We’ll start our day early, meeting in the lobby of a hotel adjacent to Kyoto Station. Walking over to the station and hopping on our shinkansen (bullet train), we’ll spend the ride getting acquainted with one another, as well as getting a historical overview of the city of Hiroshima. After we step off the train, we’ll head over to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park—once the political and commercial center of Hiroshima as well as home to 6,500 people. Hoping for eternal world peace, the park was established near the epicenter of the atomic bomb explosion in remembrance of the victims and as a memorial to peace. As we walk through the park, we will visit various peace monuments scattered about, such as the Flame of Peace, Hall of Remembrance, Memorial Cenotaph, Children’s Peace Monument, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum—the latter of which we will enter to view artifacts ranging from belongings and photos of victims, important film footage, and historical records.

Finally, we’ll pay a visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome. Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, the building and its distinctive dome were designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel in 1915. Because the bomb detonated almost directly above the building, the vertical support columns were able to withstand the impact of the blast; the ruins of the building were eventually converted into a memorial to those killed in the blast.

Having spent a few hours visiting the most important sites in remembrance of the horror that took place in the city, we’ll take a quick break, getting some lunch with our guide before proceeding to the next portion of the tour: Miyajima Island. The word ‘Miyajima’ means ‘shrine island,’ named due to its association with its most famous site, Itsukushima Shrine. Built in 593, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 17 buildings and a large torii gate, all of which appear to float on the water during high tide. The torii gate and vermilion color of the shrine are considered to keep evil spirits away. The island is considered one of the three destinations that make up ‘Nihon Sankei’, meaning the top three scenic views of Japan. We’ll spend some time navigating the island’s serene, spiritual sights, getting an in-depth background of the shrine’s religious importance, and the roles that Shintoism and Buddhism have played on the island and Japanese culture as a whole.

Heading back to the mainland, we’ll proceed back to the train station, where we’ll begin our return journey. We’ll leave this walk with a deeper understanding of the history of Hiroshima, the terror and destruction that the atomic bomb wreaked upon the city, and how it revitalized itself into a vibrant, thriving city. We’ll also get a taste of Japanese spirituality, by visiting one of the nation’s most famous shrines on Miyajima Island.

Where does it start? Where does it end? You'll meet near Kyoto Station. The confirmation email will have the exact spot. After your busy day in Hiroshima, you will return to Kyoto with your guide and end the tour there.

Are train tickets included? Your return bullet train tickets are included in your order and your guide will purchase them ahead of time. There will likely be additional entrance fees or public transport tickets that occur once you are in Hiroshima, so it's a good idea to have some local currency or a credit card on hand for these.

Is this tour suitable for children? This walk is not a part of our official family program. Being 12 hours long and involving significant travel time and walking, this tour can be tricky to manage with children. For a day trip from Kyoto that is less time-intensive and more family-friendly, see our Nara Day Trip.