Day 6: A Big Travel Day!

Today, we covered just under 400 miles, journeying from the beautiful town of Kanazawa via Japanese Rail, with stops through:  

- Tsuruga

- Shin-Osaka

- Hiroshima– where we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

- Miyajimaguchi – followed by a 10-minute ferry ride to the stunning island of Miyajima

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945. Through the efforts of many people, including those of the city of Hiroshima, it has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing. Not only is it a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind; it also expresses the hope for world peace and the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons.

 

Hiroshima Peace Park

Hiroshima Museum

As we approached Miyajima by ferry, we were greeted with breathtaking views of the iconic "floating" Torii gate, its brilliant red silhouette standing gracefully in the water against the evening sky.  

Upon arrival, we spent some wonderful time along the shore at low tide, where we could walk right up to the base of the Torii gate. The setting sun cast a warm golden glow over the mountains of Japan’s mainland, creating the perfect backdrop for photos and peaceful reflection.  

For dinner, I indulged in delicious oyster tempura, a regional specialty, and sampled some very sweet plum wine, which was a delightful treat.  

 

Afterward, we checked into a traditional ryokan, where we all shared a large tatami-matted room with simple futons placed on the floor. I told Josie and Maria Rose that it felt just like a big slumber party!

The view from our room

The view from our lobby

To end the night on the most relaxing note, Nancy and I donned our kimonos (provided by the ryokan) and made our way to the ryokan’s onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse located in the basement. Soaking in the steaming, mineral-rich waters after a long day of travel was absolute bliss!  

I slept incredibly well on my thin futon—until 4 AM, when my phone rang unexpectedly. (It was 3 PM back in Toledo—a mom calling to ask if any extra paperwork was needed for her son to attend the Andrew Dinner!)  

Even with the early wake-up call, I wouldn’t trade this day for anything—from historical landmarks to scenic beauty, delicious food, and cultural experiences, Japan continues to amaze me!