Hiroshima Castle and Miyajima Island

We started our day of heading back to the Hiroshima castle. As we walked back to the castle we passed several street cars. Here is what they look like. Some are very old, while others are more modern. 

I had to change the baby and gave Bill my phone to take photos. We take very different photos. Here is a sampling I his photos of the temple. 

This is the Buddhist temple on the castle grounds. It was quite busy with new year visitors. 

I got my phone back and the rest are my photos. Here is a close up of the Hiroshima castle. It was rebuilt in the late 1950's. 

We had a great time at the castle. I will have to post photos from Bill's camera. Bill and Theo dressed up as samurais. It was quite authentic. 

We have come to the conclusion that Theo does not like the castle grounds. He had another massive meltdown and we had to head back to the hotel. We calmed him down and regrouped. After an hours rest we went to lunch. We had Indian curry. This was Bill's lemon curry. The lemon is in the shape of a heart. It was very good. 

After lunch we went to the streetcar station and boarded an hour train headed to Miyajima Island. Theo slept the whole way. Along the way we passed through a race. There were runners running a city wide relay. It was impressive at how fast they were running. It started today and ends tomorrow.  Once we arrived at the end of the rail line we got off and boarded a ferry. A short ten mins. Bill wondered why they didn't just build a bridge. Once on the other side we strolled to see the orange Torii gate. While walking the streets we were greeted by deer. The Buddhist believe the deer are a sacred animal and do not control what they do or where they go.  Here is a photo of one trying to get into a restaurant. He was hitting his nose on the buttons to open the door, but he must not have hit had enough, cause he was never successful. 

Now the famous orange Torii gate floating above the water. Oh wait- tide is out. So it does not appear to be floating. 

We walked out to the gate. It is huge. 

Here is Theo and I- the look on his face is a pooping face. 

The view, even without the water is beautiful. 

We enjoyed walking through the temple that honors that Torii. We also passed through their hall of treasures. 

Here is Theo pretending to be a Buddhist priest. 

The sunset behind the mountains was beautiful. 

We boarded the ferry again and then the street car and headed back to the city. 

This is the why are you taking my picture look. 

After we returned to Hiroshima we stopped at a wine bar/pizzeria for dinner. It was a quiet and very chill place. Great wine and good pizza. A wonderful way to end the day. We walked the long way home- Bill got a little lost. And picked up some breakfast for the morning. We leave on Monday and fly back to Okinawa. Our visit to Hiroshima has been very educational and humbling, but quite enjoyable. I love Japan!