Hiroshima: City of Peace

We just had the one day in Hiroshima so after we travelled from the ship to the city centre, we first visited the dome that remains from 6 August, 1945.  It is a very moving memorial and you can’t help but reflect on the tragedies of war.

                                         The landmark of the City of Hiroshima.

Rather than inspect the rest of the Peace Park zone, we decided to first visit Miyajima.  We needed to do it now as we wanted to travel by on a high speed boat that can’t run when the tide is too low.

We travelled at low speed through two rivers passing the boat yard areas and many oyster leases.  Once we reached the bay, we skimmed across the surface and were soon at this beautiful island, considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan.

                                   The deer are very cute. Although they have a bit in common with seagulls!

                               The walk to the temple was wonderful.

                  At the shrine we had wonderful views as we walked around the boardwalks.

                  

                                     All that sake and not a drop to drink!

                                 The bridge is so steep it would be difficult to cross. 

     

                                       and Gail at this very scenic bridge.

                                          At one of the main shrines.

We were unlucky with the tides which were particularly low, so that the shrine did not appear to be “floating” nor was the Otorri Gate.  Not only was it high and dry, but it was totally covered in scaffolding due to refurbishment.

We had to keep to a schedule so returned to the mainland by the local ferry, then fast train back to Hiroshima and then street car to the Peace Park area.  There are many statues and memorials that tell the story of the events of that day and the overwhelming desire of the people for world peace.

 The "Red Bird" statue to commemorate the writing of Miekichi Zuzuki considered to be the "Father of children's literature" in Japan

                                                   We both rang the Bell of peace. 

                              

                                                 The Children's Peace Monument

                                                           The Prayer for peace

                                     The cenotaph for the Atomic bomb victims.

Looking through the arch you can see the eternal flame that will be extinguished when the last nuclear weapon is destroyed and the Dome.