Early the next morning I boarded a bus in Osaka and we headed to the Shin-Osaka bullet train terminal. The city was pretty empty still compared to the bustle I’d seen yesterday, but you can see there are signs of it awakening. Japan is very train focused and there’s a whole separate terminal for their Shinkansen. This was a very impressive infrastructure project and we zipped across the Japanese countryside at speeds approaching 200 mph.
Before too long at all, we were outside Hiroshima and kept traveling aboard a ferry to Miyajima Island, home of the world heritage Itsukushima Shrine site. The irregular coastline meant there were lots of great views of the shore from the island itself. The shrine was a quiet and introspective space, not to be missed. We washed our hands before entering and enjoyed imagining ourselves in a life of quiet solitude. I walked around the town a little bit to see some of the more touristy constructions. There are also somewhat domesticated deer that are very interested in whatever you might have to eat.
Back on the mainland (main island?) we took a visit to Shukkei-en garden, which is a historic landscape exhibition located right in the middle of Hiroshima. Construction began there in 1620 and the landscape scenery that the gardeners have created over the years really is inspiring. There are so many different views of the same terrain that provide unique perspective, and fosters introspection. I took many outstanding photographs during our visit there.
Next, we were shuttled to our hotel and dropped off for a little bit of free time which we spent exploring the streets and alleyways nearby. I bought a beer out of a vending machine! There was a sudden storm at one point and we collected under and awning to enjoy the cooling downpour. Dinner that night was on our own and we found some interesting place settings at a local sake dive joint.
Researching these locations 20 years later has been quite the challenge because the buildings and scenery of the city have really changed in the years since. I have a pretty good idea from several landmarks of the path we traveled as we explored after dinner.
The next morning we woke up early and had breakfast at the hotel before visiting the a-bomb dome, peace memorial, and museum. The museum is very somber and solemn, in a way the memorials outside are not. The outdoor areas seem more focused coming together for peace and introspection, while the museum focuses on the sadness and loss of so many people in a way that is very isolating.
Back on the bus all the way to Osaka! No bullet train for us this time because we’re stopping off in Himeji.
The next city for Semester at Sea is
Himeji, Japan