GREAT EATS HAWAII: March 2017

SHINKANSEN (BULLET TRAIN)

TOKYO TO HIROSHIMA

Loved our ride on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo to Hiroshima. The four hour journey was super comfortable, smooth, quiet and very relaxing. When the Bullet Train passes you at the station or outside on the tracks, the speed is mind boggling. The huge "swish" sound takes your breath away and grown ups and kids alike freeze and smile. Inside is another story. The ride is so smooth that it feels like your not moving. Look out the windows and you realize you are flying through time but inside it is like time has stopped. The Reserved Seats are spacious and comfortable with attendants going down the isle after every stop. Snacks, food, drinks and beer and wine are all available at a cost. I enjoyed a glass of wine and sandwich on the way to Hiroshima. On the way back we brought food purchased at the train station and feasted all the way back to Tokyo.

Click link below for more information on the Shinkansen;

www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html

SHINKANSEN - BULLET TRAIN

WE TOOK THE 7:10 AM SHINKANSEN FROM TOKYO TO HIROSHIMA

THE SLEEK BULLET TRAIN

CLEAN, COMFORTABLE, SPACIOUS AND RELAXING

RESERVED SEATING CLASS

PLENTY OF LEGROOM, FOOT RESTS AND RECLINING SEATS

PLENTY OF ROOM FOR THE GIRLS

ATTENDANTS PROVIDE TOWELS AND OFFER FOOD/BEVERAGES DURING YOUR RIDE

THERE IS EVEN A MENU

TOILETRIES, GIFTS AND FOOD AVAILABLE ON THE BULLET TRAIN

ORDER FROM THE CARTS

SUSHI BENTO MEAL

EGG AND HAM SANDWICH

THIS IS THE WAY TO ZONE OUT ON THE BULLET TRAIN

MAKING PAPER CRANE'S FOR HIROSHIMA MEMORIAL

ARRIVAL IN HIROSHIMA ADJACENT TO HIROSHIMA CARPS BASEBALL STADIUM AND A COSTCO

ARRIVAL IN HIROSHIMA

CHEESE AND CRACKERS AND A CHICKEN SALAD ON THE RIDE BACK TO TOKYO

HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN

After meeting us at the Hiroshima Station, our local tour guide in Hiroshima literally ran us to a bus stop where we boarded a local city bus. She paid the fare and we stood amongst many locals and a few tourists. Our destination was the Hiroshima Memorial. I was quite surprised when we arrived as our guide took us to what appeared to be a modern office building located next to the Memorial. I wanted to go to the Memorial and did not see why we had to stop at an office tower. I went along and was so happy that our guide started the tour here at Orizuru Tower. After paying the entrance fee we were greeted by the staff and taken to an elevator to the top floor. As the door opened we entered into one of the most beautiful and dramatic simple rooms I have ever seen. Simple wood ceilings and floors with huge windows overlooking Hiroshima. We had the entire floor to ourselves and it was magical. As we walked towards the large windows facing the Hiroshima Memorial my heart dropped as the Memorial became clear. To realize that this was "the" spot of the the dropping of the Atomic Bomb was numbing. To see the Memorial from this room alone with my family and a few friends was pretty special. Something that I will never forget. Our guide was silent for a time and then began telling us the story of that grave day in August of 1945. 140,000 people from Hiroshima died that day and another 140,000 died in the days and years after from the effects of the radiation. The Genbaku Dome stands as a reminder of this day and to the strength of a city and its people. Was interesting to learn that the Atomic Bomb was actually detonated 600 km from the ground above the city. The actual impact or explosion zone can be viewed from the Orizuru Tower. Before leaving this beautiful and tranquil space we were escorted downstairs to interactive displays and an area where you can make an origami Crane to place inside the walls of the Tower. We made the paper Cranes and then went to a glass bottom walkway where you can drop your Crane into the air and watch it fly down the glass wall joining thousands that have came before us. A quick prayer to all those who died in Hiroshima was in my mind as I dropped my Crane down the chamber.

Click link below for additional posts on the Hiroshima Peace Memorial;

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2017/03/hiroshima-peace-memorial-atomic-bomb.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2017/03/hiroshima-peace-memorial-museum.html

http://www.orizurutower.jp/en/