Of course there is much more to Hiroshima than the Peace Park, so here are a few highlights.

The city was rebuilt on a grid system and a tram system put in place.

Hiroshima is famous for okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake with layers of shredded cabbage and noodles, which is incredibly filling. Theses are often topped with oysters, another local delicacy.

Mitaki-dera Temple

Sited just north of Hiroshima on the slopes of Mount Mitaki, this temple is dedicated to the goddess of Mercy and dates back to 809. There are many memorials to atomic bomb victims as well as many Jizo statues. Jizo is the protector of women and children and his statues are often clad in red caps and bibs.

Mount Mitaki

And then we decided to walk up and around Mount Mitaki; it seemed a good idea at the time. I am convinced we managed to get lost, but Geoff takes the opposite view. Checking the details since, we missed seeing some statues and a wooden torii ….! It was a tough hike through bamboo, tree roots and rocks and I was extremely relieved when we suddenly found ourselves back at the temple complex.