Google Translator –  April 6, 2025 

  • Location:  Itsukushima Island – Day 1
  • Walk:  Miyajima
  • Weather:  55-65°/ sunny, wind 10-15 mph

I took the ropeway/gondola 🚠 towards Mt Misen then hiked to its summit at 1,755’. As the ropeway took 30 minutes, I was skeptical how long it would take to hike down. With Google Translate I asked a souvenir salesman. He rolled his head back and with the most affectionate laughter said, “One hour.”  So, can I trust Google Translator at getting the right meaning across? Spot on as I hiked to the sea in an hour. 

Ropeline/Gondola.
Beloved Shikoku Island from my 2019 trip.
Summit.
“One hour!”

Flush $ –  April 6, 2025 

  • Location:  Itsukushima Island – Day 1
  • Walk: Miyajima
  • Weather:  55-65°/ sunny, wind 10-15 mph 

OVERVIEW

WALK:  10m from APA Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Shinkansenguchi to Hiroshima Station 

TRAIN:  30m from Hiroshima Station on JR San-yo Line to Miyajimaguichi Station

WALK: 10m from Miyajimaguichi Station to Miyajimaguichi Port for Miyajima Ferry

FERRY:  20m from Miyajimaguichi Port on Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima Port on Itsukushima Island 

WALK: 5m from Miyajima Port to Hotel Miyajima Villa

A mix up in today’s reservation leaves me on an island with a mainland reservation. Flush that money down the toilet. I immediately got an island resort reservation for a scrumptious room with a view of Seto Island Sea, an Onsen overlooking the sea, and a message chair in my room.  I’m worth every yen. 

Red Torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
When the moon is at a particular phase during low tide, you can walk to the Torii gate.
Cherry Blossoms.
Massage chair. I had no idea my shoulders were so tight.

From Ashes –  April 5, 2025 

  • Location: Hiroshima Day 3
  • Walk:  Hiroshima
  • Weather:  55-65°/ sunny, wind 10-15 mph 

About Hiroshima are haunting reminders of the August 6, 1945 atomic bomb’s holocaust but never with hateful blame cast to America. It is thought as an act of war. Consistently the people of Hiroshima’s message is protect and preserve peace. I have come to Hiroshima to show my respect for the destruction of its people, place, and culture. The people of Hiroshima are resilient in recreating itself and promoting peace.

Skukkeien Garden after the atomic bomb.
Skukkeien garden rebuilt over ashes.
View of Peace Memorial Park from “Hijiyama Sky Walk Park.
Gathering under cherry blossoms at Hijiyama Park. Why don’t Virginians gather under dogwood blossoms?

Peace Pagoda –  April 5, 2025

  • Location: Hiroshima Day 3
  • Walk:  Hiroshima
  • Weather:  50-60°/ mixed clouds and sun, wind 10-15 mph

The Buddhist Stupa “Hiroshima Peace Pagoda” sits 465’ up Mt Futaba. It was built in 1966 by Buddhist monks. Inside are thousands of stones each representing a prayer for peace from the Hiroshima residents. It also contains ashes from the historic Buddha donated by the Prime Minister of India and a group of Mongolian Monks.

Hiroshima Peace Pagoda
I met this yoga instructor with her students who walked up Mt Futaba and were having tea. They shared tea, candy treats, Sun Salutation, and kindness. Yeap, I’m all choked up again.
Yoga practitioners enjoying the cherry blossoms.
Mt Futaba’s cherry trees overlooking Hiroshima.

Chocked Up–  April 5, 2025 

  • Location: Hiroshima Day 3
  • Walk:  Hiroshima
  • Weather:  50-60°/ mixed clouds and sun, wind 10-15 mph 

A dozen temples are situated on Mt Futaba overlooking Hiroshima. At one, a woman invited me inside. As a rule NO ONE goes inside a temple. She lit candles and incense. She invited me to sprinkle aromatic pellets in the incense container (Fortunately Namiyo and Saburo taught me this procedure). Upon leaving she gave me a small model of the Peace Pagoda. I got choked up from this emotional moment. 

She invited me inside.
Her smile is radiant. What will be my Peace Pagoda gift is silver and sits on the top shelf.
Happy me.
Wishing me farewell as I continue up the mountain.

Off the Beaten Path –  April 4, 2025 

  • Location: Hiroshima Day 2
  • Walk:  Hiroshima
  • Weather:  40-60°/ sunny to partly cloudy, wind 5-10 mph 

I entered Hiroshima City Museum of History and Traditional Crafts to the shock of all. Apparently no foreigner ever comes. A volunteer offered to escort me. He told charming  stories of his family’s roll in Hiroshima’s beef butchering industry. Oysters were a second area industry. Hiroshima’s delta of fresh and salt water is ideal for oyster farming.

Typical boat used to harvest oysters.
A could not refuse my guide’s offer for a ride. What a winning smile!
Plow. Okay Jefferson was into plow design.
Sitting at counter watching regional Okonomiyaki being cooked. I ordered the original topped with a raw yoke.

Shukkeien Garden –  April 4, 2025

  • Location: Hiroshima Day 2
  • Walk:  Hiroshima
  • Weather:  40-60°/ sunny to partly cloudy, wind 5-10 mph 

Stroll through the garden with many water features shaped like cranes and turtles for long life. Cherry blossoms are captivating.

No question who’s starring.
Arch bridge.
Bamboo alley with cherry trees in the background.
A Kodak moment.