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There is a lot more to see and do in Hiroshima if the Peace Park and Museum is not your style. On Miyajima Island the World Heritage site of Itsukushima Shrine is one of the main attractions closely Hiroshima Castle. If travelling with a JR Pass the short ferry trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima is covered.

The difference between this shrine and others in Japan is that the `torii’ gate (entrance gate) is located in the water instead of on land. At high tide it is as per the photo but at low tide you can walk right out to it. It is not only a unique structure but a unique experience.  You can make Miyajima a day trip from Hiroshima or you can stay a night or two. Traditional Japanese Inns, ryokans, are the most common form of accommodation on the island. Travel Japan staff are more than happy to organize this for you!

There are also walks, cable car and many traditional arts and crafts shops to enjoy whilst on Miyajima

In Osaka they go crazy for their `Takoyaki’ and in Hiroshima it is the `Hiroshima-yaki’. This is similar to in Osaka as well with the cabbage, meat and vegetable pancake but it also has noodles inside. There are many small shop fronts that welcome tourists to try their specialty and believe you me, after a Hiroshima-yaki and beer you will be feeling very full and content!

Hiroshima `Manyu’ sweets are also a yummy treat to try. They are shaped like a `momiji’ maple leaf, and have sweet beans inside. They are definitely not as sweet as Australian biscuits or cakes but good nonetheless

I hope that you get the chance to head west in Japan. It is well worth it!

Travel Japan can organize a day tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima

http://www.traveljapan.com.au/tours/hiroshima-daytours/hiroshima-miyajima-1day.html

Until next time enjoy your travels…….

Explore Western Honshu with Sakura Hiroshima and Miyajima

Every positive value has its price in negative terms… the genius of Einstein leads to Hiroshima.
Pablo Picasso

Part ONE

If you are in the West side of Japan, I really recommend making the trip down toHiroshima. It is an easy trip from Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka on the JR bullet train and an easy city to navigate. It is hard to imagine the devastation that was caused here in 1945.

The Memorial Peace Park and Museum is located a short tram ride from Hiroshima Station or within walking distance from Hiroshima Castle. The green lawns, trees and open space create a peaceful atmosphere. Once you step inside the museum this feeling changes dramatically

The displays and writings of the throughout the museum are accurate and sometimes very confronting, not so much the images but the facts and amount of fatalities.  I believe everyone should visit this museum at least once to truly understand the history of the Atomic Bomb.

They are some beautiful stories told including the story of `Sadako’ who started the making paper cranes that Japan is so well-known for nowadays. She believed that if she could make 1000 cranes then she would not die. There is a site within the gardens where school children have made 1000 cranes and they are displayed, which is very beautiful and the precision of the folding is incredible.

On August 6^th each year there is a service to commemorate the victims.

I recommend to book accommodation and flights well in advance to avoid disappointment as this is the busiest time of the year in Hiroshima.

Hiroshima is an easy city to sightsee independently however if you would like to join a tour, Travel Japan offers a full day tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. Please contact your friendly staff for further details.