Hiroshima & Miyajima: 1-Day Bus Tour, Ferry & Okonomiyaki

4.72

(145 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We were already rolling through Hiroshima city when our guide, Emi, pointed out the A-bomb Dome. I’d seen photos before but being there—windows gone, walls warped—was something else. There was a group of school kids nearby, all in matching hats, quietly listening to their teacher. The air felt heavy in a way I didn’t expect. Emi handed us earphones so we could hear her stories as we walked; she spoke softly but you could tell she’d done this a hundred times and still cared.

The Peace Memorial Park is bigger than I thought—trees everywhere, cicadas buzzing even though it was only late morning. We wandered through the museum after that. Some of it was hard to look at (I had to pause by a glass case with a melted tricycle), but Emi gave us space and let us move at our own pace. She said people come back again and again just to remember. I get why now.

Afterward, we hopped on the bus again—air conditioning never felt so good—and drove out to the ferry for Miyajima Island. The ride across the water was quick but kind of magical; you see that red torii gate rising up from the sea long before you dock. I tried to snap a photo but honestly it’s better in person. Lunch was okonomiyaki at a local spot near the shrine—mine came piled with noodles and cabbage, hot off the griddle. Someone at my table tried ordering in Japanese and got a big laugh from the chef (in a nice way). It smelled like grilled pork and sweet sauce everywhere.

I lost track of time just walking around Itsukushima Shrine and watching deer wander between tourists like they owned the place. The tide was out so you could almost walk right up to the torii gate if you wanted. Emi told us about how locals light up the shrine at night for guests staying over—maybe next time.