Hiroshima

Today we are in Hiroshima. We’ve all been to Hiroshima before, so we decide to make our way to another area of Hiroshima first. We do our (now) customary breakfast aboard the boat before disembarking. From the port its a bus and tram ride into the city before taking a short walk to the park we intend to visit. 

Mister Donut

On our way to the park, we happen upon a Mister Donut store. It’s a popular Japanese Donut shop and The Sister and I figure it’s a good opportunity to introduce the Parental Minions to it. We pop in and order a few items to try. It’s not too dissimilar to donut shops we have at home, but is still a tasty treat for our morning walk!

Shukkein Garden

Our primary stop for today is the Shukkien Garden. It’s a beautiful place with multiple walking paths and bridges. There’s a small entrance fee which we pay and we start to roam through the garden. There is a large pond in the middle of the garden with a distinctive bridge that runs through the middle of it. So we spend a little time walking around one side of the pond before crossing the bridge. Whilst on the bridge you can get a good sense of the surrounding park. 

On one side of the park is a section of cherry blossoms which appear to be on full bloom. It’s quite popular amongst the visitors so it gets a bit crowded, but it’s still a lovely sight! Also on this side is a memorial dedicated to the to the victims of the atomic bomb. It’s not large or flashy. Instead it’s fairly unassuming and in a bit more peaceful area of the park. I like the “humble” elements of the memorial. It feels a bit more genuine and intentional but still very respectful. 

The entire park experience is very enjoyable for our family. Walking through nature on such a gorgeous day lifts all our spirits and there are big smiles all around. Overall, we spend about two hours at this park and I think it’s safe to say that we all feel its time well spent. 

Ikinari Steak

Back in Yokohama, I introduced the Sister and Papa Minion to Ikinari Steak. Papa Minion enjoyed the experience so much that he insists that we all go as a family so that Mama Minion can also try it. So after leaving the park, we make our way to the Hiroshima Ikinari Steak location. After a short wait we are seated and make our selections for a late lunch. And just like the first time on this trip, we all enjoy our food experience again! I don’t think you can ever really go wrong with a fast, affordable and tasty steak for a meal!

After lunch, we again decide to part ways. Mama Minion is feeling a bit tired so she decides to head back to the ship while the remaining three Minion family continue our exploration of Hiroshima. 

Manhole Covers

One of the things that I notice more and more in different cities in Japan are the decorative manhole covers that seem to have regional specific art on them. The Sister notices it too and does a better job than I in documenting it. So it’s cute to see that in Hiroshima, a lot of their manhole covers depict okonomiyaki which is a popular pancake dish that the region is known for!

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

After seeing Mama Minion off, we head over to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. All of us have been here before on our individual travels to Japan so its not new to us. However, it does feel like a visit to Hiroshima almost demands a visit to this beautiful yet meaningful part of the city. We don’t have a lot of time before needing to head back to catch our boat. But a walk through this park is also lovely and a sobering reminder that the world can be a very dangerous time (especially in the present day and age).

Hiroshima Cruise Port

As the sun starts to close on the horizon we slowly make our way back to the Hiroshima Cruise Port. Instead of taking a bus back, we opt to take a more scenic walking path along the water back to our boat. It’s a quiet walk, but also very pleasant. There’s a bit of contrast to the busier crowds of the parks as I imagine there aren’t too many locals walking along the water towards a cruise ship. We enjoy the leisurely late afternoon walk and soon are back aboard our boat!

Westerdam Evening

Once back onboard, we take a little time to relax before heading to dinner. After dinner we head back up to the games room where as a family we spend some time playing games again. This is starting to become a routine for us and one I don’t mind at all. I also notice that we are taking fewer and fewer photos onboard. This is probably because we’re all feeling a bit more relaxed and our routine is starting to feel the same! Nonetheless we’re still happy to enjoy spending these times together and look forward to more onboard!

The next day is a sea day as we cruise towards Fukuoka. So it will be a nice departure from the current schedule of exploring off the boat every day!