Using our handy dandy JR pass, we hopped on the bullet train and headed west to Hiroshima. The A-Dome is what remains of the city's former Industrial Promotion Hall. It was the only structure left standing after the atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945.
We had Ichiran's famous ramen noodles. We even bought some to bring home.
On Miyajima Island, we visited the Itsukushima Shrine. We were able to walk right up to the torii gate since it was low tide. At high tide, the gate looks like it's floating.
Before heading back to Tokyo, we made a pit stop at Himeji Castle. It is probably the best preserved castle in Japan. It offered great views of the city, especially from the very top floor.
The castle is one of the country's original twelve castles. It has never been destroyed by war, earthquake, or fire.
We walked along the straight road right above the Mins' head. It's about one kilometre to the train station.
Back in Tokyo we went to a traditional tea ceremony at Happo-en. The grounds were beautiful! There were several wedding ceremonies and photo shoots in the garden.
The main pond was full of large colourful fish...
...and there were several bonsai trees on display. They were the perfect size for the Mins!
On our very last day we went to the Meiji Shrine. We were hoping to cross it off our list earlier on in the trip but the day we tried to go it was raining heavily. The shrine was under restoration so there wasn't too much to see. However, we did see more couples getting married in traditional dress, which was pretty neat.
Overall, the Mins and I had a great trip to Japan and would highly recommend it to anyone! If you're planning a trip and have any questions, feel free to drop us a line!
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