HIROSHIMA: Day 8

HIROSHIMA

We took a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima. This was something that Cindy particularly wanted to experience. A two-hour shinkansen brought us into the city but we had not thought through our plan for the day. It was not long before we were lost and grumpy and found our way back to the station to find a tourist information office. Once there, we were assisted by a fresh faced volunteer woman who gladly showed us the way to the tourist bus. We thanked her, letting her know that she had surely saved our marriage. As we boarded the bus another lady approached us and asked us where we were from and then proceeded to give us each a gift of a ceramic dish. Our moods were transformed. But this being Hiroshima we were in for a few more emotional reflections.

We paid our respects at the Atomic Dome and Peace Park, symbols of both the horror of war and the transformation that is made possible through peace.

The Atomic Dome

Peace Park

A few years ago in London we were visiting Brick Lane near where I grew up. An old brewery had been transformed into an open multi-use space. On that particular Sunday there were gourmet foods from many countries being offered in abundance in a festival like atmosphere. Of all the delicacies, we chose a Japanese pancake called okonomiyaki. It was delicious. Hiroshima is one of the places that is famous for this dish and we found a restaurant that made a perfect local version. Double delicious!

Okonomiyaki

Our next destination was the island of Miyajima, or Island of Shrines. The island is a train ride and a ferry ride away from Hiroshima. It is notable for its iconic red torii or gate that guards the magnificent Itsukushima Temple. The streets leading to the temple are full of colorful shops for traveling pilgrims and the local deer.

Torri Gate to Itikushima Temple

Once again, we were in the right place at the right time as there was a great short performance in what I believe is the sparse noh style. 

A long ride home and we deposited our well-worn bodies into bed and a night of dreams of intense reflection mirroring the myriad sights viewed through the train window at almost 200mph.