Discovering Hiroshima.

Back in August, Matt and I traveled to Hiroshima.  We both felt that it was important to visit the city before we left Japan.  We wanted to learn more about that day, the time leading up to it, and the aftermath of the atomic bomb.  We visited the Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum.  We read first-hand accounts, saw pictures and models of the destruction, and learned about steps that the city of Hiroshima has taken to ensure that peace prevails throughout the world.  It was an eye-opening experience for us and one that we will not forget.  

Hiroshima is known for okonomiyaki.  It is kind of a pancake-like meal with cabbage and noodles.
You can also include squid, oysters, etc.  It is topped with a delicious sauce.  I have no idea what it is, but it is so good.   

A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
This is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall.
It is one of the only buildings that was still standing after the bomb.
It remains almost exactly as it stood that day.
Only minor work to make sure it is stable has been done on the building.  

 

Peace Bell.
The hope is that the sound will resonate throughout the world as a sound of peace. 

Paper cranes sent from people around the world to symbolize peace.

Flame of Peace in front of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
The flame has burned continuously since August 1, 1964 and will burn until all nuclear weapons have disappeared from the world.

Memorial Monument.
According to the Hiroshima Virtual Museum, the stone chest in the center holds the registry of the names of persons who died from the bombing (that day or after), regardless of nationality.  As of August 6, 2014 there were 292,325 names and a volume with many unidentified.

As seen at Hiroshima Castle.
I have no idea what it says, but I just love Japanese characters.

Hiroshima Castle.
The Castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb, but has been reconstructed.

Mazda "Zoom Zoom" Stadium

Kind of a seventh inning stretch type of tradition where interesting-shaped balloons are released into the air.
I have seen this done at multiple stadiums in Japan and may have released a few myself.

We took a ferry to Miyajima Island and luckily got off right before my seasickness set in.

Wild deer roam all around Miyajima.

Clearly people terrify them.

Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the floating torii gate (at least at high tide).

Who doesn't love a snow cone where you can pour the syrup freely?!
I was tempted to try tomato.