31 May 2025

Meandering on Miyajima and Reflecting on Hiroshima

We were all on the same schedule today, arriving at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum by bus as our Japanese guides offered a brief orientation. From the very first steps inside, the museum commanded our full attention with an atmosphere of solemnity. Through photographs, video testimonies, and preserved personal belongings of those who perished, the exhibits trace the harrowing events of August 6, 1945, and the devastating human cost of nuclear warfare. The space is heavy, asking for reflection and a renewed commitment to peace.

After the museum, we stepped into the open expanse of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park of lush greenery, winding paths, and memorials. At the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, we paused to read the inscription: “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil”. Paper cranes fluttered in the breeze near the Children’s Peace Monument, left by visitors from all over the world in honour of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl whose story has become a symbol of hope and resilience. Here, we contributed a string of paper cranes we had made the night before during our on board origami workshop. We ended our visit at the haunting remains of the A-Bomb Dome, its skeletal remains a powerful reminder of destruction, survival, and remembrance.

Back on board Heritage Adventurer, we enjoyed a sun-soaked lunch on the Bistro’s al fresco dining area on Deck 6 as we continued to get to know our fellow adventurers. 

After lunch we Zodiac cruised to Miyajima Island to enjoy the afternoon discovering the many fascinating wonders here, having the choice to wander independently or join one of our Japanese guides for a deeper dive into its history and culture. This seaside gem is popular with locals for good reason — it’s incredibly scenic, holds spiritual significance and offers a range of shops and eateries along the charming streets.

The iconic floating Torii Gate, one of Japan’s most recognisable landmarks, welcomed us during a hide tide and living up to its floating moniker. We wandered through the elegant, open-air wooden corridors of Itsukushima Shrine, dating back to the 6th Century. Perched on stilts over the water, the shrine exudes a quiet grace and blends seamlessly with the sea breezes, tides and backdrop of the lush scenery. Local visitors paused to tie handwritten prayers and wishes onto the railings.

Some of us reached the top of Mount Misen by ropeway (cable car) for spectacular aerial views of the area, while others explored the Daisho-in Temple. Tucked away from the typical tourist trail, this serene Buddhist temple complex feels like a hidden sanctuary — where moss-covered statues emerge from the greenery, rows of Buddha figures don hand-crocheted red hats, and prayer wheels etched with ancient sutras invite quiet reflection with every turn.

In town, many of us treated ourselves to a coffee or ice cream, or sampled the locally made Momiji Manju — maple-leaf-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste or other fillings (delicious!).

Images © C. Perry, Heritage Expeditions