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Hiroshima

Today was the only full day we allotted for Hiroshima, so it was packed. There were places to see and things to eat!

First, we grabbed the prepaid breakfast in the restaurant next to the hotel - which ended up being pretty good. Though I suppose anything other than a western-style breakfast would have made me happy! It was a simple tray of grilled salmon, some veggies, tofu, rice, and miso soup - enough food to energize us for a morning at the peace park.

My traveling companion had the idea of eating bento boxes for lunch at the peace park, so following another recommendation, we hunted for a specific homemade bento box shop that was located at the north end of the train station. Eventually, we picked up our bento boxes and hopped on a tourist bus bound for the peace park. Luckily for us, the bus fare was waived for JR pass holders!

At the peace park, I explored the park grounds because it was such a nice day - taking my time appreciating all the memorials and reflecting on the horrors that took place here in 1945. I think the most gut-wrenching moment was when I got to the memorial mound... the grave site for all the victims who perished. The whole park is extremely well maintained, and I was glad to see all the tourists visiting were respective of the quiet, solemn atmosphere. Unfortunately, due to changing weather conditions (the sun disappeared behind what looked like looming rain clouds), we had to postpone eating the bento boxes in the park in favor of making our way to Miyajima before the clouds broke.

We ended up eating the bento boxes on the ferry ride (also covered by the JR pass), which was still awesome albeit a bit rushed. Note that the ferry ride did seem that long... somewhere around 10-15 minutes.

The rest of the day was spent on Miyajima, exploring the island's charms, hikes, and temples. I think my favorite part of the island was the Omoto Park and the vastness of the cherry blossom trees, though most of the blossoms had already fallen. I imagined what it must be like to visit the park during peak cherry blossom season, with the trees covered in pink and deer running around. It must be a magical place. While on the island, I also happened to see a few food vendors selling grilled items on sticks, and had the fortune of getting to try grilled squid! It was like an anime dream come true...

Before it got too late, we took the ferry back from Miyajima and then took the train and street car into downtown Hiroshima. My impression of the street car system is a bit strange - getting on doesn't cost any money, but the fee is calculated when you get off. The problem is - if you're paying by cash (and not the local swipe card), there is no indication how much you should be paying.

We made it to downtown, and found the mecca for okonomiyaki: Okonomi Village. Without too much difficulty, thanks to easy-to-follow instructions from my coworker, we sat down at Sarashina (さらしな). I ordered the okonomiyaki with udon, pork, shrimp, and squid). It was oishi (delicious) and I really loved sitting by the counter to watch how they made okonomiyaki - hopefully I'll be able to recreate something similar at home!

After dinner, it was time to head back to the hotel to repack and get some shut-eye before a travel day tomorrow to Kyoto.

Comments

Will said…
Wow, what an experience. I can't believe you were at the same spot where the bomb fell. And then to go from the war to this beautiful island with deer and food on a stick!! What a day.
April 15, 2014 1:30 pm
lifeasj said…
It was a pretty crazy day - but a lot of fun. So sad walking through the peace park...
April 16, 2014 3:49 am
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