Hiroshima Peace Private Tour with Local: A-Bomb & Garden History

Hiroshima is known around the world for the atomic bombing, but it is also a vibrant city with a rich culture, local traditions, and beautiful scenery. On this tour, explore some of Hiroshima’s highlights with a Hiroshima-born local guide. Stroll through the beautiful Shukkeien Garden, visit Hiroshima Castle, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Hondori Shopping Street. Then, visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, where you will learn about Hiroshima’s history and message of peace. You may also hear personal stories from the guide’s family related to the atomic bombing, offering a more personal perspective on Hiroshima’s past. With insights from a Hiroshima-born local guide, discover stories and perspectives that are difficult to find on your own. The tour can be adjusted to your interests and pace, creating a meaningful and personal experience of Hiroshima.

1. 1

   Shukkeien

   40 min

   A traditional Japanese garden with over 400 years of history. Enjoy a relaxing walk through ponds, bridges, small hills, and teahouses, and discover a tranquil space where nature and culture come together in the heart of Hiroshima.

2. 2

   Hiroshima Castle

   20 min

   We will take a short walk around the castle grounds, see the main keep, and learn about the history of Hiroshima Castle, including its connection to wartime Hiroshima. If you prefer, you can also skip this visit.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   15 min

   A lively shopping street known locally as “Hondori,” stretches about 577 meters (1,900 feet) through central Hiroshima. Located between the city’s main commercial area and Peace Memorial Park, it is lined with a variety of shops, from long-established stores to modern boutiques, and is enjoyed by both locals and travelers.

4. 4

   Atomic Bomb Dome

   15 min

   A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few structures to survive the atomic bombing, this building stands as a powerful symbol of both destruction and hope. Our guide will share its history and explain Hiroshima’s recovery from devastation and its transformation into a city dedicated to peace.

5. 5

   Hypocenter monument

   10 min

   A stone monument marking the hypocenter — the exact spot directly beneath the point where the atomic bomb exploded in the air.

6. 6

   Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

   30 min

   Explore the park's major monuments while learning about Hiroshima's history before and after the atomic bombing, as well as the meanings behind the memorials. Hiroshima-born local guides may also share family stories related to the bombing and its aftermath, helping bring Hiroshima's history to life.

7. 7

   Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

   1 hour

   After visiting Peace Memorial Park, you will enter the museum for a self-guided visit. Through authentic artifacts, photographs, and personal testimonies, you will gain a deeper understanding of the atomic bombing and its impact on the people of Hiroshima.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.