Excursion Miyajima sacred island & hiroshima highlights tour at Hiroshima

Explore the history and highlights of Hiroshima during this scenic and informative, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Hiroshima, Hiroshima Castle, Miyajima-Guchi Ferry Terminal, Ferry-Ride, Miyajima Island

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Miyajima-guchi Ferry Terminal. Upon arrival, embark a ferry for the short ride to Miyajima Island. Only 12 square miles (about 31 square kilometres) in area and consisting mostly of steep, wooded hills, Miyajima is ranked as one of the three most scenic spots in the country. During your guided walking tour of Miyajima Island, take in exquisite views of your picturesque surrounds and stop for a visit at the majestic Itsukushima Jinja Shrine.

Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, Torii Gate, Boardwalks, Buildings, Prayer & Main Halls, Noh Theatre Stage

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Treasure, and Important Cultural Property is thought to date from the mid-16th century. Its dramatic, approximately 50-foot-tall (about 15.2-foot-tall), reddish-orange-coloured Torii Gate is distinctively built over water, giving it the illusion of ‘floating’ in the sea during high tide. Built on pillars, the shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, including a Prayer Hall and Main Hall, all of which are connected by boardwalks. There is also the Noh Theatre Stage, where plays that paid homage to the gods were once performed, and, surprisingly, many wild deer that can be seen walking around on the island.

Free Time, Independent Shopping & Browsing, Ferry-Ride, Hiroshima, Local Restaurant, Lunch

Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the streets of the island and browse the local shops at your leisure. Afterward, return to the ferry terminal and embark your ferry for the short ride back to the Miyajima-guchi Ferry Terminal. Upon arrival, disembark the ferry, re-board your coach, and proceed for a Japanese, set-menu lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and transfer to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Memorials, Monuments, Statues

The area where the park now lies was ground zero for the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. Following the bombing, Peace Memorial Park was created and dedicated to those who lost their lives during and after the attack. Take a guided stroll through the park to discover its many memorials, monuments, and statues, then enter the Peace Memorial Museum, the park's main attraction. The museum consists of two buildings depicting the history of Hiroshima and day of the atomic bomb, August 6, 1945. See displays of personal belongings, compelling photographs, and stories of the sadness and suffering after the bomb. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Japanese set-menu lunch, public ferry ride, Miyajima Island, Itsukushima-jinja Shrine

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 2.5 miles (about four kilometres), at times over uneven, natural, and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the ferry, and 60 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Although credit cards are mostly accepted, Japanese yen is required for any purchases; guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. Proper attire is required to enter temples and shrines; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in Hiroshima may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Additional food and beverages are available at the restaurant at each guest’s own expense. The public ferry is not exclusive to Silversea guests. Guests will see sensitive material, including graphic pictures and displays of atrocities of war, on display in the Peace Memorial Museum. Expect crowds and long lines at the sites visited. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.