Many cruise guests would like to visit both Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima during their day ashore. Miyajima's Great Torii gate is a memorable sight, but the island is not a short walk from the cruise terminal. Thinking about the road transfer, ferry crossing and walking on the island as one connected journey makes your sightseeing plans much clearer.

Your cruise berth and the Miyajima ferry terminal are different places

It is easy to imagine stepping off your cruise ship and straight onto a ferry to Miyajima. There are several routes to the island, but our private car tour is generally planned around a road transfer from your cruise berth and a ferry crossing from Miyajimaguchi. The time needed for the drive varies with your berth and traffic conditions.

We confirm pickup arrangements using your ship and berth information. Rather than relying only on the name 'Hiroshima Port' on a map, check the specific meeting point provided for your tour.

Allow time before and after the ferry crossing

The ferry takes you from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima, and approaching the island from the water is part of the experience. Your itinerary also needs to allow for waiting, boarding, disembarking and walking from the pier. Crowds and operating conditions can mean that you do not board the first available sailing.

If walking or boarding is a concern, please discuss it with us beforehand. JR Miyajima Ferry describes a barrier-free area on the first floor and staff assistance for wheelchair users when boarding. The conditions throughout the journey are not identical, so sharing your mobility aids and the assistance you need helps us plan appropriately.

A private car tour still involves walking on Miyajima

Exploring the area around Itsukushima Shrine, the Great Torii and the shopping streets involves walking from the island's ferry terminal. How long this takes depends on your pace, the crowds, stops for rest and the places you choose to visit. Travelling by private car on the mainland does not mean that sightseeing on Miyajima is entirely without walking.

Please tell us how far you are comfortable walking, whether standing while waiting is difficult, and whether you use a cane or wheelchair. Rather than adding mountain visits and several temples with steps, you may prefer to focus on the waterfront and shrine area with time for breaks. We can discuss a suitable sightseeing area based on your walking preferences.

Set priorities when combining Hiroshima and Miyajima

Our Hiroshima private car tour combines Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima in a plan of approximately 6.5 hours. This does not mean that every group will explore every place at the same pace. Your ship's port call, traffic, queues and the time you would like to spend at each sight all affect the day's arrangements.

Would you prefer more time in the Peace Memorial Museum, or a leisurely visit to Miyajima with time to try local food? Share your priorities before booking. Allowing for travel and rest, and deciding where to spend the most time, helps make the day more rewarding.

Plan your departure from the island around your return to the ship

Your journey back is not finished when you step off the ferry on the mainland. You still need time for the drive to your cruise berth. Plan around your ship's all-aboard time, rather than its departure time, with an allowance for ferry waiting and road traffic.

We review the itinerary around your ship's schedule. If arrival is delayed or time ashore is limited, sightseeing arrangements may need to change. Send us your ship's name, visit date, arrival and all-aboard times, together with your walking preferences, and we will help you plan a comfortable day in Hiroshima and Miyajima.