Kyoto to Hiroshima 311km (193miles) time to travel took 72 minutes.

Arrive on bullet train, got maps and directions to hostel, J-Hoppers. Can you spot a trend? Had to get the  'Sightseeing bus' to the Memorial park then walk for 7- 8 mins. We walked for a good 20 minutes as we had gone in the wrong direction whilst it began to spit with rain. Found the hostel after retracing our steps and going in the right direction. J-hoppers have the biggest dorms bed spaces, very much like a Ryokan (Japanese b'n'b), a cosy kitchen, dining and living area - with a vending machine. It was generally 24c - 25c degrees outside, in our dorm the heating was turned up to 23c - blimey turn that down!Outside we explored the surrounding area and nearly got lost. Looked for ¥100 shop found one - not food though. Back to the hostel made tea and coffee (best filter coffee) and I asked the people in lounge "where's good to eat?" Amy (from Adelaide) and Stefan (Germany) had just got here too. So did Lawerence (from Belgium). Some others were in and out and a thin girl sat in the kitchen, cutting up onions. A little chit and chat and off we two went for dinner. Found a traditional Japanese resturant, inside we were greeted with hollars and cheers from the staff. Your food is cooked in the open kitchen for you to watch and then served on a hot grill plate infront of you. Our dish was Okonomiyaki and it was delicious. Back in the hostel we got talking to Amy, Stefan and Lawerence again. Met Thomäs (Germany) and later Matias (also German). Conversations flowed about food, Japan and other travels regarding Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia and future travel plans. Soon Frank pulled over the guitar and began to play and sing songs. Thomäs' turn and sure enough we had a 'session'. We drank alcohol from the vending machine (of course!) 'Strong' 9% at 1.80¥! The evening continued playing guitar, mucking about on the accordian and singing 'Wild Rover', 'Livin on a prayer' and even '99 balloons'. Midnight and it was bedtime for all. Felt sweet. Room heating was up at 23c again. Hmmm?