Arrived here after a frantic dash for the ferry - running fully loaded with backpacks, a totally new experience! We stayed in the youth hostel which was up a steep hill just out of the city but had its own pool....nice. Had a very chilled day walking through the Memorial Peace Park and looking at all the monuments. This is right where the A-bomb hit and there is also a partially destroyed building which was pretty much all that was left standing in the whole city because it was directly beneath the explosion - it is now a World Heritage site and has been left as it was found as a reminder of the devastation. We also spent a few hours in the Peace Museum and it is amazing to see how the city has been rebuilt into such a modern funky place when you see the impact of the bomb. Had an overnght trip to Matsuyama and its famous hot springs onsen baths, where we got naked, hot and steamy with the locals....followed up with a nice cuppa in the lounging area. All very er....interesting! Especially the green tea pool and the electric pool, i kid you not. There is a pool with electric pulses going through the water which makes your hands go freaky and your bottom tense involuntarily. Heading to Kyoto on the bullet train for a few days of Giesha hunting......x