Farewell Kyoto.
Having a JR Green Pass, we ended up being booked into Kyoto-Kobe-Hiroshima, with a change of trains at Kobe. Having a bit of luggage and not long to change at Kobe, I showed a staff member my ticket and asked “this platform”. She nodded. I didn’t ask “next train” assuming it was the next train. Yes I know...
So we got on the next train, had a polite conversation with a couple who I thought were in our seats and sat in other seats. So wrong train, and here I am imagining a multi-hour delay and kicking myself hard. Got off, saw the next train was to Hiroshima, and got on. Stood up, but nobody told us not to. Met Marvin from Malaysia, also standing up, and had a great time standing near the doors. Final result? Got to Hiroshima 10 minutes early. This stuff can only happen in Japan.
Our hotel in Hiroshima, Hotel Granvia, was right at the station. Really nice place, sensational lobby and the room was a bit larger than Kyoto, and within expectations.
View from our room.
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As it was only 2pm, thought we would take in the Peace Park and nearby locations. I must admit to being chilled by the thought that this whole area and everyone in it was liquidated, quite literally.
Mother and Children in the Storm was very moving.
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The Orizuru Tower similarly. I can only assume it partially survive because of the steel structure. Everyone’s seen it, so a detail.
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Walked back to the hotel, with a drink on the Kyobashi-gawa River.
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So another 10k steps and a moving and good day.
Tomorrow to Miyajima, Hiroshima Castle and the Mazda Museum (we have owned two, including a Mazda 1300 death trap) before off to Osaka.