Our first day in Hiroshima was bright and sunny. Finally felt like it was spring, with the first signs of cherry blossom appearing.....something not to be missed by our camera!

The little island just off Hiroshima is called miyajima and was recommended as a must do day trip. The journey there was free courtesy of our JR passes and the approach to the island, via ferry, was pleasant in the sun. We got off the ferry to more wild deer and the smell of freshly cooked oysters. First off we headed along the bay to the islands main attraction, a large red torii gate standing off the shore. We took a few pictures and sampled the oysters whilsts watching the japanese tour boats row out and through the gate. Yet again there were plenty more temples to see and we wandered through some of these and watched the locals praying and throwing money to their chosen shrines. There was also an impressive 5 storey pagoda, which we got some nice pictures of complete with cherry blossom.

In the afternoon we headed back to the mainland and continued along the railway line to visit one of Japans "3 best bridges" at Iwakuni. Probably clever wording for the 3rd best bridge. Anyway we were impressed and even saw a japenese bride and groom posing for wedding pictures on the arches of the bridge.

In the evening we decided to treat ourselves to some japanese cuisine and headed off to find a restaurant. We decided cautiously due to high prices but were drawn into a restaurant by the smell of grilled chicken. Ordering was difficult but we chose the yakotori (grilled chicken kebabs according to the half-english menu) and a pork dish as recommended by our waiter. In addition we got rice and salad, just in case. The food arrived, and yes it was chicken but every part of the chicken but the breast! After reviewing the menu we think we ate: chicken stomachs, cartilage, skin and heart. The pork was like ribs, which was a bit more recognisable. An experience anyway!

Our second day in Hiroshima was a real eye-opener as we visited the A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Park and the Memorial Museum. It was really interesting with lots of facts and plenty of pictures that helped to bring the past events to life and brought home the full force of what actually happened nearly 70 years ago. The A-bomb Dome we photographed is a gutted building preserved as it was the day of the bomb and in all the pictures in the museum, is 1 of about 3 buildings standing in roulghly a square kilometre of rubble. After spending a good chunk of time in the museum we wandered up to the castle just in time for the rain to start. The temperature dropped quickly so we headed back to the warmth of Ks hostel and had a few beers with other guests.