Land of the Rising Sun Day #13 “Hiroshima, Need I Say More?”

We had a very restful night in Miyajima.  The hotel is a ryokan so wearing the hotel provided pajamas or robes is acceptable attire anywhere in the hotel including the dining hall. The hotel and staff were lovely similar to what we have experienced at all our accommodations throughout this trip.  On our way to breakfast one of the staff members noted that Patrice did not have her robe on correctly so she assisted with an adjustment.

We got a late start because breakfast didn’t start until 8.  I think the late start time is to give the staff some rest.  Yes, the same people who served us dinner were here for breakfast this morning.  Below is what we were served.

If I ever get serious about losing weight, one month in Japan should take care of things.

After breakfast we got our things together and checked out. The clerk thanked us for our patronage, walked us to the elevator, and pushed the button sending the elevator to the exit floor.  Just like in the USA, no?

Exiting the hotel we were stunned by how quiet it was outside with virtually no one on the street.   But we soon saw hoards of school children in large groups marching our way. When we arrived at the ferry station we saw loads of tourists as well.  Looks like another big day on the island. 

After exiting the ferry we took the train back to Hiroshima.  In order to find the correct train we again needed a lot of pointing from the station staff.  I find it humorous that the workers in addition to pointing give us a myriad of instructions in Japanese in spite of my vocabulary being limited to two words (thank you and delicious).  

After dropping off our bags at the Hiroshima hotel (again we were too early to check in) we headed to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park. The Dome is the remnant of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall which was located 490 feet from the hypocenter (ground zero) of the first atomic bomb ever dropped (August 6, 1945).  It is a very sobering experience and I promise no jokes will follow.  We saw people taking pictures of themselves in front of the memorial.   Sorry, I don’t understand this behavior.  I wanted to tell Patrice I’m not taking pictures of us in front of the memorial but I couldn’t get the words out because I started to get choked up.  We are talking about the site where over 140,000 died or were sentenced to death within seconds.  It reminded me of people taking pictures in front of the 911 Memorial in New York.  These are memorials to the dead who were victims of tragic events not a ride at Disneyland! I’m tempted to ask these people if they would take selfies in front of their relative’s gravesites.

We then visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The park was beautiful and a wonderful tribute to those who lost their lives and for the hope of peace in the world.

In the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum we saw some horrific pictures of the post bomb Hiroshima and the victims.  It reminded us of the holocaust museum.  I wouldn’t begin to compare the two but both were very moving. 

After we became incredibly depressed at the museum there was only one possible remedy.  You guessed it……. Food. 

Our tour company had recommended we try okonomiyaki while we were in Hiroshima. Okonomiyaki is a Japanese teppanyaki, pancake dish with all sorts of yummy things inside (cabbage, pork, seafood, shrimp, oysters, squid, etc).   We went to a Michelin star restaurant called Icchan which is very close to our hotel.  The meal was very affordable (about $7 per plate) and absolutely “OISHI” (I had to use one of the two Japanese words I know, see above, and I’ll give you a hint, it doesn’t mean thank you).  This morning I was feeling ready to go home but after this meal I think another day or two would be just fine.  

We are down to our last 2 nights of the trip. Hopefully some more magic moments are still to come. Possibly I can learn a third Japanese word?

Sayonara (heck I know three)