Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima, Japan

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October 14th 2014

Published: October 16th 2014

Peach Air, a Japanese discount airline, offers cheap direct flights between Kaohsiung and Osaka, so we decided to visit Japan in small pieces. That way, we could save our longer holiday times for more extended trips. We decided that we would visit Kyoto on our September (Moon Festival) long week-end, and then the October (10/10) long week-end, we would visit Hiroshima. We would use the high speed ... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 59, Displayed: 21

Kobe Station

Next morning, we took the HSR to Hiroshima, passing through Kobe, home of the famous beef. They say if you have eaten Kobe beef outside Japan prior to 2012, it was fake, because it's only since then they have been able to export Kobe beef.

Rail Stations, Infrastructure and Hills

The concrete was amazing as we sped through the country at speed in excess of 300KPH.

The Only Sign Of Agriculture

This was all we saw of agriculture other than a few plots within the cities.

Hiroshima

Our first stop after arriving was Hiroshima Castle. It is shown here on a map of the area, and it is also walking distance from "Ground Zero" and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

Construction

We just had to take a picture of the barrier to the construction work going on near the Hiroshima Rail Station.

On the Bus

There were a lot of tourists, both local Japanese and foreigners.

Every Castle Has a Moat

No exception here, this castle was originally built in 1597. The bomb is 1945 leveled the castle, and it has since been rebuilt as a replica and is a museum now.

This Holly Tree Survived the A-Bomb

On the castle grounds, only a willow, a eucalyptus, and this holly tree survived the A-bomb blast.

Castle Tower

We climbed the 5 stories, looking at all the historical exhibits dedicated to Samurai culture.

Children Dressed in Komos

We never did determine why these little children were dressed as they were, but they sure were cute.

Elaborate Costumes

There was lots of picture taking going on. Proud parents were well dressed as well, we were not sure what the occasion was.

Taking a Break

We walked the short distance from the Castle to city center. We rested by the museum, but did not take time to visit it.

Impressive Mall

Japan is sleek and modern, and this mall was impressive to say the least.

Up Up and Up

We went up to the 7th floor restaurants to find lunch. We managed to find a traditional restaurant that offered "bibinbap", a local delicacy dish of rice, sauce and meat with a side of kimchi. It was delicious.

On the Streets

We noticed that there were no pedestrians at the corners. There is an entrance to underground at each corner, and people go under the intersections instead of across them.

Under the Street (subway)

They have a whole city under the streets. We were able to walk about 3 blocks underground, and got some shopping done on our way to visit the Hiroshima Peace Park.

Approaching Hiroshima Dome

160 meters from the epicenter of the bomb, the Hiroshima dome was the only portion of any building left standing.

Ground Zero

It is left vacant, as a reminder of the catastrophic effects of the atom bomb dropped by the Allies on August 6th, 1945 at 8:15 AM.

The Atom Bomb Dome

All that remained .........

An Exhibition Centre

Built in 1915, but built to withstand ...... an atomic blast.

From a Distance

Before and After

16th October 2014

Mallory and Warren
non-member comment

Japan sounds very interesting. We have only been in the airports!! One of these times we will have to take time to visit.

20th October 2014

wayne tamke
non-member comment

hi
so are you still teaching? just travelling? when are you coming to Saskatoon? 306-260-2122

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Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima, Japan

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