There were some troubles last night, both regarding our cameras. First, my sister's SD card broke, and secondly, my SD card have no space (other than the fact the SD card that I bought to China erased all of my pictures (so POED). So after the complimentary breakfast provided by the hotel, we asked the staff where's the closest electronic store was. Well, it was ~20 minutes walk away so we headed there first. When we got there, "Best electronics" wasn't even open so we sat outside and waited. There were two other locals waiting too. LOL. Best electronics is HUGE, and I browsed through some PS3 games and OMG there's so many RPGs that's not available in North America. I so want to buy but I can't read Japanese.
We walked back to the hotel and packed our stuff so that we can go to the A-dome. To get there we have to head back to Hiroshima station and look for Hotel Granvia because the bus stop is there and there is a special bus, JR Maple-Oop bus, which is free if you have a JR Pass and it will drop you off at various tourist attractions. This bus goes along a specific route so you have to decide if you want to go shopping, Atomic bomb dome, Castle, etc. They have various boarding stops at various tourists attractions so it is very convenient if you want to head to various places in one day, but the wait time is quite long (~30 minutes per bus) and very limited seating.
I just want to say this, I have wanted to visit Hiroshima for a long time because of the famous atomic bomb incident that I was presented back in high school. I am not really a history kind of person, but the atomic bomb in Japan really left a huge impression on me and it is just devastating that the country have to go through that (regardless of the role Japan played in WWII). Due to the atomic bomb incident, Japan dedicated a huge park to honor and remember those who had died during that time and created monuments to aim at eradicating nuclear weapons. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is very big and there is a lot of statues and monuments to see, but we didn't see all of them which is quite disheartening.
August 6, 1945 - a day that will forever be remembered, the drop of the atomic bomb thus initiating the end of WWII. In order to commemorate and remember those who died, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was constructed with it's central theme "Peace."
Atomic Bomb Dome
I just want to say this, I have wanted to visit Hiroshima for a long time because of the famous atomic bomb incident that I was presented back in high school. I am not really a history kind of person, but the atomic bomb in Japan really left a huge impression on me and it is just devastating that the country have to go through that (regardless of the role Japan played in WWII). Due to the atomic bomb incident, Japan dedicated a huge park to honor and remember those who had died during that time and created monuments to aim at eradicating nuclear weapons. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is very big and there is a lot of statues and monuments to see, but we didn't see all of them which is quite disheartening.
August 6, 1945 - a day that will forever be remembered, the drop of the atomic bomb thus initiating the end of WWII. In order to commemorate and remember those who died, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was constructed with it's central theme "Peace."
Atomic Bomb Dome
The A-bomb dome is a famous building that was devastated by the atomic bomb and it is also an UNESCO Heritage site. Everybody inside the building died due to it's close proximity to the hypo-center of the atomic bomb, but this is what is left of the building now. Now the building represent peace for the people of Japan.
I am glad I was able to see the A-bomb dome in person. What I have been reading in books, I was able to see in real life. When you look at the building you can't imagine the devastation and the amount of tears the people of Japan must have shed.
Memorial Tower to the Mobilized Students
Peace Flame - the fire would continue till all nuclear bombs are eliminated. The fire has been lit since 1964 and it continues to burn.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Memorial Cenotaph
The park is very big and there is a lot of monuments and statues to look at; you can spend at least 5 hours here including the museum. We headed off the the Peace Museum next and it ONLY COST ¥50. It a must visit, full of history, but there are a lot of people, particularly students.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Before Hiroshima was bombed and after. You can tell that basically the whole city was wiped out.
The bottom level (first floor) of the museum is mostly information about the atomic bomb, but as you head towards the second floor, you would be encountered with sad stories about the life of the bombing victims (particularly children) and what was salvaged during the atomic bomb.
Clothing of children that died
Here's a nice example showing which country process the most nuclear weapons. USA. Another interesting thing this museum showed was the letters Japan wrote to the USA to call for the STOP of testing of nuclear weapons over the years. But I guess the USA ignored it. A very interesting read.
Many heart wrenching pictures. A-bomb victims suffering from the BURNS and injuries. There was one story I read where a kid rode his bike back home and died (bleeding from his ears), perhaps due to the radiation.
Some more pictures of the Peace Park.
Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for Atomic Bomb Victims
"Mourning the lives lost to the atomic bombings we pledge to convey the truth of this tragedy throughout Japan and the world, pass it on to the future, learn the lessons of history, and build a peaceful world free from nuclear weapons."
You walk down the hall to the "Hall of Remembrance," it is a very silent walk and as you reach the room, it gives you a little eerie feeling. In the center of the of room is a water basin, which is to pay tribute to the A-bomb victims who craved for water while they were burning.
Children's Peace Monument
This monument is to honor all of the children that died during the Atomic bomb. "This is our cry. This is our prayer. For building peace in this world."
Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound
Cenotaph for Korean victims
Monument dedicated to honor the Korean victims of the Atomic Bomb. Many were also forced to work as laborers due to the shortage.
A-Bomb Gravestone - for Kunai Okamoto
Peace bell
The wish for the annihilation of nuclear weapons and the peaceful coexistence of countries.
The A-bomb dome from across the river. Even the sky isn't looking to happy.
Hiroshima downtown. We were waiting for the free tour bus to take us back to Hiroshima Station.
Seems like they have trams here. Nice, feels like olden Japan. It gives it that little historical feeling.
Cookie Crush pocky for ¥108. (seem a bit pricey for 8 sticks)
The ferry to Miyajima Island is free with the JR Pass, otherwise it would cost ¥180 per way. A lot of students going to the island despite the time of day (late, perhaps 4PM-5PM?).
The famous "Floating Tori"
Once we arrived at Miyajima island, most of the shops were already closed or were closing. We also spotted some deers roaming around, but these deers are more aggressive than the deers in Nara.
LOL. Apparently, this deers spotted a can of something underneath this vending machine. Even if he/she gets it, they won't be able to drink it.
Itsukushima Shrine
The shrine was supposed to be surrounded by water, but I guess the water receded. But it started to raining, so I guess it will be filled up later on. There is a fee to go into the shrine, but it was already closed, and due to the receded water we were able to find a way to the shrine.
And then back to the the port waiting for the ferry to come. There's a gate before the washroom to prevent deers from going inside.
You can see the clouds and mist starting to drop on the island. Quite a nice view.
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