Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) - a part of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park designated to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996
This is a part of my third time tour in Japan dated July 24-30, 2023 wherein July 24-26, 2023 was my Mount Fuji Climb; July 27, 2023 was a Kobe - Hiroshima Day Tour; and the rest of July 28-30, 2023 was spent in Fukuoka.
Japan 7-Day Rail Pass
First, I recommend that if you wish to travel from North to South (Hokkaido to Kyushu) or vice versa, secure a 7-day Japan Rail Pass to save money from train fares. I usually like to have my entry in Fukuoka, cheaper compared to Osaka and Tokyo. During my time of travel, this 7-day rail pass costs only 39,600 Yen or US$87 or P15,022. I bought this for Shinkansen train and I always enjoyed a reserved green car seat which is the most expensive.
Imagine, from Shinjuku to Shin-Kobe alone, the Shinkansen train fare is 14,470 Yen or US$92.58 or P5,482. While from Shin-Kobe to Hiroshima is 7,300 Yen or US$46.75 or P2,777.10. Then, from Hiroshima to Fukuoka is 12,780 Yen or US$81.77 or P4,858.43. So, just for this one day train travel I must have spent 34,550 Yen or US$221.10 or P13,117.53. And these rates are the most expensive since I was in the reserved green car seat. Some other local train do not cover this Shinkansen train pass.
Train trips from Shinjuku to Shin-Kobe Stations
My accommodation for a July 26, 2023 Shinjuku overnight stay after Mount Fuji climb
As early as 5:30 A.M. of July 27, 2023, my travel buddy Beng Sia. She was such a big help. She has been my navigator for my first three travels to Japan and in my first travel to South Korea and Taiwan. Though, she was not a part of our Mount Fuji climb since by the time I was in the climb, she was in Hokkaido.
Taxi cab from the accommodation to Shinjuku Station
A short taxi ride from accommodation to Shinjuku station
From Shinjuku station, we took a local JR Loop Yamanote Line with 6 stops heading to Tokyo Station, the Shinkansen hub. Actually, the train map states 12 stations from Shinjuku to Tokyo. However, the train does not stop at all train stations, it skips other stations. The train station maps are sequenced as: (1) Shinjuku, (2) Yoyogi, (3) Harajuku, (4) Shibuya, (5) Ebisu, (6) Meguro, (7) Gotanda, (8) Shinagawa, (9) Takanawa, (10) Tamachi, (11) Shimbashi, and (12) Tokyo. The whole trip duration is 15 minutes for a distance of 10 kilometers and costs 200 Yen or US$1.28 or P76.
My instant breakfast while waiting at the train station
Just a reminder, eating in local trains or short distance train trips is very impolite. Though longer journey's like from Tokyo to Shin-Kobe is allowed and train have tray tables. Though strong smelling foods are discouraged like the Ekiben (station bento boxes) or snacks from convenience stores.
The Shinkansen train ride from Tokyo Station to Shin-Kobe
We took the Nozomi (the fastest) with only 12 stops, namely: (1) Shinagawa, (2) Yokohama, (3) Odawara, (4) Atami, (5) Mishima, (6) Shizuoka, (7) Hamamatsu, (8) Nagoya, (9) Maibara, (10) Kyoto, (11) Shin-Osaka, and (12) Shin-Kobe. I noticed that there are some stations which the train skipped. As per my documentation, the total time duration from Shinjuku to Tokyo Station and from Tokyo to Shin-Kobe station was 3 hours and 40 minutes. We arrived at Shin-Kobe Station at 10:20 A.M.
While at Shin-Kobe Train Station
While at the Shin-Kobe Train Station
There is no direct Shinkansen train from Tokyo to Hiroshima. Thus, we disembarked at the Shin-Kobe Station and waited there for 50 minutes booking for another Shinkansen train from Shin-Kobe to Hiroshima.
Short stroll within the Shin-Kobe station vicinity
Since, it was only a 50-minute waiting time for my Hiroshima trip, Beng and I decided to just stay with the station vicinity. Food at the train station has a variety of choices. We only took light snacks since it was too early for lunch.
While at Hiroshima
Arrival at Hiroshima clocked at 12:55 Noon
My Shinkansen Nozomi train ride lasted for 1 hour and 45 minutes from Shin-Kobe Station to Hiroshima. Still at the reserved green car seat.
Luggage deposit vault at the train station
In order for us to be convenient strolling around, we deposited our luggage in these deposit vault for only 500 Yen or US$3.20 or P190.21. Compared to Hongkong luggage deposit vault is more expensive since they charge per hour while in Japan, per day.
A variety of food for sumptuous lunch
Japan has the best cuisine. It is one thing that attracts its tourists. I don't remember it so perfectly but it was a perfectly crispy pork cutlet and silky eggs matched with a Japanese rice bowl with side dish. It costs 1,500 Yen or US$ 9.61 or P570. But in most convenience store in Japan, a Pork Cutlet Curry or Tonkatsu Curry is only 630 Yen or US$ 4.03 or P239.47.
My choice of Japanese meal lunch
It took us 36 minutes to have our lunch. We were so much in a hurry since, we have to have an island tour combined with a city tour.
The start to our trip to Miyajima Island
The step-by-step from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima Island:
1. Head to the JR Sanyo Line: Find the platform for the JR Sanyo Main Line at Hiroshima Station.
2. Take the train towards Iwakuni: Board a train heading towards Iwakuni for about 30 minutes.
3. Get off at Miyajimaguchi Station: Exit the train at Miyajimaguchi Station.
4. Walk to the Ferry: Follow signs for the ferry, which is a short 3-minute walk from the station.
5. Take the Ferry: From Miyajimaguchi, take the Ferry (JR or another company) to Miyajima Island.
One of the captured view while at the train ride from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi station
Here's the list of stations you'll pass through (excluding Hiroshima station, including Miyajimaguchi):
1. Hiroshima
2. Yokogawa
3. Nishi-Hiroshima
4. Shin-Inokuchi
5. Sanyo-Shakujii
6. Mitsu
7. Ajina
8. Kajigama
9. Miyajimaguchi
For this trip, if you will not use the 7-Day Rail Pass, you will pay 420 Yen or US$2.69 or P159.13.
Boarding the 10-minute ferry to Miyajima Island
From the Miyajimaguchi Station, we walked heading to the pier. A part of it was to use an elevator heading to an underpass then going up and cross the street heading to the pier. It is around 3-4 minute walk.
The Miyajimaguchi Ferry Pier
Since I have a 7-day Pass, I did not pay for the ferry trip of 200 Yen (singe trip) and visitor's tax of 100 Yen which will total to 300 Yen or US$1.92 or P114.05 There's nothing to pay when roaming around the beautiful island except when you enter the Itsukushima Shrine complex.
The Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine as viewed from the ferry
Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay, Western Japan. It is known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant, orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. Nearby, the Museum of History and Folklore has cultural artifacts in a 19th-century merchant's home.
While at Miyajima Island
Arriving at Miyajima Island at 2:49 P.M.
The very green Miyajima Port
Sika deer freely roaming around the island
Hundreds of Sika deer which are considered sacred messengers are freely roaming around along with the crowd of tourists and locals. However, feeding them are banned to protect them and the environment. Tourists are advised to secure their bags and maps as they nibble on tourists. If only I have enough time, I could have trekked to its some forested areas where Raccoon dogs (Tanuki) can be seen or some Japanese Macaques along mountain trails.
Streets and establishments in the island
Such a tourist-friendly destination
Such a long but scenic walk heading to the Great Torii Gate
If one wishes to have a better angle shot with the Great Torii Gate, he can enter the Itsukushima Shrine Complex for an entrance fee of 300 Yen or US$1.92 or P114.05.
A captured shot with the Great Torri Gate at the backdrop
Unfortunately, Beng did not join me inside the Itsukushima Shrine Complex and so I was not able to really capture the best angle. The one taking my picture was a South Korean and we find it difficult to understand each other.
A Closer look of the 5-tiered Pagoda
The Miyajima Island Guide Map
Back to the Torii gate I initially entered
Back to the island's port terminal
At the mainland port terminal
At 4:27 P.M. I was back to Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal heading back to Hiroshima City to have the day tour. We followed the same route pattern coming from Hiroshima station.
Late Hiroshima City Tour
We availed the city tour for free since we have a Japan 7-Day Train Pass. We availed of the hop-on-hop-off bus called Hiroshima Meipuru-pu. This may cover numerous key spots, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkein-en Garden, and major downtown areas like Hiroshima Station and Hatchobori, but since it was late already, we just decided to have two destinations. Each stop costs 220 Yen or US$1.40 or P83.63.
First Stop: Hiroshima Castle
The Torii Gate to the Hiroshima Castle
At exactly 5:27 P.M., we were at the Hiroshima Castle. Hiroshima Castle, sometimes called Carp Castle, is a castle which was the residence of the daimyo (feudal lord) of the Hiroshima Domain. The castle was originally constructed in the 1590s, but much of it was dismantled in the Meiji ear, and was what remained was largely destroyed by the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. The main keep was rebuilt in 1958, a replica of the original that now serves as a museum of Hiroshima's history before the Second World War, and other castle buildings have been reconstructed since.
A body of water that isolates Hiroshima Castle
The garden that surrounds the castle
Walking closer to the castle
Standing at the foreground of the castle
At the rear of the castle
The cityscape beyond the castle
Second stop: Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome
The Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome)
Its original building was competed in April 1915 and was named Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition. It was formally opened to the public in August that year. The name was changed to the Hiroshima Prefecture Products Exhibition Hall in 1921 and to the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotional Hall.
During the Second World War, at 8:15 A.M. on August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb ever used in war was dropped on Hiroshima. The center of the blast occurred 150 meters (490 feet) horizontally and 600 meters (2,000 feet) vertically from the Dome. Everyone inside was instantly killed. Because the explosion was almost directly overhead, the building kept its shape. Its vertical columns resisted the blast's nearly vertical downward force, and parts of the concrete and brick outer walls remained intact. The building's durability can also be attributed to its earthquake-resistant design; it has survived earthquakes before and since the bombing.
The Atomic Bomb Dome and the scenic Motoyasu River
The Motoyasu Bridge connecting the Atomic Bomb Dome
The cityscape captured from the Atomic Bomb Dome bus stop
At 7:50 P.M., we boarded the Shinkansen train from Hiroshima station heading to Fukuoka specifically to Hakata Central Station. At 9:50 P.M., we checked in already at Unplan Fukuoka for our accommodation for the period July 28-30, 2023 for our 3-Day Fukuoka Tour.
My comfortable bed at Unplan Fukuoka
Read and watch also my next post for my Fukuoka Tour. Thank you.
