Hiroshima Travelogue (Japan) November 2023
HIROSHIMA (JAPAN) TRAVELLOGUE
23 November 2023
Embarked on a high-speed adventure from
Bandobashi to Shin Yokohama Station aboard the iconic Shinkansen, commonly
known as the Bullet Train.
Incredible!
Covering a whopping 850 kilometres in just
3.5 hours, the journey treated us to breath-taking views of Mount Fuji. The
spacious seats and impeccable cleanliness, even in the restrooms, made it feel
like a flight.
Checked into Hotel Smile upon arrival in
Hiroshima, where we explored the city center amid the Black Friday sale
excitement.
24 November 2023
Set out on foot towards Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Park, admiring the wide roads and taking note of the unique Streetcar
transport system.
A chance encounter with a Shrine (Shirakami-sha
Shrine, Hiroshima) along the way offered a serene experience, complete with an
insightful lesson on traditional prayer rituals.
Witnessed the enchanting bloom of Yambuku, the Japanese Kerria, and strolled across the Peace Bridge.
Entered the expansive Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Park, often referred to as a "peace factory," deliberately
devoid of compound walls.
Paid respects to the A-bomb victims and marvelled
at the preserved World Heritage Monument that endured the blast.
Explored Kinzagai and Hiroshima Hondori
Shopping Street in the evening, taking advantage of the vibrant market
atmosphere.
25 November 2023
Embarked on a full-day bus tour, starting
with glimpses of Hiroshima Castle and a revisit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Park, this time for the impactful museum.
Indulged in the famous Hiroshima
Okonomiyaki at a recommended restaurant, a delectable five-layered delight.
Post Lunch….
Ventured to Miyajima Island, a sacred haven
with the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Despite time constraints, the beauty of the
island and its cultural richness left a lasting impression.
(Mijiyama Island)
(Itsukushima Shrine)
Returned to Hiroshima, thoroughly exhausted
yet enriched by the day's experiences.
26 November 2023
Explored a nearby buddhist temple named “Tokasan
Enryuji Temple”, in the morning before
bidding farewell to Hiroshima.
(Tokasan Enryuji Temple)
There are a few places around Japan that double up as both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. This place is one of them. Apparently, there are quite a lot of lantern filled events going on at various times of the year. Handwritten Goshuin available for both
Treat for the Journey:
Savoured “Momiji Manju”, a local sweet
shaped like a maple leaf, at Hiroshima Railway Station.
Boarded
the Shinkansen back to Yokohama, concluding our enriching Hiroshima escapade.
Japan Titbits:
Tips for Travelers:
- Japan is incredibly tourist friendly.
- Remember the courtesy of praying before and after meals.
- Signboards abound, ensuring easy navigation.
- Japanese locals are exceptionally kind and helpful.
- Safety is paramount, with minimal reported crime.
- Public transport is efficient, punctual to the second.
- Pollution is minimal, thanks to the prevalence of electric
vehicles.
- Embrace the Japanese culture of gratitude - always say
"Arigato gozaimas."
Observations and Discoveries:
- Japanese design emphasizes cleanliness and accessibility.
- Japan is an expensive destination but offers affordable local
liquors.
- Slow-paced work is coupled with near perfection.
- Queue culture is strict; breaking a line is frowned upon.
- Offering seats to elders is a cultural norm.
- Experience the unparalleled safety and independence of walking
alone at night.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The day a woman can walk freely on the
roads at night, that day we can say that India has achieved independence.”
In Japan, I experienced that freedom.
End of Travelogue – vsathyamurthy@gmail.com
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