Miyajima - Sunday - Day

Going to split this into two parts so it doesn't get too long. Sunday morning we set out very early on the train, and other than K. oversleeping, there were no problems (we actually caught a better train because of it methinks). It took about three hours to get to Miyajima. Once there, we headed over to the ferry and took copious pictures of the red tori (or maybe that was just me *g*). Just like Nara, there are tons of deer and they're greedy little buggers. It was fun to try to film them eating Sauron-chan though *eg* It was lunch time by then so we stopped at a little restaurant where I got to have the famous anago (sea eel) which was definately better than the ones you get in the supermarket. I also tried deep fried momiji manju on a stick, which is the Japanese equivalent of a deep fried Mars bar, methinks *L* It was sinfully delicious which is nice since I'm never eating one again.

Afterwards, we strolled along through the tourist district. Saw the world's largest rice spoon, then headed onto the main shinto temple. We paid the fee to get in, which was cool since there were lots of interesting things to see like a genuine formal, shinto wedding. I got such a thrill out of seeing shrine maidens *L* We saw actual fugu (blowfish) in the wild in the water below the docks/walkway and took some great pictures. We got some fortunes out of the drawers (you shake a box with sticks and whichever number stick comes out of the little hole is the fortune you take), but didn't tie them up because we kinda wanted to know if they were good or bad first *L* (I have since checked and mine is good.) Outside, we wandered off the beaten path (after being distracted by an actual trained monkey performing...), saw a really cool old tree and climbed up to a small pagoda. We followed a random path and ended up at this huge Buddhist temple complex. The wooden architecture there was fantastic (Buddha likes canned pineapple btw) and it was both pictoresque and fascinating. Before we left, we got to hear a Buddist monk at prayers and I used a lucky 5 yen coin for the privelege to ring the giant bell:D

We headed back down the hill and through the quieter parts of town to the five story pagoda which was very orange-red. By then we were pretty tired so we strolled back and caught the ferry and then the train to Hiroshima.

Miyajima - Sunday - Day

Going to split this into two parts so it doesn't get too long. Sunday morning we set out very early on the train, and other than K. oversleeping, there were no problems (we actually caught a better train because of it methinks). It took about three hours to get to Miyajima. Once there, we headed over to the ferry and took copious pictures of the red tori (or maybe that was just me *g*). Just like Nara, there are tons of deer and they're greedy little buggers. It was fun to try to film them eating Sauron-chan though *eg* It was lunch time by then so we stopped at a little restaurant where I got to have the famous anago (sea eel) which was definately better than the ones you get in the supermarket. I also tried deep fried momiji manju on a stick, which is the Japanese equivalent of a deep fried Mars bar, methinks *L* It was sinfully delicious which is nice since I'm never eating one again.

Afterwards, we strolled along through the tourist district. Saw the world's largest rice spoon, then headed onto the main shinto temple. We paid the fee to get in, which was cool since there were lots of interesting things to see like a genuine formal, shinto wedding. I got such a thrill out of seeing shrine maidens *L* We saw actual fugu (blowfish) in the wild in the water below the docks/walkway and took some great pictures. We got some fortunes out of the drawers (you shake a box with sticks and whichever number stick comes out of the little hole is the fortune you take), but didn't tie them up because we kinda wanted to know if they were good or bad first *L* (I have since checked and mine is good.) Outside, we wandered off the beaten path (after being distracted by an actual trained monkey performing...), saw a really cool old tree and climbed up to a small pagoda. We followed a random path and ended up at this huge Buddhist temple complex. The wooden architecture there was fantastic (Buddha likes canned pineapple btw) and it was both pictoresque and fascinating. Before we left, we got to hear a Buddist monk at prayers and I used a lucky 5 yen coin for the privelege to ring the giant bell:D

We headed back down the hill and through the quieter parts of town to the five story pagoda which was very orange-red. By then we were pretty tired so we strolled back and caught the ferry and then the train to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima - Sunday - Night

After some usual confusion trying to figure out the best way to the Peace Park. We took the tram to the top near the A bomb dome and walked through the park and a block further to the excellent Aster International Youth Hotel where we got a beautiful Japanese style room - tatami, futons, yukata, tea, low tables, a good view, fridge, and tv - for about 28 dollars each! I think we were all a bit shocked by how nice it was.

We rested a little to recover from the full day, and headed out in search of okonomiyaki since Hiroshima is famous for their noodle filled version. We hit up Okonomiyage which is a five story building that is simply full of okonomiyaki restaurants (about 8-10 per floor). We settled on the top floor when we found one who'd cook vegetarian for M. and K. I went for a shrimp, squid and pork one. It was absolutely huge what with the ramen noodles on top of the cabbage and batter and the only way I could eat it was to do it really fast and pretend it wasn't one of the largest meals of my life *L* Really delcious though and the sauce was to die for.

Next we wandered around a bit trying to walk off the rather filling meal, then eventually headed off in search of a bar. The first one we tried was a bit too upscale and pricey (not to mention smoke filled... good puzzles though). The second bar was nicer and I wish we'd gone there first. The drinks were reasonable, the bar tenders friendly (if somewhat shy/embarassed) and we had a great time. In a strange reversal of my entire life, the bartender actually guessed that M. and I were twenty-six. We were rather amused. (It's called Bar Note for my own reference.)

We had a 12pm curfew at the hotel so we headed back, showered, then M. and I kinda collapsed from the effects of drink and our very full day. It was a lovely way to spend the day and a beautiful vacation.

Next, day two.

Hiroshima - Sunday - Night

After some usual confusion trying to figure out the best way to the Peace Park. We took the tram to the top near the A bomb dome and walked through the park and a block further to the excellent Aster International Youth Hotel where we got a beautiful Japanese style room - tatami, futons, yukata, tea, low tables, a good view, fridge, and tv - for about 28 dollars each! I think we were all a bit shocked by how nice it was.

We rested a little to recover from the full day, and headed out in search of okonomiyaki since Hiroshima is famous for their noodle filled version. We hit up Okonomiyage which is a five story building that is simply full of okonomiyaki restaurants (about 8-10 per floor). We settled on the top floor when we found one who'd cook vegetarian for M. and K. I went for a shrimp, squid and pork one. It was absolutely huge what with the ramen noodles on top of the cabbage and batter and the only way I could eat it was to do it really fast and pretend it wasn't one of the largest meals of my life *L* Really delcious though and the sauce was to die for.

Next we wandered around a bit trying to walk off the rather filling meal, then eventually headed off in search of a bar. The first one we tried was a bit too upscale and pricey (not to mention smoke filled... good puzzles though). The second bar was nicer and I wish we'd gone there first. The drinks were reasonable, the bar tenders friendly (if somewhat shy/embarassed) and we had a great time. In a strange reversal of my entire life, the bartender actually guessed that M. and I were twenty-six. We were rather amused. (It's called Bar Note for my own reference.)

We had a 12pm curfew at the hotel so we headed back, showered, then M. and I kinda collapsed from the effects of drink and our very full day. It was a lovely way to spend the day and a beautiful vacation.

Next, day two.