Today we get up early as we are catching the bullet train to Hiroshima. This train waits for no one. It’s never late. Expensive. Roughly $100 each way but we will be there in 1 hr. 40 mins. If you were to drive it would take you 4 hours.
There are fantastic shopping malls attached to the train stations.
This commercial building was right beside where the atomic bomb exploded. Because it was so close it didn’t totally destroy it. Rather like the eye of a hurricane.
Thousands of paper cranes were donated from all over the world to show support for the people. In particular a young girl that had developed leukaemia. She believed that if she made 1000 paper cranes she would survive. She was only able to complete 400 before she died.
Bell of Peace
Ground zero. This mound represents where the bomb detonated. It actually exploded before landing.
The clock tower. It chimes every day at 8:15 am to represent the time on August 6, 1945 when the bomb dropped.
This is where the G7 met. The memorial is not so much about the death and destruction but about a future of peace.
It was an amazing museum but very emotional. Like visiting any atrocity it’s disturbing but I feel it’s necessary if you are visiting a country that experienced something like this. It’s acknowledgment and respect. Understanding what happened.
We then take a ferry for a short ride over to Miyajima to visit Itsukushima, the Floating Shrine.
When the tide is in it gives the illusion that the shrine is floating. Not so much when the tide is out.
Torii Gate
Lunch of grilled oysters in garlic butter
Lots of shopping
So cute. Their parents dress them up and they have their pictures taken professionally. This happens at 3, 5 and 7 years old.
Then back on the ferry, back on the bus and back to our hotel. Another long and interesting day.
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