Hiroshima and Miyajima

First stop is Hiroshima. We arrived later than planned on the 6th, therefore we ended up missing the Peace Ceremony at the Hiroshima Peace Park. So we went to the hostel, which ended up being close to the station. I definitely recommend it! Hiroshima Peace Hotel. We stayed in the hostel style, cheap lodging, but it was air conditioned, has laundry and clean shower/toilet facilities. The staff is nice and there is a small kitchen we took advantage of. Unfortunately they were only available for one night and we had to switch to a different hostel that morning.

First off, we went to Miyajima, which is an island not too far from Hiroshima. It has a famous red gate sticking out of the water. Being low tide, we could walk out to it. The whole temple is on stilts, as the tide comes far up to make it look like it is floating! Oh, and just like every other random place in Japan there are wild deer that don't care.

That is the boat we took. Maybe 20 minutes.

Baby deer, Mom deer is close by...

Chocolate Chip... maybe

Inside Itsukushima Shrine

After that we headed back to Hiroshima and went to the Peace Park. The Peace Museum was on our list of things to do, but after walking around the park, we knew there was no way we could do it. We stood were ashes were scattered, where school children had once walked, where civilians lived and had no idea.

Just a day before, the peace ceremony was held. The flowers are still there.

A-Bomb Dome.

A memorial specifically for the children.

"No War" created by school children out of cranes

1000 Paper Cranes for a wish. 

Needless to say we were quiet during the walk in this park. Despite the many people there, it was quiet. There were photographers, and some visitors to the Peace Museum, but I was stunned simply visiting the mound of ashes used as a mass grave.



So, after that rather depressing but needed visit, we went back to our new hostel which was nice, but not as nice as the first. It was cheap, there were beds, but the shower and toilet are in need of major repair. The staff is super friendly and helps with things around town. Guest House Carpe.

For dinner we checked out down town Hiroshima which was a mix of covered shopping centers filled with odd shops, popular shops, even American brands. We decided to go to Okonomimura which is a food theme park... I guess I can call it that. Featuring Okonomiyaki! Hiroshima Okonomiyaki.

Okonomimura

Okonomiyaki on top of udon. Because Okonomiyaki wasn't enough food already.

Despite being chased by a typhoon that had already done major damage in Hiroshima, it was a beautiful sunny day. It was a full day of running around, visiting, taking photos and eating good food. Early to rise, and early to bed.