Day 14: Trains, Tragedy, and a Taste of Hiroshima

Today we made our way south toward Hiroshima. After a leisurely start to the morning, we boarded the bullet train and began our journey—a near 400-mile trip completed in just under two hours. It’s hard not to be impressed by the smoothness and efficiency of Japan’s high-speed rail system, especially when covering such distances feels almost effortless.

Upon arriving in Hiroshima, we headed straight for the Peace Memorial Park and museum, the site dedicated to preserving the memory of the atomic bombing and its aftermath. Walking through the museum was a deeply moving experience. The images, artefacts, and personal stories on display evoked strong emotions—feelings I had only encountered once before, when visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau.

Photographs captured the devastation in stark detail. Paintings, created by survivors, depicted memories too painful for words. The exhibits included charred articles of clothing, melted objects, and even a blast shadow—a chilling imprint left behind by a vaporized human presence. Every display forced reflection, making it impossible not to feel the immense human cost of that single moment in history.

Following the museum tour, we had the profound honour of hearing a talk from a survivor of the bombing. Now 85 years old, he had prepared a detailed presentation recounting his memories as a young boy living just outside the epicenter. He described the blinding flash, the wave of intense heat that instantly seared his skin, and the long, agonizing journey into the ruined city in search of help. His vivid descriptions captured not only the immediate horrors but also the overlooked struggles—injuries untreated, the desperation for water, the overwhelming silence of the aftermath. His testimony left a powerful impact, reminding us all why such tragedies must never be repeated.

After the solemn experience at the memorial, we returned to the hotel for a short rest before heading out for dinner.

That evening, a few of us joined an optional okonomiyaki dinner—a dish synonymous with Hiroshima. Okonomiyaki is often called a "Japanese savory pancake," made with layers of flour batter, cabbage, meat, egg, and noodles, all cooked together on a griddle. While the experience of making our own was enjoyable, we couldn’t help but feel that we might have found a more authentic, carefully prepared version by venturing into a local restaurant on our own. Still, the meal was tasty and offered a fitting introduction to Hiroshima’s local cuisine.

We returned to the hotel afterward, carrying a mixture of emotions from the day—grief for the past, gratitude for the resilience of those who survived, and a quiet sense of reflection—as we prepared for the next chapter of our journey.


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