Hiroshima – 27th November – 1st December

We pulled into Hiroshima Station and as we stepped on to the platform from the train I was excited and sad at the same time. I never in my life thought I would be here. I can not put into words how I felt.

I have written stuff and then deleted it. Written more and once again deleted it. Glen and I have discussed the unforgivable bombing back in 1945, and the war in general. I’ve decided that I am not eloquent enough to do Hiroshima justice. All I will say is that the people here, like many other people around the world, are extremely and admirably resilient. That’s the best way I can describe these amazing people and how they have re-built Hiroshima into a beautiful and thoughtful place to visit. I’ve said too much already.

When we walked to the Peace Park it was a dry, cold and cloudy day but it became sunny as the day went on. It seemed fitting. The wind filled the air with red autumn leaves blowing around the dome from the trees.

Below is the ‘Children’s Peace monument’ dedicated to the children who lost their lives as a result of the bomb. There was a bell inside to ring.

“Sadako Sasaki was a young girl who was exposed to radiation from the atomic bomb when it was dropped on Hiroshima. She was two years old at the time and although she survived the blast she died ten years later from leukemia. Sadako, who continued to fold paper cranes throughout her long illness, can be seen at the top of the monument holding a wire crane above her head. Even today, folded paper cranes symbolizing the pursuit of peace arrive at the monument from all over the world.”

Little paper cranes were left in our hotel rooms around Japan.

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After visiting the Peace Park, its monuments and memorials we went on to explore Hiroshima and appreciate and enjoy the beauty of it as it is now.

Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay. It is known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant, orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century.

One bright sunny day we travelled nearly an hour in a tram to get to the ferry terminal. After a short crossing and walk around the bay, we got our first sight of the famous Torii gate that Glen had particularly been looking forward to seeing. The Torii which we read, “stands in the sea and appears to be floating” was however covered in scaffolding and ‘netting’!🙈

Here’s a stock shot – “this is what you could’ve seen”

This group of people were looking at the Torii as the photographer presumably captured their disappointed faces! Lol! I’m sure the plan was to have the Shrine behind them!

It was disappointing, however, the island woodland walks up Mount Misen were beautiful, the sun came out in a clear blue sky and we had the local Deer to keep us company. It was so worth the journey, it was a beautiful island. We didn’t make it to the top, the steps and rough pathway was constantly shouting “be carefully not to twist your ankle or knee you two!” and the Cable Car (yes there was one here!) was screaming “you definitely wouldn’t like to be hanging up here Mandy” and so we enjoyed the lower woodlands with this handsome Deer.

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We had a perfect last day in Hiroshima. We walked to Shukkeien park. It was cold in the shade but glorious sunshine kept us warm as we walked around the beautiful grounds. We talked to a few local women and smiled at everyone else.

At the entrance to the park we were greeted by an English speaking guide. She explained the history of the park and how it was restored after the bomb. Just as we left her to explore she said ‘Thank you for coming to Hiroshima’.

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A perfect end to a perfect visit to Japan.