Hiroshima and Yamaguchi

With my stay in Nagasaki concluded, I decided to head with a friend (Shingo) to Osaka by train. Seriously, Japan's public transportation system is INSANE. You can essentially go anywhere through the combination of bus, train, subway, and walking. It's really amazing. Hiroshima was on the way to Osaka; so, my friend and I decided to spend a day there. Once again, I had to see the Atomic Dome and Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The Atomic Dome is the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall and was VERY close to the hypocenter of the atomic bombing of 6 August 1945. Some of the walls are left standing because the building was almost directly beneath the blast. The building now serves as a reminder of the world's first atomic bombing.

The Atomic Dome. ---

Okay. I should be careful how I say this. With all due respect, here's my frank opinion about Hiroshima's museum. Nagasaki's museum is human, emotional, and very real. In comparison, Hiroshima's museum is rather cold and historical. It was still a good experience, but most of what I got from Hiroshima's museum I probably could have gotten from a textbook. I am in no way trying to water down the tragedy of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima; I am just saying that I was deeply moved by Nagasaki's museum and I didn't feel the same way at Hiroshima's museum. If you go to Japan and can see both Nagasaki and Hiroshima, do so. You won't regret it. However, if you have to choose between Nagasaki and Hiroshima, I would definitely recommend Nagasaki. Still, everyone should see at least one of them.

One of the memorials. This one is for the memory of the thousands of children that were killed in the atomic bombing while being forced by the government to work in Hiroshima. ---

Below are pictures of the famous Hiroshima Peace Memorial...




Shingo in front of the bomb museum. ---

My friend and I also went next door to Yamaguchi Prefecture to see Kintai Kyou (a famous bridge in the area). Please read the formal description in the pictures below. The scenery was really beautiful and the atmosphere was very peaceful. It's difficult to explain in words. I simply have to recommend going there. It is definitely one of my favorite memories.

Description of the bridge. ---

Me in front of the bridge. ---

View of the water from the bridge. ---

Looking back on Yamaguchi. ---

Shingo in front of Kintai Kyou. ---

Back in Hiroshima, Shingo and I visited the famous Itsukushima Shrine (one of the Nihon sankei [Three Views of Japan]). Essentially, there is this enormous torii in front of the shrine that was built in the water, and, when the tide comes in, the base of the torii is underwater. We went when the tide was out; so, we were able to walk up to the torii. It was really beautiful. The shrine itself is one of the most beautiful that I have seen. Enjoy the pics...






There's my story on Hiroshima. Hope you enjoyed it. Tsugi wa Osaka da yo!