Hiroshima and Miyajima

When I started planning my visit to Japan, I wasn’t going to come to Hiroshima.  I don’t like being reminded about the horrors human beings are capable of inflicting on one another.  However, several people said I should reconsider.  I am glad I did.

Hiroshima today is a modern vibrant city with wide boulevards and lush greenery.  The city is now a living monument dedicated to promoting peace on earth.

As you get close to the center, or the hyperzone (ground zero),  there is an amazing little (very little) park area with a number of treasured old trees.  The trees in the little park survived the bomb.  A testament to the strength of nature.

Walking along the river is when you first see it, the Atomic Dome, a skeleton of the building it once was and a forever reminder of what happened on August 6, 1945.

After walking around the dome (and before heading to the peace park), I headed to the Hiroshima Castle, which was rebuilt after the War to exactly replicate the original.  It is a beautiful structure next to a lovely shrine and lush gardens.

When I was in the castle grounds, there was a photo shoot going on.  Gorgeous young people in traditional dress.  I love the kimono colors, but I don’t think I would want to walk too far in those shoes.

Also on the castle grounds, for the benefit of tourists, are roaming Samurai.  I got a picture with two of them.  They promised me the hand signal was appropriate.

After the castle, I visited the Peace Park Memorial and Museum.  Any words I try to come up with seem hollow.  Oh, and the dove on top is real.

A day in Hiroshima is emotionally draining.  By the end, I was exhausted from both all the walking and everything I experienced.

My next day in the area, I went to Miyajima Island.  This is most famous for the red Great Torii Gate which appears to float at high tide.  I was there between the tides, but it was still beautiful.  It was also sunny, for once.

The gate leads to the Itsukushima shrine.

The island is also famous for the deer that roam around.

Up the hill from the Itsukushima shrine is the Daisho-in (Buddhist) Temple.

There is a side path and staircase that has about 500 statues of deities.  My limited research says that they are the guardians of children, but I welcome correction if needed.  I could find no reason for the hats.  Nobody had an explanation.  If you know why they are all wearing hats, PLEASE let me know (it’s not because they are cold…)  Also, do you think someone knit or crocheted all of those hats?

The view from the temple, which at the top of the hill, is also impressive.

Miyajima would be a great place to spend a day and would be even better to spend the night.   My travel companions also enjoyed the day and were equally happy for good weather.

Next, and final stop in Japan is Kyoto.  I hope to see some great sights before Monsoon Trami hits.

Don’t forget, you can comment and let me know what you liked or didn’t like.