Silversea Luxury Cruises To Hiroshima

Explore the tragic past of Hiroshima and its hope for the future during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Atomic Bomb Dome

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute narrated drive to Hiroshima City. Upon arrival, an exterior visit is made to the Atomic Bomb Dome, the skeletal remains of the former Industrial Promotion Hall. The dome serves as a visual reminder of the death and destruction of the atom bomb, and is the only blast survivor left in ruins. Piles of colourful origami cranes lie in front of the dome, the symbol of Hiroshima's hope that nuclear weapons will never be used again. Afterward, visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Peace Memorial Park

Peace Memorial Park is dotted with memorials to the victims of the first atomic bomb, including the cenotaph that contains the names of all known victims of the bomb (except the Koreans, who now have a separate monument). The flame beneath the cenotaph is to burn until the last nuclear weapon on earth has been destroyed. View the Statue of the A-Bomb Children, dedicated to the war's most innocent victims, and the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound, which contains the ashes of 70,000 unidentified victims.

Peace Memorial Museum

The Peace Memorial Museum explores Hiroshima before and after the bombing. In an effort to come to terms with its history, one building addresses Hiroshima's militaristic past, putting aside any conclusion that the city was a blameless victim, and explaining why it was chosen as a target; Hiroshima was home to Japan's military command centre and was a military supply base. The museum's exhibits include photographs and artefacts from the bomb's aftermath.

Shukkein Garden

Leaving the museum, drive by Hiroshima Castle en route to the Shukkein Gardens. The name Shukkein means 'landscape garden in miniature'. Modelled after the famous West Lake in Hangzhou, China, the garden was first laid out in 1620 by a master of the tea ceremony. Ponds, streams, islets and bridges are employed to make the garden appear larger than it actually is.

Following your visit, commence the approximate 25-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.2 miles (about two kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. The museum contains sensitive material, including graphic pictures and displays of the atrocities of war. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Flash photography is prohibited at the Peace Memorial Museum.

Experience an authentic monk's training temple which is located in the mountains. See a different world from ordinary before enjoying a lunch. After lunch sees Hiroshima's best high lights, including the Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Memorial Museum and an atomic bomb dome.

Mitaki-dera

Depart from the pier for a thirty-minute scenic drive. The mini coach will drop you off for an extensive walk up a steep path. Arrive at the monk training temple visit to visit Mitaki-dera Temple. This temple is built in 804 AD. During the walking tour through the place, you will find Buddhism holy world harmonizing with nature; moss-covered stone steps, plenty Buddha's statues in the rock, peaceful garden and waterfall.

Next enjoy a typical Japanese or Western Lunch before visiting Hiroshima's most popular venues.

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Afterwards arrive at the Peace Memorial Park that is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb, dropped on August 6^th 1945, during World War II. The Park is home to the Peace Memorial Museum and eloquent monuments, the museum exhibiting photographs and things left behind from the bomb's aftermath. Embrace the actual condition during that time.

Atomic Bomb Dome

Following the Peace Memorial park visit the Atomic Bomb Dome which is internationally recognized symbol of Hiroshima. It was an Industry Promotion Hall near Ground Zero to survive the blast - the dome is skeletal because it was vaporized. These buildings are regarded as the symbol for the world peace. See piles of colourful origami cranes lie in front of the dome, the symbol of Hiroshima's hope that nuclear weapons will never be used again.

Board the coach for the 30 minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.1 miles (about 1.7 kilometres), up a narrow steep path. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Wear comfortable clothing in layers and closed-toe walking shoes. The tour sequence may vary. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.

Explore the enchanting beauty of Miyajima and the tragic past of Hiroshima and its hope for the future during this memorable, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Atomic Bomb Dome

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute narrated drive to Hiroshima City. Upon arrival, an exterior visit is made to the Atomic Bomb Dome, the skeletal remains of the former Industrial Promotion Hall. The dome serves as a visual reminder of the death and destruction of the atom bomb, and is the only blast survivor left in ruins. Piles of colourful origami cranes lie in front of the dome, the symbol of Hiroshima's hope that nuclear weapons will never be used again. Afterward, visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Peace Memorial Park

Peace Memorial Park is dotted with memorials to the victims of the first atomic bomb, including the cenotaph that contains the names of all known victims of the bomb (except the Koreans, who now have a separate monument). The flame beneath the cenotaph is to burn until the last nuclear weapon on earth has been destroyed. View the Statue of the A-Bomb Children, dedicated to the war's most innocent victims, and the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound, which contains the ashes of 70,000 unidentified victims.

Peace Memorial Museum

The Peace Memorial Museum explores Hiroshima before and after the bombing. In an effort to come to terms with its history, one building addresses Hiroshima's militaristic past, putting aside any conclusion that the city was a blameless victim, and explaining why it was chosen as a target; Hiroshima was home to Japan's military command centre and was a military supply base. The museum's exhibits include photographs and artefacts from the bomb's aftermath.

Miyajima Island

After having lunch, approximate 40 minute drive to the Miyajima-guchi ferry terminal, then board a public ferry for the brief transfer to the island. Only 12 square miles (31 square kilometres) in area, Miyajima Island consists mostly of steep, wooded hills, and is ranked as one of the three most scenic spots in the country. Its famous landmark, the huge red Torii Gate, at high tide, rises up out of the water and guards the island's main attraction, the Itsukushima Shrine.

Itsukushima Shrine

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Treasure and Important Cultural Property is thought to date from the 6th century. The wooden shrine is built on a pier, and appears to float during high tide. After your visit, free time is made available to explore the streets of the island and browse the local shops before returning to the ferry terminal for the ride back to the mainland.

Upon arrival, commence the approximate 40 minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a extensive amount of walking for approximately 3.2 miles (about 5.2 kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the ferry, and approximately 100 more steps at Miyajima. There is an approximate 20 minute walk from the ferry terminal to the Itsukushima Shrine. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. The museum contains sensitive material, including graphic pictures and displays of the atrocities of war. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. The public ferry is not exclusive to Silversea guests. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Flash photography is prohibited at the Peace Memorial Museum.

Peace Memorial Museum (Main hall) is now undergoing restoration work until July 2018.

Embrace the enchanting beauty of Miyajima during a half-day sightseeing excursion to this picturesque island.

Miyajima Island

Depart the pier for the approximate one-hour drive to the Miyajima-guchi ferry terminal, then board a public ferry for the brief transfer to the island. Only 12 square miles (31 square kilometres) in area, Miyajima Island consists mostly of steep, wooded hills, and is ranked as one of the three most scenic spots in the country. Its famous landmark, the huge red Torii Gate, at high tide, rises up out of the water and guards the island's main attraction, the Itsukushima Shrine.

Itsukushima Shrine

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Treasure and Important Cultural Property is thought to date from the 6th century. The wooden shrine is built on a pier, and appears to float during high tide. After your visit, free time is made available to explore the streets of the island and browse the local shops before returning to the ferry terminal for the ride back to the mainland.

Upon arrival, commence the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 2.0 miles (about 3.2 kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the ferry, and approximately 100 more steps at Miyajima. there is an approximate 20 minute walk from the ferry terminal to the Itsukushima Shrine. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. The public ferry is not exclusive to Silversea guests. Wear comfortable clothing in layers and closed-toe walking shoes. The tour sequence may vary. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.

Experience the historic sights of Hiroshima during this narrated sightseeing tour of the city that is designed for guests who prefer little or no walking.

Atomic Bomb Dome

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 40-minute drive through the suburbs en route to the heart of Hiroshima City. Along the way, an exterior photo stop is made at the Atomic Bomb Dome, the skeletal remains of the former Industrial Promotion Hall. The dome serves as a visual reminder of the death and destruction of the atom bomb, and is the only blast survivor left in ruins. Piles of colourful origami cranes lie in front of the dome, the symbol of Hiroshima's hope that nuclear weapons will never be used again.

Hiroshima Castle

Your final photo stop takes place at the Hiroshima Castle. This imposing, feudal-era fortress was destroyed by the firestorm that followed the atomic explosion. Rebuilt in 1958, its central keep is now a museum.

After your photo stop here, your sightseeing drive continues through the city's major shopping and business district before returning to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility. The tour contains sensitive material, including graphic pictures and displays of the atrocities of war. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera from the ship. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.

Explore Hiroshima at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 5 days prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary. Please note that private services in this part of the world are at a high premium and we thank you for your understanding. Guides may be heavily accented. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.

Explore Hiroshima at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 5 days prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary. Due to the limited availability of qualified English-speaking guides in this region, this service is in very limited supply and at a premium. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.

Explore Hiroshima at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 5 days prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary. Please note that private services in this part of the world are at a high premium and we thank you for your understanding. Guides may be heavily accented. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.

Explore Hiroshima at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 5 days prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 3-4 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary. Due to the limited availability of qualified English-speaking guides in this region, this service is in very limited supply and at a premium. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.