Day 8 Miyajima Island & Atomic Bomb Dome

We catch a tram and a ferry to get to Miyajima Island, which is famous for the Itsukushima Shrine and its floating gate.

                                                 Oh deer!

In the afternoon we visited the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Museum.

Reflections by Jess:

During our trip to Japan, we visited the Hiroshima peace memorial museum. Honestly, at first I wasn't as keen on this as I should have been, but after experiencing and witnessing the impact that event had on humanity world - wide amazed me. The Peace Memorial Park displayed various things in relation to the atomic bomb, including the remains of a building after the impact. Inside the museum I experienced the remains of victims from the atomic bomb, which unfortunately were just items of clothing, or watches and belt buckles. The museum also displayed 'black rain' which was an after-effect of the atomic bomb. The fumes from all the chemicals rose up into the air, mixed with the vapour and it rained black all over the city. The museum opened my eyes to how cruel and unkind the world can be, and in those situations so much light and hope can form. This part of the trip made me realise that literally nothing can prepare you for the shock and horror you will suffer from when you see what was done here on what was supposed to be a normal day for humanity. This should be spoken about more, especially in regards to the current happenings around the world right now. Everyone should witness the deep amount of loss and devastation caused on that sunny morning, forever reminding us that we need each other to survive. A beautiful reminder was created through the unfortunate events spiraled from hatred and death, but without we would be oblivious to the impact war has on all of us, equally. We are all human beings at the end of the day with thoughts and feelings and I am sure this same event would have the same level of devastation anywhere else in the world. I am so glad I got to experience and educate myself in this matter. 

Third stop: Okonomi Village: 3 levels of speciality restaurant for
OKONOMI YAKI - a pancake, cabbage, pork, noodle dish cooked in front of you on a hot plate

Stop four of the day: A PRETTY intense session in the photo booth.

                                               "OMG, really!"