Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a vibrant modern city. It really struck me, especially coming directly from Kyoto, which is deciidely and determinedly traditional. It surprised me at first, but of course it makes sense when I stopped to think.

They did a good job rebuilding. Broad main streets and sidewalks. Side streets are narrow, with no sidewalks at all, but it doesn't seem to create any problems. 

I'll do another post for Peace Park, but there was an exhibit that showed photos taken from the same location once a year for about a decade starting right after the bombing. Nice testament to resiliency.

My Japanese hotel rooms haven't been as small as I was expecting. Certainly sufficient.

There was a good little Soba place just around the corner.

(the red thing is the spoon). Gotta say, I'm getting pretty good with chopsticks after 2+ weeks practice.

Most of these are from the boulevard of outdoor shops. 

Lots of people riding bikes, but notice no locks. Just parked on the sidewalk.

It's considered rude in Japan to eat while walking, so street food isn't as big a thing here as in Korea, where it's practically an art form. Still, I found a crepe, and some sushi for dinner on the train ride back to Tokyo.

By the by, all the stands have wax displays of their food. Very real looking.