We chose a Tuesday to travel via the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Hiroshima. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. We had an early start because we knew it was going to be a long day, especially if we wanted to add a visit to see the iconic floating Tori gates. These are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
What makes these tori gates appear to float is the high tide.
Before we left, I checked the tide charts and figured that by the time we arrived in Hiroshima and made our way to the Island, the tide would be high, and the gates would be floating. It was really the timing of the high tide that made the decision for us. And so, on arrival in Hiroshima, we immediately transferred to the JR line to take us to the ferry, and from the ferry to the Island. (We used Google maps to help us with planning the routes, selecting the trains etc.)
The JR ferry does take you quite close to the floating tori gates (when the tides are cooperating) so make sure you are in position (on the right side of the ferry.) You will also notice the oyster farms in the bay. Hiroshima produces the most delicious oysters.
We didn’t have a huge amount of time to spend. So we opted to focus on the floating Tori Gates, and taking gorgeous photos. We did have time to stop for hot chowder topped with Hiroshima oysters. And delicious fried Agemomiji.
There were also some super friendly deer wandering around.
I would’ve loved to have spent more time on the Island, visiting the museums and the shrine, but I wanted to make sure that we got back to Hiroshima so that we could visit the Hiroshima Peace Park, and museum.
We had perfect weather. We caught the ferry back and essentially retraced our steps, but we transferred at a station before the main one, so that we could take the subway to a station that is close to the Peace Park.
As we exited the station there was this beautiful mural that I think looked like it was made from stain glass. It glowed with hope.
See what I mean?
The Atomic Bomb dome is one of the remaining buildings that was selected to remain as a reminder of that dreadful day. The best view is from across the river, in the peace park itself.
The park was filled with people. There were a lot of school groups visiting.
We wandered through the park, and then decided to buy tickets to visit the museum. I was expecting to have an experience similar to how I felt after visiting the Holocaust Museum in DC. But the lack of any kind of crowd control, or crowd management made that impossible. That was a pity, and detracted from the experience. It was so crowded it was impossible to see the exhibits.
This is one of the pitfalls about having limited time in a place. There are variables that are out of one’s control. Like the weather. Or timing and crowds.
For this reason, I would recommend spending a couple of nights in Hiroshima, as well as a night or two on Miyajima Island itself. I think the next time we visit Japan we will definitely do this.
We finished our day eating the delicious Hiroshima Okonomiyaki.
Then it was time to catch the Shinkansen back to Kyoto.
Next up are posts about our wonderful table tennis experience in Kyoto, the Kyoto Imperial Gardens, and Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Come back soon.
