Making Each Day Count

Our second day in Hiroshima started early as we had a packed itinerary ahead. Fortunately, our Airbnb was just a short walk from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, making it easy to explore the area. After a light breakfast, we headed to the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall.

One of the first things that caught our attention was a striking monument of a clock frozen at 8:15 – the exact time of the bombing – set within a fountain symbolizing the desperate thirst for water experienced at that time.

From there we descended a spiral path leading to the Hall of Remembrance, a serene space conducive for reflection. Encircling the hall was a panoramic mural of Hiroshima in the aftermath of the bombing, a haunting reminder of the devastation. At the center stood a small fountain shaped like a clock, mirroring the theme of the monument at the entrance up above.

In another hall just before the exit, we saw a collection of names and pictures of the victims, bringing an even more personal element to the tragedy. Lastly, we watched a documentary featuring the harrowing stories of the survivors. Their firsthand accounts were truly heart-wrenching. Our visit here was moving and profound, a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the enduring importance of peace.

Our next stop was a short walk away: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Unlike the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall, which offers free entry, the museum required an entrance fee of 200 yen. I had assumed it would not be too crowded, given that we visited on a Tuesday morning, but I was proven wrong. Hundreds of visitors were there at the same time, resulting in queues at nearly every gallery. One of the most poignant stories I learned at the museum was that of Sadako Sasaki. At just two years old, she survived the atomic bomb despite being around 2 kilometers away from the epicenter. However, years later when she was at seventh grade, she was diagnosed with leukemia, which was said to be the effect of being exposed to the atomic bomb’s radiation. During her time in the hospital, Sadako folded over 1000 origami cranes, inspired by the legend that doing so would grant recovery to a sick person. Tragically, she passed away in 1955. In 1958, the Children’s Peace Monument was erected in honor and as tribute to her and all the innocent children who suffered because of the atomic bomb.

Our final destination for the day was Miyajima Island, also known as Itsukushima. This small island is famous for its iconic giant orange torii gate, which seems to float on water during high tide. Widely celebrated as one of Japan’s top three most scenic spots, Miyajima had been on our must-visit list. From the Hiroshima Peace Park, D and I took a ferry to the island, arriving after an approximate 30-minute ride. As we strolled along the Omotesando Shopping Street, we were greeted by freely roaming deer of all sizes, a charming sight reminding me of Nara, Japan. There was a recorded announcement reminded visitors not to feed the deer.

Our first priority upon arrival was a late lunch. Having read that Miyajima is renowned for its oysters, we sought out a restaurant specializing in them. We found Tachibana, located right on Omotesando Street, and enjoyed a hearty meal of tempura and oysters—just what we needed to recharge for the afternoon.

After lunch, we spent some time browsing the shops, and I made my customary stop at the post office to mail a postcard to my sister, a tradition I’ve kept since 2018. Later, D and I treated ourselves to coffee and dessert at Miyajima Coffee, where we took a moment to plan our next steps. With our Google maps on hand, we mapped out our route to visit the island’s highlights, including the famous Itsukushima Shrine Otorii Gate and the peaceful Daishoin Buddhist Temple.

The giant Otorii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine was truly a sight to behold. During our visit, the tide was high, so walking up to the gate was not possible, but the sight of it seemingly floating on the water was mesmerizing. Despite several school groups taking class photos nearby, D and I managed to find a perfect spot to capture our own pictures of this iconic landmark.

Our walk to the Daishoin Buddhist Temple took us away from the crowds, offering a more tranquil atmosphere. Along the way, we were delighted to encounter more of the island’s free-roaming deer. Upon reaching the temple, we were greeted by the unique sight of numerous Buddha statues, each adorned with colorful hats.

Here are the photos and a video that I took en route to our destinations in Miyajima.

As we took the ferry back to Hiroshima, we reflected on the day—a journey that began with a somber and deeply moving visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and concluded with an adventurous day trip to the charming Miyajima Island. The contrast between the solemn morning and the vibrant, scenic afternoon made for a richly fulfilling experience. Our brief time in Hiroshima was truly remarkable, a journey I will cherish and fondly revisit in my memories time and again.