Japan's high speed trains are called Shinkansen (新幹線) and are operated by JR (Japan Railways). Running at the speed of 300km/h, Shinkansen is know for its comfort and punctuality as most trains depart on time. The Shinkansen is linked from Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka.
Most of the Shinkansen trains offer seats in two classes, the ordinary and the green seatings. we bought tickets for the green seatings. The green seatings are larger and much more comfortable compared to the ordinary seatings. They are also comparable to the business class on the airplanes. Also, green seatings are less crowded compared to those ordinary seatings. We also paid abit more for seat reservations.
There are a few Shinkansen manners to observed while travelling:
- Do not block the passenger aisle with luggage.
- Set mobile phones to silent mode. Talking on phones are not allowed except in the deck areas.
- Line up on the platform before boarding/alighting.
This whole time while on the Shinkansen, It was so peaceful and silent. It travelled silently and nobody was talking on the phone or making unnecessary noises. (So thoughtful right?) Eating and drinking is allowed in the Shinkansen as the travelling time could take hours. There were cabin crews who push carts to sell bento sets, drinks and snacks. Its about the same as travelling on an airplane.
This is how the train tickets look like. I would say its not cheap to travel on the Shinkansen. But for the peace and speed I would say its worth it? And i forgot to mention, the whole entire cabin was so clean and smell-free!
Not forgetting to cham-whore while on the Shikansen!! HAHAHAHA!! :)
After travelling for 1 hour plus, we arrived at Hiroshima. Both of us were gladly welcomed by dad's cousins and family! Dad called them the night before that we will be reaching Hiroshima next day at around 11am. We were caught by surprise that our relatives actually waited for us at the train station and picked us up for lunch. Dad's cousin drove us to Crowne Hotel to check in and leave our luggage before having lunch.
My grand-uncle was telling me the history of Hiroshima while we were on our way to Pacela Mall for lunch. As all of us know, The Americans dropped the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima on August 6th 1945. The destructive power of the bomb was tremendous and everything was wiped out within a 2km radius. After the war, great efforts were taken to rebuild the city. The "Peace Memorial Park" was built to reflect the aspirations of the reborn city.
We have Okonomiyaki for lunch! As you can see, Japanese usually have Okonomiyaki in restaurants that specialise in the dish. The dining tables are equipped with an iron griddle (Teppan). The Okonomiyaki are already prepared by chef and served ready for consumption. They are placed on the "Teppan" so that every bite is fresh off the grill.
What is so distinctive about the Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima? The ingredients are not mixed together and are cooked differently. So when the ingredients are cooked, they are placed on the eggs, together with the Yakisoba noodles and toppings are added.
The way to eat is to sprinkle small flakes of Aonori (dried seaweeds), Katsuobushi (smoked bonito), Mayonnaise and Okonomiyaki sauce. Spatulas are provided to break off the pieces for easy eating.
Dad's cousin and uncle. My grand-uncle was so delighted to see us that day and that he finished his serving of Okonomiyaki (I was told that usually he could only finish less than half of it).
Next, we proceeded to Hiroshima Castle for sight-seeing. It was my first time visiting a castle and Sakuras are blooming abundantly! Ah, what a rare sight indeed!
Hiroshima Castle was built in 1589. Unfortunately, like the rest of the city, it was destroyed during the atomic bombing. Rebuilt after the war, the wooden exteriors were made with considerable resemblances to the one before it was destroy by the atomic bombing. There is a history museum with information of the castle as well as Hiroshima's history.
Cherry blossoms also known as Sakura or Hanami. There are a wide varieties of Cherry blossoms in Japan. The most common one would be Somei Yoshino. Its flowers are almost pure white, tinged with the palest pink near to the stem. I was so so so lucky because during my stay in Japan, that was the best period to view those Cherry blossoms as most of them are full bloomed. They were so breathtaking!
It was a Sunday when we were in Hiroshima. As you can see from the pictures above, many Japanese were gathered together among relatives and friends to picnic under the Cherry Blossoms. How relaxing to have a can of beer, chit-chatting and laughing away with friends while viewing those Cherry blossoms! It was a perfect timing to chill under the sun as the weather wasn't too warm or cold. =)
Before we head to Miyajima, we stopped by The A-Bomb Dome also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The building was one of the few buildings to remain standing when the bomb exploded. The building also served as a location to promote Hiroshima's industries.
This wraps up the first half of the day at Hiroshima. Up next, we get to explore Miyajima!
