Hiroshima is more than just a bomb and the city has done well to get back on its feet. So there is a lot more to see and do around the city and surroundings.
After a morning in the peace park, we headed with Kieran, to seek out cherry blossom and the castle. It is only a short walk from the park, and took no time at all as we chatted away sharing travelling stories.
The castle is highly accessible and there isn't really a need to go in, as most Japanese castles are much the same, but the gardens are nice and give some pleasant views, especially with the sakura (cherry blossom) out.
A short walk away is the rather nice Shukkei-en garden. After buying tickets, we noticed that it was to be lit up in the evening, which was good for us as it was just getting dark so we had best of both worlds.
The garden was beautiful, with different areas, a mini Mt Fuji (quite common in Japanese gardens), small bamboo grove and lots of small streams and a large lake at its centre.
Splitting the garden in two is what is known as the rainbow bridge, the partition of heaven and earth. We relaxed for a good couple of hours, taking loads of pictures as the lights turned on and the sakura trees lit up. There was even one tree which has two shades of pink blossoms - quite magical.
The downtown area of the city it well set up, with lots of shopping and restaurants. One of the major specialties was okonomiyaki a pancake type dish with lots of cabbage, maybe a meat of some type, lots of flavorings and sauce. We had had this in Tokyo and loved it, but sadly didn't find a restaurant in the evening which sold it - it was known as a breakfast dish. If you get the chance, we would highly recommend it!
We enjoyed an evening dinner with Kieran, said our goodbyes and safe travel. We were off to explore the nearby island of Miyajima.
After a morning in the peace park, we headed with Kieran, to seek out cherry blossom and the castle. It is only a short walk from the park, and took no time at all as we chatted away sharing travelling stories.
 |
| Kieran, Julia and Chris with the castle |
The castle is highly accessible and there isn't really a need to go in, as most Japanese castles are much the same, but the gardens are nice and give some pleasant views, especially with the sakura (cherry blossom) out.
A short walk away is the rather nice Shukkei-en garden. After buying tickets, we noticed that it was to be lit up in the evening, which was good for us as it was just getting dark so we had best of both worlds.
 |
| Walking to the garden along the moat |
The garden was beautiful, with different areas, a mini Mt Fuji (quite common in Japanese gardens), small bamboo grove and lots of small streams and a large lake at its centre.
 |
| Lights up |
Splitting the garden in two is what is known as the rainbow bridge, the partition of heaven and earth. We relaxed for a good couple of hours, taking loads of pictures as the lights turned on and the sakura trees lit up. There was even one tree which has two shades of pink blossoms - quite magical.
 |
| Two tone sakura... and Julia |
The downtown area of the city it well set up, with lots of shopping and restaurants. One of the major specialties was okonomiyaki a pancake type dish with lots of cabbage, maybe a meat of some type, lots of flavorings and sauce. We had had this in Tokyo and loved it, but sadly didn't find a restaurant in the evening which sold it - it was known as a breakfast dish. If you get the chance, we would highly recommend it!
 |
| Pink and fluffy sakura |
We enjoyed an evening dinner with Kieran, said our goodbyes and safe travel. We were off to explore the nearby island of Miyajima.
No comments:
Post a Comment