Excursion Hiroshima castle & garden tour at Hiroshima

Experience the beauty and tranquillity of an Edo-period castle and Shukkei-en Garden during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Hiroshima Castle, Central Keep, Museum, Shrine, Ruins, Fortifications, Panoramic City Views

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to the Hiroshima Castle, an imposing, feudal-era, flatlands fortress built by a powerful Samurai clan in 1589. The castle's five-story main keep was destroyed by the firestorm following the explosion of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima at the end of World War II. Reconstructed in 1958, its central keep is now a museum, and today houses a shrine, ruins, and a section of defensive fortifications. Your approximately 100-step ascent to the top of the castle is rewarded with panoramic views overlooking the city.

Shukkei-en Garden, Miniature Forests, Valleys & Mountain Landscapes, Garden Paths, Pond

Next, re-board your coach and transfer to the nearby Shukkei-en Garden (Shrunk Scenery Garden). As its name implies, the garden offers uniquely-beautiful images of miniature natural formations. The Shukkei-en Garden was built after the Hiroshima Castle, and dates from 1620. The charming miniature forests, valleys, and mountain landscapes are refreshing and peaceful. Upon arrival, take a leisurely stroll along winding garden paths surrounded by the central pond. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier via some of the residential and business districts of Hiroshima.  

After the tour, guests have the option to return to Ujina Port or disembark at the Peace Memorial Park.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Hiroshima, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkei-en Garden

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.86 miles (about three kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, several steps at the Shukkei-en Garden, and 100 steps at the Hiroshima Castle. 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. 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.