Japan 2018: Day 07

This morning we all woke up in Hiroshima ready to crack on with a day of sightseeing, or should I say at least three of the four of us were. Kyle slept in the downstairs quarters and positively froze during the night. When we roused him to wake, he suggested that he forego the morning's plan and catch some more sleep.

So, after getting ourselves ready, Maureen, Sky and I headed down to Hiroshima Station to catch the train to Miyajimaguchi Station, so we could catch a Ferry to Miyajima Island. The train travel took around a half-hour, the walk to the ferry, around 10 minutes and the ferry ride to the island around 15 minutes.

The travel to the island was completely seamless, and the weather was cold, but equally nice and clear.

Our route to Itsukushima.

The view whilst waiting on the dock at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal.

Is this our Ferry? No, not yet.

On our way, passing oyster beds along the way.

Just about to dock at Miyajima Island.

This is our Ferry.

The island of Itsukushima or as it is popularly known 'Miyajima Island' is located in the western part of Hiroshima Bay around 15 kilometres from Hiroshima. Miyajima in Japanese means 'Shrine Island' and I can vouch for the fact that the island has many shrines.

One of the main reasons we visited here was that it was a suggestion from a previous work colleague that we visit this place and specifically, that we check out the giant Torii of the Itsukushima Shrine. Readers of last year's Blog will recall that Torii are giant gateways that symbolically mark the transition from profane to sacred. The Torii for the Itsukushima Shrine are one of Japan's most popular tourist spots. It measures 16 metres high and is an impressive structure that is classified as one of the Three Views of Japan.

Selfie...

We also visited the Senjokaku or Toyokuni Shrine, the largest structure on the Island and literally translates to Temple of 1000 mats.

The Senjokaku.

Maureen catching some shade.

Adjacent to Senjokaku is the enormous five-storied Pagoda called Gojunoto which was constructed in 1407.

The five storied Pagoda.

Whilst on the island we walked through some absolutely stunning gardens and parkland. We also caught the Miyajima Ropeway (remember? Cable Car) to near the top of Mount Misen which stands at 535 metres tall. It was actually two Cable Car trips to the top, the first to Kayatani Station, and then up a short flight of stairs to the second Cable Car which took us up to Shishiiwa Station. The view at the top was spectacular; however, it was also pretty hazy.

Enroute in the Ropeway.

Our hazy view.

Maureen and I chillin'

There were lots of little shops and stalls at the township of Miyajimacho, where the ferry arrives and along the esplanade leading to the Torii Gate. Also in this area we were greeted by cute little Deer that walk the streets. Deer are considered sacred in the Shinto Religion as they are believed to be messengers of the Gods. We had a great time on Miyajima Island.

We had delicious Squid-on-a-Stick.

Cute Deer were everywhere.

Apparently, Deer love Beer.

About to catch the train back to Hiroshima Station.

We then headed back on the ferry and train to return to Hiroshima Station where we met up with Kyle who was fully refreshed. We caught the Green Meipuru-pu (bus) to the Atom Bomb Dome and continued our unfinished business from last year.

The Atom Bomb Dome was the original location of the Hiroshima Prefectual Industrial Promotion Hall, and a famous Hiroshima landmark because of its green dome. It was situated almost directly below the Atom Bomb ‘Little Boy’ which was dropped from the US Air Force’s B-29 'Enola Gay' and exploded 600 metres above ground level on 06 August 1945. Being almost directly below the bomb when it ignited meant that the main walls were spared from blast damage as force came from almost directly above. Nonetheless, everyone inside the building was killed instantly. In fact, 80 000 people died instantly when Little Boy exploded and around 110 000 more died later from radiation poisoning.

We travelled throughout the Peace Park taking in an array of beautiful monuments and tributes, then visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Though not as confronting and gruesome as Nagasaki, it still was very compelling.

The Atom Bomb Dome before 06 August 1945.

The devastation of Hiroshima.

After and Before models of the Atom Bomb Dome.

A child was riding this bike when the Atom Bomb was dropped and died later that same day. The father buried the Child and their bike together. Many years later the Childs remains were exhumed and buried with other family members and the trike donated to the Museum.

A watch marks the time of the explosion.

While there we spoke with a tour guide called Kazuaki, he was standing in front of an amazing photograph that was taken less than three hours after the blast. It showed the survivors gathering near the Post Office around 2.9 kilometres from the hypo-centre.

The photo near Kazuake.

Kazuake then proceeded to tell us some of the stories that his mother had told him about when she experienced the Atomic Bomb blast. She described the confusion that followed and said that no one knew what had happened, they were utterly confused, they didn't even know that they had been attacked, let alone bombed. It was as if another sun had appeared that morning. His mother said that the Japanese use the word 'Pikadon' to describe what happened and it translates to a bright flash followed by a great force. She lived around 1.9 kilometres from the blast; however, the geography surrounding her neighbourhood deflected most it.

After visiting the Peace Memorial Museum we continued our long walk through the Peace Park passing the Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph and visiting the National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.

This tree was burnt to the core from the explosion, but still grew. You can see the hollowed out centre.

The National Memorial for Children who were forced in labour to support the Japanese War effort, many of whom died from the blast.

The Hiroshima Victims Cenotaph.

A man prays next to the Cenotaph. You can also see the Atom Bomb Dome in the background.

Maureen and the Boys at the National Peace Memorial for Atomic Bomb Victims.

Inside the National Peace Memorial Hall.

We also ventured into the downtown area to try and locate the true hypo-centre of the blast and found a small nondescript memorial, sitting alongside a nondescript building along a small street.

The hyper-centre of the explosion.

Afterwards we caught the bus back to Hiroshima Station and visited a Sushi Train Restaurant. However, this wasn't an ordinary Sushi Train, this one had Shinkansen. The food was excellent. We headed home to get some rest and type us a Blog.