Daily Diary September 3-4

September 3 was a rest day so nothing happened in terms of the program. Please accept this picture of honey toast in place of productive work.

September 4 marked the first day of our trip to Hiroshima and Tokyo. The day started bright and early at 8am as we checked out of NYC to begin our journey to the other side of Japan. When we arrived at Tokyo station we were tasked with buying breakfast/lunch bento for the train. It was especially difficult as there were dozens of bentos that were throughout the station.

 The train we got on was different than the ones we normally used because these were the bullet trains or 新幹線(Shinkansen). These trains were much nicer and much faster as they normally run at 200mph. We also enjoyed views of the beautiful countryside.

After our long 5-6 hour journey, we finally arrived at Hiroshima station. From there we would head to the famous Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima via ferry.

 When we got off the ferry, we were all surprised and excited to see what was there besides the shrine. Deer everywhere were walking, sleeping, eating, and pooping anywhere they pleased. It was quite a treat to see animals that were that comfortable around so many people.

It is hard to describe in words the kind of beauty and cultural importance of the Itsukushima shrine. Unfortunately, it was low tide when we went so the temple and tori gate were not in the water. Hopefully some of the pictures I took can do it justice. Even at the shrine there were still deer walking along the beach. The island was so peaceful even with all the tourists around. The beach, shrine, and deer just created such  a peaceful aura that I feel I could just sit and get lost in it.

After the shrine, we headed for the hotel. During the bus ride there, an elderly man talked to me asking why we were visiting Hiroshima. I tried my best to communicate with my limited Japanese that we were there to visit the peace museum. When he heard this, he started to get emotional and a few tears started to come from his eyes. I think his parents experienced the bomb in some way, shape, or form, and that the memories weighed heavy in him. He said he was happy that young people like us were taking the time to visit and remember. I will remember two or the words he said with a smile on his face after learning why we were visiting, とても嬉しい meaning he was very happy.