Hiroshima, Japan. Its a Day Trip

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN:

Hiroshima Castle

It delighted me a lot seeing trams in Hiroshima. To my excitement, I quickly jumped on the tram that I needed and started to explore the city.

Hiroshima is a very famous place especially on history books due to the atomic bomb dropped by the Americans on the later part of World War II. Seeing the place now, decades after the war, Hiroshima stands at its own glory to continually remind the world about peace.

HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL PARK / ATOMIC BOMB DOME

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, one of Hiroshima's well known landmarks, was preserved to commemorate the lives who sacrificed during the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945.

A few hundred meters from the Atomic Bomb Dome is where the Hiroshima Place Memorial Museum is located. It is normally open from 8:30 to 18:00. During the month of August, it closes at 19:00 while from December to February, it closes at 17:00. The fee is not expensive (50 yen) and one can grab the chance to understand more the facts in the museum about the tragic bombing.

One can reach the place by taking the tram line 2 or 6 from Hiroshima Station to Genbaku-Domu Mae station. The ride will approximately take 15 minutes and will cost you 160 yen.

HIROSHIMA CASTLE

From the Peace Memorial Park, one can visit the Hiroshima Castle. It is a 15-minute walk. Another option is taking  a 10-minute walk from Kamiyacho-Nishi or Kamiyacho-Higashi tram stop (a 12-minute ride from Hiroshima station by lines 1, 2 or 6 and will cost you 160 yen).

The main keep of the castle is normally open from 9:00 to 18:00 but during the months of December to February, it closes at 17:00. The fee to the main keep is only at 370 yen and the rest of the castle grounds is free.

The original Hiroshima castle was also destroyed during the 1945 bombing. What stands now is the replica of the original. It was rebuilt on 1958 and now serves as the museum for Hiroshima's history prior to World War II.

(I was also supposed to visit Shukkein Park. Unfortunately, the park was closed due to a tea ceremony.)

FOOD

To feel Hiroshima's rich flavour, one must try the local style of the "Okonomiyaki". It is a different swing compared to other okonomiyakis I tried. It has its own unique flavour and noodles making it stand out. I bet, you'll be coming back for more because its a two-thumbs up for me. Their okonomiyaki shops are scattered everywhere, so you'll never have a hard time looking for one. I tried the one in the train station, and it did not fail me.

Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki

Atomic Bomb Dome

Atomic Bomb Dome

View from the Hiroshima Memorial Museum facing the Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima Castle

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Date of Trip: December 29, 2016

Day Trip in Tomonoura, Japan

TOMONOURA, JAPAN:

On this 2015 year end holidays, one of my trips is visiting Tomonoura.

Tomonoura is a simple port town 14 kilometers south of Fukuyama Station (35-minute trip by bus from the station) in the Numakuma Peninsula. Two reasons why I decided to make a visit here are:

1. I'm a Ghibli fan, and this location was where the creator found inspiration for his film Ponyo (you guys should watch Ponyo).

2. "The Wolverine" movie was shot here. I saw Hugh Jackman's photo on one of the town's park.

So I guess, those 2 reasons kept me very interested on this trip.

The place is simple yet so calming. You have a very good view of the sea, and of course lined with old picturesque Japanese houses. Its a walk back to yesterday in serenity.

Another advantage of this place is there are very few foreign tourists. Since all the sight-seeing spots are within reach, walking is very much enjoyable. You can take a good shot in your camera without photo bombers and of course a good selfie to serve as your souvenir.

Tomonoura town overview

Start your trip by taking a bus infront of Fukuyama Station. Buses bound for "Tomo Port" run every 20 minutes at bus stop No. 5. There were no English signs and I just asked the bus driver for confirmation. The trip is around 30 minutes (520 yen) going to the "Tomonoura" bus stop, and  35 minutes (550 yen) to the "Tomo Port" bus stop.

The "Tomonura" bus stop is near the visitors' center. For my case, I proceeded to the "Tomo Port". From the bus stop, walking to the attractions is recommended. You could take snapshots of those classic and lovely houses and alleys of the town.

I went immediately to the "Joyato Lighthouse". It is around 35 feet tall and serves as a symbol of the town.

Joyato Lighthouse

To get better views of the town and its bay, I recommend you to go to the Ioji temple. It is  a 15 minute ascent up the hill. The hike going up is steep, but indeed worth it.

Tomonoura town view from Ioji temple

You could also take pictures of the town and its bay from its pier. On the eastern part of the bay there is a long pier that one could stroll and enjoy the scenery.

Another famous attraction here is the Bentenjima island. Ferries touring around the island are available and its ferry station can be found between the "Tomonoura" and "Tomo Port" bus stop. If you have no plans of going to the island, I recommend you take a photo from the Fukuzenji temple. From its temple window, you could get good framing for your photos. Fukuzenji Temple has an admission of 200 yen and is on a top of a hill near the "Tomo Port" bus stop.

Fukuzenji Temple

A day visit to the Tomonoura is very satisfying. I hope you could enjoy it as well. Send me your comments if you find this article helpful.

Ponyo figurines in Tomonoura

Ponyo fountain along the alley

JR Fukuyama Station

Date of trip: December 28, 2015

Kiko Blogger 2015

KARUIZAWA, JAPAN: A Perfect Get-away.

KARUIZAWA, JAPAN

From Tokyo, an estimate of 80-minute trip via Shinkansen (Asama)  will take you to Karuizawa, Japan.

Prince Shopping Plaza in Karuizawa, Japan during winter

Ticket booths in the train station of Karuizawa, Japan

Woods and a road leading to the Komoba Pond.

The place is posh and elite but will definitely bring you close to nature, as I to describe. The climate is cooler (negative temperatures on a winter) just perfect for their snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. If not into sports, walking around the town is another best option. Check for walking/cycling routes from Karuizawa Information Guides available in their Tourist Information Center. Center is found within the train station. Also, Karuizawa is a home of fancy brands (from Hermes, Chanel to sports giants Nike and Adidas). Hit their stores and ready your shopping bags. 

Karuizawa train time table.

One of the few buildings in the city square.

Start the day by having your hot coffee in the Yamato Cafe just outside the train station. If lucky, you could get a seat near the window to have a good view of the place. You could request their staff for a good seat. The staff welcomes guests as good as their coffee.

Yamato Cafe

From Yamato Cafe, start your trip to the Kumoba Pond. It takes 1.3 kilometers by foot to reached the pond. On your way, you can explore more of the town and a path with trees and cabins. Tiring? No. With the cold atmosphere and interesting views, its relaxing indeed.

A path leading to the Komoba Pond

Private cabins are seen on the way to the Komoba Pond.

Karuizawa's road ornaments made of wood.

A snowman in pink motif.

The Kumoba Pond is famous for its flora and fauna. Tourists and birdwatchers as well, gather here often to witness the pond's symbiosis. Go around the pond to take different angles for your photo shots. It will take less than an hour.

Entrance of Kumoba Pond.

You can also take a train from the Karuizawa Station to Naka-Karuizawa. The train trip lasts for 4-minutes. Free shuttle buses are also available from the Karuizawa station to Naka-Karuizawa, just ask the Information Center.

Because of the serene and silent environment, Naka-Karuizawa is a good place to reflect. A number of churches (Christians) are located here and the famous is the stone church (Karuizawa Kogen Church). Note, no photos allowed inside the churches.

Karuizawa Kogen Church

Few metres away, other churches are located.

From the churches, continue walking downhill and you'll arrive in a number of shops. Take a tour around. Shops for clothes, food and fancy items are available. 

A little girl enjoying playing with the door in Karuizawa.

Try their Gelato at "Nagai Farm" in one of the shops. Its totally addicting. It comes in different flavours giving you wide array of selection.

Nagai Farm Gelato

End your day by sipping the rich coffee of "Mikado Coffee". This is famous in the Karuizawa area.

That's all folks. Give me feedback when you visit the place. You will enjoy this trip, same as I did. I hope to hear from you.

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(The team. Travel date January 19, 2015)