The first names that comes to almost everyone’s mind when you hear the word Japan, is Hiroshima and Nagasaki. So, before we left Japan in 2018, we  made a visit to the historic city of Hiroshima as well as the most beautiful shrine, the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima .

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is the capital city of Hiroshima prefecture in Japan. This major city was rebuilt into it’s previous glory, after being destroyed by the first atomic bomb dropped in August 6, 1945. Just like a phoenix rising from its ashes, Hiroshima is now one of the largest cities in Japan.

We had planned a 3 day trip and visited 4 beautiful places in this historic city.

Hiroshima was different from the other cities we had visited while living in Japan. For one, it is one of the few cities that still uses streetcars (trams), for transportation. It is also home to two World Heritage Sites, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Itsukushima Shrine in the island of Itsukushima/Miyajima.

1.Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built as a symbol of everlasting peace. This park houses the Peace Memorial Museum, Memorial Cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims, the Flame of Peace and the Atom Bomb Dome.

When we decided to make this trip to Hiroshima, it was just to tick off a name in the bucket list we had. But little did we know, that this park would make us cry for the atomic bomb victims and fill us with awe for the peace that it symbolizes.

Atomic Bomb Dome

The Cenotaph

The museum was an awesome experience with a 3D display that recreated what must have happened during the bombing. My husband, Anish, loves learning history and he soaked up all the information the museum had to offer.

The Japanese, really do have a strong mind. It showed especially in the way they symbolized peace after all these tragic events, rebuilding the city and their lives from scratch.

2. Itsukushima Shrine in Itsukushima / Miyajima

Itsukushima, popularly known as Miyajima, is located in the northwest of Hiroshima Bay. This island is famous for the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While my husband considered the Memorial Park as his reason to visit Hiroshima, the Itsukushima Shrine was my deciding factor. I wanted to see the famous torii (traditional Japanese gate found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine) of the Itsukushima Shrine.

This torii, being built on Seko Inland Sea, appears to be floating during high tide and could be approached on foot during low tides. Though we couldn’t walk really as close to the gates as I wanted, we went as much as possible. Devu and I loved collecting sea shells from here.

Our Favorite Moments

Beautiful views fill our eyes as we walk to the shrine from the ferry, where we land. There were deer that were roaming freely. And though we were assured that they were friendly, Devu was scared. Until she saw other children going near them. Then she was excited to see them. We got some amazing clicks of these beautiful moments.

A tourist had clicked this photo for us in our camera (this was our friend Sajith’s camera). But I had these thoughts running through my mind, during the entire time this photo was taken. “Is the person still there? Did they steal our camera? Should I turn back and look?”. It’s quite funny when I think back on it though.

The Itsukushima Shrine was beautiful and well maintained. With Mount Misen serving as the shrine’s backdrop, the views from the shrine were amazing as well .

When we were going back to the mainland on the ferry, my heart wanted to turn back and spent some more time amongst the tranquil setting of the Itsukushima torii. Where we are surrounded by the deer playing around and the beautiful Seko Inland sea with Mount Misen at the background.

Sources

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima
2. https://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-transport/japan-trams
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima