Although it is cheaper to travel abroad, I decided to explore Japan over my Spring vacation. My first destination was Hiroshima City. Too far to reach via the local train system, I splurged and took the Shinkansen, more commonly known as the "bullet train." It was a truly mind boggling experience zipping across the country at over 270km! And this isn't the fastest train in Japan. A new Shinkansen is being tested that can travel over 540km! Insane, eh!

Hiroshima is a magnificent city with a surprising amount of green space compared to other Japanese cities. I wandered through Peace Memorial Park, and stood at the A-Bomb Dome, the epicenter of the explosion in '45. The A-Bomb Dome was something I'd never imagined I'd see up close. I remember giving an oral presentation on the explosion in Social Studies 11, but pictures and words can't explain the feeling of standing before the devastating remains.

The museum at the south end of the park provided more disturbing details of the event. It is terrifying to think that today's nuclear weapons are thousands of times more powerful than the atomic bomb used in the '40's.

The cenotaph contains all the names of the know victims of the A-Bomb, with the A-Bomb Dome peaking through the archway.

The Children's Memorial was particularly touching, where thousands upon thousands of paper cranes are laid each day. The Memorial was inspired by a 12-year-old girl named Sadako. Suffering from A-bomb induced leukemia, she attempted to fold 1000 paper cranes, the symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan.

Sadly, she died after her 644th crane. Her classmates completed the remaining 356 cranes which were placed in her coffin. Her story continues to inspire school children from around the world to fold paper cranes and send them to Hiroshima to be placed on the Children's Memorial.

I relaxed in the Hon-dori covered shopping arcade after a somber day in Peace Memorial Park.

I was feeling adventurous and ate Hiroshima-yaki in Okonomiyaki-mura which is renowned for over 30 restaurants serving this pizza-like dinner specialty. It was actually very tasty, and it's surprisingly easy to prepare.

Next Trip To Miyajima Island

Back Home

---