Hiroshima Castle, sometimes called the Carp Castle, was originally built in 1591 but was destroyed in the atomic bomb of 1945. It was later rebuilt in 1958 as a complete replica of the original.
Hiroshima Castle located in the heart of Hiroshima
The castle is surrounded by a moat which makes it a buffer to the hustle and noise of the city.
Walking across the bridge into the castle felt a little like walking from the city into the past.
Bridge leading in the Castle
There were several things that really stood out for us. As we walked along a path towards the Castle there was twisted tree which had a plaque. We stoped to discover that this tree had survived the Atomic Bomb of 1945.
Tree that survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima 1945
We could see the castle on the hilltop which was quite stunning to see with the cherry trees in bloom at the base of the hill.
Hiroshima Castle
We walked up the hill to the castle and admired the details of its reconstruction. It looked like it had been there for centuries.
We walked around the castle admiring the architecture and design. We eventually came to the temple area.
entrance area to the Temple
We did not go into the temple but looking in we could see the ornate design and beauty of it.
View of the interior of the Temple
It was an enjoyable day exploring the castle and the weather was perfect.
There are certain places in the world that the history feels heavy. The Hiroshima monument area is one of those places.
When Shelley and I arrived at the Peace Memorial which incorporates a park area and the first thing we noticed was the stillness. Despite being in a modern, vibrant city, the park feels set apart and more like a sacred place.
We walked slowly along the walkways and came across different plaques and monuments. These were very interesting and somber at the same time.
Pathway along the river in the memorial park
The pathways, greenery, and the gentle flow of the river created a calm and reflective environment. However it was very sobering to come across different monuments. One of the first was the Atomic Bomb Dome which survived the blast and was preserved exactly as it was after the explosion.
Seeing it in person is different than seeing it in any photograph.
The skeletal remains of the building with twisted metal and exposed brick is a stark reminder of the moment of the horrific bombing and the world changed forever.
Ray beside the remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome
Shelley and I stood there for a while without saying much, we just took it all in. Sometimes there just isn’t words to express the moment. After a while we made our way to the Hiroshima Peace Flame.
Hiroshima peace flame and monument
The Peace Flame is a symbol of hope and remembrance for the victims of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. It has been burning continuously since it was lit on August 1, 1964, and will stay lit until the abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace.
different view of the eternal flame monument in Hiroshima.
We entered into the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and it was not easy, and that is the point. We walked through the events leading up to August 6, 1945, and then into the immediate aftermath. There were personal belongings, charred clothing, melted glass bottles, photos and other items that touch the heart.
Image of the “Atom Bomb Dome” aftermath of the Atom bomb explosion
The museum doesn’t only dwell on the bombing but also looks forward. There’s a clear message about peace, nuclear disarmament, and the importance of remembering history so it isn’t repeated. After leaving the museum, we walked back through the park and came to the Children’s Peace Monument.
The Children Peace Monument with thousands of Origami Paper cranes in display cases
It was built to honor the children who lost their lives as a result of the atomic bombing. At the top of the monument stands a statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was exposed to radiation as a toddler and later developed leukemia. While in the hospital, Sadako began folding paper cranes, inspired by the Japanese legend that anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. She hoped her wish would be to recover from her illness, but also expressed a deeper desire for peace in the world. Sadly she passed away at age 12 but her story lives on.
thousands of paper origami cranes at the Children Peace monument
Her story moved people across Japan, and schoolchildren raised funds to build the monument in her memory and in memory of all child victims of the bombing.
Origami Paper cranes at the Children Peace monument
The paper origami cranes associated with the monument have since become a powerful global symbol of peace. Every year, millions of brightly coloured cranes are sent by people from around the world and displayed around the monument. It was truly a moving experience seeing the origami cranes. We continued our walk and came to a dome mound on the ground.
Atomis Bomb memorial mound
There was a plaque beside the mound explaining that under the mound lays the ashes of tens of thousands of victims.
Words just can’t express the sadness and weight of all these memorials. We stayed there awhile and every once and a while we could hear the sound of a bell in the distance. After a few minutes of deep thought we continued our walk and a bit father we came to a large Japanese style Bell.
Ray walking to the Bell of Peace
We stopped at the bell monument which represents the global hope for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. The large bronze bell has a world map engraved on its surface with japan at its center. visitors are encouraged to ring the bell as an expression wish for world peace.
Ray striking the bell wishing for world peace.
After a few minutes we continued our walk and eventually headed outside of the memorial park to a small side street not too far away. In an unassuming small corner of a building was a small statue and plaque called the Hypocenter Monument.
A small statue located in a corner of a building at the Hypocenter Monument.
The simple stone plaque marks the point on the ground directly beneath where the bomb exploded in the air. The Atomic bomb, detonated about 600 meters above the city on August 6, 1945.
Hypocenter Plaque Ground zero
Visiting Hiroshima was not a typical travel experience. For us, it wasn’t about sightseeing in the usual sense but more of a historical journey. It’s the kind of place that stays with you, and realigns priorities of life.
The Umeda Sky Building is a two-tower skyscraper in Osaka, Japan.
We were able to go up the 40 story towers to the interconnected glass bridges with escalators and elevators that cross an open atrium space.
View of the bridge that connects the two towers form the ground.
The journey up was part of the experience itself. After stepping into the sleek elevator, we were whisked high above the city. Then we then took the floating escalator that seems to hang in midair.
View of the escalators that connect to the observation area.
Once we reached the open air observation area we enjoyed some time exploring the views.
View of the sky deck which is 360 degrees around the top of the building.
Below we could see Osaka stretched out endlessly in every direction.
View of Osaka from the Sky deck
We walked around the observation deck slowly taking in the views of Osaka. It was the kind of moment that makes you pause and simply appreciate where you are.
Afterwards we headed down to the elevators and back to the ground.
We spent an afternoon wandering through the Dotonbori area of Osaka Japan. It is a vibrant area with food and restaurant shops and it actually felt like we were stepping into a living postcard. The shops and stores all had unique signs and vibrant colours.
Shelley and I set out without much of a plan, we just wandered the narrow streets of the district. The streets were vibrant with bright creative signs overhead, lots of locals and tourist weaving past one another.
The vendors shouting and calling out trying to entice you to buy their food. We took our time, letting ourselves get pleasantly lost among the narrow side streets and bustling main paths. Of course, it wasn’t long before we decided to sample one of the local foods called Takoyaki.
They make different types of Takoyaki which is a popular Japanese street food. It is generally made of small, round balls of batter filled with diced pieces of octopus or other fish. We bought the traditional Takoyaki with octopus to try.
Shelley having some Takoyaki
We continued exploring and looking at all the different signs and advertising. Some of the signs were three-dimensional and very creative. There were everything from dragons, octopus and crabs to other unique signs.
At one point, needing a bit of a break, we found a small outside bar tucked away along the Tonbori River.
Tonbori River in Osaka
It was the perfect spot for us, we could relax but still watch all the people and excitement of the area.
We grabbed a couple of drinks and sat for a while, watching the tour boats go by on the water.
One of the many different tour boats on the Tonbori River
Each tour boat was unique and everyone would wave to all the people on the banks of the river. After resting up we slowly made our way back towards our hotel. The Dotonbori district was more than we expected and we had a great afternoon exploring the culture and foods.
During our time in Tokyo, Shelley and I had the chance to experience something unique. We went to one of the oldest traditional drum making factories in the city. It turned out to be a lot more fun than we thought.
We were given a presentation by a dynamic and interesting Drummer who explained how they are made. The drums we learned about are known as “taiko,” and they are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
It begins with the wood. Craftsmen carefully select large logs, often from trees that have been grown for decades. The wood is hollowed out to form the body of the drum, a process that requires both strength and precision. This is still done by hand in the traditionally methods.
We learned about the parades and the different drums used for different events. Some of the statues and ornamental dress they wear and how it is all tied to tradition.
After learning about the process, we were able to take part and learn some of the basic rhythms used in traditional Japanese festivals. At first, it seemed simple, but once you start, you realize how much coordination and timing it actually takes.
Shelley jumped right in and gave it a go. It didn’t take long before she was fully immersed, laughing and enjoying every beat.
By the end of the session, we were both smiling and glad we had decided to try it. It was an experience and a glimpse into the Japanese culture and history.
We were given a presentation by a dynamic and interesting Drummer who explained how they are made. The drums we learned about are known as “taiko,” and they are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. 
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