

  • Come explore the highlights of Miyajima, long revered as a divine island, with your private licensed interpreter-guide. You’ll visit Itsukushima Shrine, a registered UNESCO World Heritage site, and Daishoin Temple, with a history extending back across twelve centuries to its founding by Kukai, a towering figure in the transmission of Buddhism to Japan.  Your knowledgeable guide will explain diverse beliefs and the blending of Shinto and Buddhism that remains in evidence on Miyajima.
  • You’ll be granted special access to view the Eleven-headed Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) up close at Daishoin Temple, and join a prayer service that retains elements of Shinto ritual. Afterward, soothe your mind with a bowl of Japanese tea and sweets in the serene space of a Japanese garden.
  • On Miyajima, you’ll visit the Omotesando shopping street to enjoy Miyajima’s gourmet offerings! Your guide will recommend snacks, sweets, and drinks made with Hiroshima’s famous lemons.
  • From Miyajima, return to the city center of Hiroshima by boat. Enjoy changing views of Hiroshima from both sea and river.
  • In the city, enjoy an evening performance of kagura (a folkloric dance with roots in Shinto)  After delighting in this traditional, dynamic stagecraft, you can take pictures with the performers. (Your guide will take you to the venue, but will not enter.)

Photo gallery

Video

Time

Morning

Departure 11:00 a.m.

① Meet your guide in front of the Information Center at the north exit of JR Hiroshima Station.
Train (JR Sanyo Line) from JR Hiroshima Station to JR Miyajima-guchi (About 30 min.)
Ferry to Miyajima Island (About 10 min.)

Afternoon

② Arrive at Miyajima. Try local Miyajima specialties at Omotesando Shopping Street.

③ Visit Itsukushima Shrine.

④ Visit Daishoin Temple. (View 11-headed Kannon, Chokugando Hall, Ritual Prayer at Maniden Hall, Henjo-kutsu)

⑤ Try Japanese green tea and sweets at Daishoin Rokkaku Sabo Tea House.

⑥ Arrive at Miyajima pier

⑦ Boat to Motoyasu Bridge via the Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route.

⑧ Arrive at the venue for Kagura performance (Kenmin Bunka Center) / Guide will depart.

⑧ View Hiroshima Kagura Performance.

Return 7:45 p.m.

※The World Heritage Sea Route from Miyajima to Motoyasu Bridge Pier may be cancelled due to typhoons and weather/sea conditions. In such cases, travel will be by ferry and JR train.

Remarks

  • Reservations will be automatically cancelled if you are 15 minutes late for the meeting time.

Cancel policy

  • 10 to 8 days prior to the start of the tour: 20% of the tour fee.
  • 7 to 2 days prior to the start of the tour: 30% of the tour fee.
  • One day prior to the start of the tour: 40% of the tour fee.
  • On the day of the tour: 50% of the trip fee.
  • Cancellation or no-show after the start of the trip: 100% of the trip fee.
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