Miyajima & Iwakuni: Exploring the Most Iconic Japanese Landscapes

This tour will begin at Hiroshima Station at 8:00 AM. Your guide will meet you by the Shinkansen gates under the Tourist Information sign. From here you will depart to your first destination, Kintaikyo Bridge. Once you arrive at the bridge, your guide will give you a detailed description of the bridge’s history, along with its unique architecture. If the tide of the river is low, you will have the opportunity to approach the foundation of the bridge and look underneath it. You will then cross five arches with plenty of time to take pictures and admire the view from different parts of the bridge.

After crossing to the other side, we will begin our short stroll through Kikko Park and Kikko Shrine. As you walk, you will be able to admire the abundant greenery, stunning fountains, and beautiful structures. Your guide will lead you through a series of stops, highlighting the most relevant landmarks within the park and temple grounds. Our next activity of the day will be boarding the Iwakuni ropeway to reach the top of Mount Shiroyama. This is a very brief ride, but one which still provides a breathtaking view of the city, as well as the lush vegetation of the mountain. This view is particularly stunning during spring and fall, when one can admire the cherry blossoms or autumn foliage from an aerial view.

At the top of the mountain, your guide will take you on a short stroll towards Iwakuni Castle. As you walk, you will be able to observe a great variety of trees and plants, as well as breath in the fresh and crisp air of the mountain. Once you arrive at the castle, your guide will give you a detailed explanation of its history and its relation to the Kikkawa family. Inside, you will tour the different exhibitions displayed on each floor, ending with a viewing platform at the very top. From here, you will once again be able to experience a fantastic view of the city and the Kintaikyo Bridge. After descending the mountain, your guide will lead you through the train and ferry ride necessary to reach Miyajima.

Once we arrive at the Miyajima pier, we will walk to the first destination, Omotesando Shopping Street. Lined with multiple shops and restaurants, this street is a perfect place to grab lunch, eat tasty snacks, or purchase souvenirs. Here, you will enjoy around 90 minutes of free time before we begin the guided tour in Miyajima

Our next stop will be the Senjokaku Pavilion. This pavilion is actually a shrine whose construction was never completed and still remains unfinished to this day. This shrine is unique in its spaciousness and lack of proper entrances or exits, unintentionally creating a building in which beautiful views are accessible from all sides. Your tour guide will provide an explanation of the history and different elements found within the shrine.

Next, you will make your way to Itsukushima Shrine. Your guide will provide insights about Shintoism (Japan’s indigenous religion) and the history of the shrine. As you make your way through the temple, observe the different worship halls, the unique architecture of the “floating shrine,” and the iconic O-torii gate located in the Seto Inland Sea.

Your guide will then lead you on a walk to the Daisho-in temple, a prestigious Shingon Buddhist temple located not too far from Itsukushima Shrine. Throughout the temple grounds you will be able to observe a myriad of Buddhist figures, with different statues greeting you anywhere you go. Multiple halls are also located throughout the temple grounds, but none is as stunning and breathtaking as the Daishi Hall, with its 88 statues representing the Shikoku Pilgrimage of 88 temples. The room is lit by golden lanterns which hang from the ceiling, creating a stunning and unique scenery.

A Miyajima trip is not complete without walking up to the O-torii gate during low-tide! However, due to how much the tide can vary from one day to another, your tour guide will do their best to schedule a guided walk towards the gate at the most appropriate moment during the tour. This might happen before, during, or after free time. Once you arrive back at the pier, your guide will accompany you on the ferry back to the mainland and one last train ride, with the tour ending at Hiroshima Station. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.