Solo Japan Part IX: Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Day 14: Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

It took some time to finally go visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. My hostel was only a short walk across the river, but it took me a few days to be emotionally prepared. I made sure to get a full belly to start the day, so I popped into a fast-food chain and got a scallion heavy bowl o' beef.

The surrounding area of the Dome and museum is beautiful. A river cuts through Peace Park and people gather around, enjoying the cherry blossoms and the warm spring weather.

I didn't take any photos inside the museum. Frankly, it was too sad and learning about the history and effect on the people was more important. It was eye-opening and heartbreaking.

Outside the museum, there were millions of origami cranes. Many of them are featured in the Children's Peace Monument in Peace Park, a display of multicolored cranes sent from people and schools around the world dedicated to the children lost during the bombing.

Seeing all of the cranes was overwhelming. It was both saddening and inspiring at the same time. I've been trying to fold 1,000 cranes since my first trip to Japan and I know how long it takes. I ended up buying a lot of origami paper locally to make some more myself.

Hiroshima's Shukkeien Garden

After the emotional visit to the museum and Peace Park, I went to Shukkeien Garden to clear my head. The sky was clear and the landscape was breathtaking.

If you've been following this journey, you would know that my trip had no shortage of cherry blossoms. Like everywhere else in Hiroshima, people were having picnics in the garden under the trees.

If you've been following this journey, you would know that my trip had no shortage of cherry blossoms. Like everywhere else in Hiroshima, people were having picnics in the garden under the trees.If you're interested in experiencing a Japanese garden but can't make it to Japan, I recommend the anime Kotonoha no Niwa (or The Garden of Words in English) by Makoto Shinkai, director of the famous anime, Kimi no Na wa (Your Name). It takes place in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and beautifully captures the feeling of being there.

I'm sad that my solo journey in Japan and my visit to Hiroshima is almost at its end but excited for more to come. Japan was only the beginning of a four-month trip before leaving Asia and there is still so much more to share.