We probably could have figured out how to see the same sights on our own without a guide but it definitely helps reduce the stress of having to figure it out on your own. It was also very special that she shared her own personal family story of the A-bomb - made the history lesson very personal and genuine. She asked us about lunch preferences and I had done some research ahead of time and knew something to ask for. She did awesome with picking the restaurant as it was my favorite meal on my whole trip to Japan. She gave us adequate space and time at the museum so it didn't feel like we were being rushed. Since Hiroshima was just a day trip for us she met us at the train station with all our luggage and was kind enough to help us figure out how to use the lockers at the train station. I thought it was also a very special touch when she gave us a paper crane that she had personally made - nice personal token to bring home. I didn't know anything about Miyajima when I booked the tour but couldn't figure out how to get a tour of the Hiroshima Peace Park without Miyajima added so just went with it. I was pleasantly surprised and am very glad we did the island. It actually snowed on us while we were walking through the temple, which is rare for us and she said extremely rare for them. So that was also a special memory. The island was extremely packed as they were having an Oyster Festival that holiday weekend so I'm glad we had her to maneuver through the busy, crowded streets.