Hiroshima and Okayama

    We took a two day trip to Hiroshima followed by one day in Okayama.  Near Hiroshima is Miyajima, an island famous for its prominant Shinto torii off the coast.  The torii is one of Japan's most well known sights.  The island is home to many tame deer and numerous shrines and temples.  In Hiroshima we visited the Peace Park and its somber memorials of the dropping of the atomic bomb.  Also in Hiroshima, we enjoyed some of the local food including Hiroshima-yaki (a local version of okonomiyaki) and tsukemen (a spicy cold ramen with crisp vegitables).  Okayama is noted as the home of Momotaro, or Peach Boy.  His statues and signs are everywhere.  Two highlights icluded Okayama Castle (The Crow Castle for its dark exterior) and Korakuen Garden, considered one of the finest in Japan.  In the castle Tanner dressed up and posed as a samurai.  Strange but kind of cool. 

Jon and friends at Miyajima

Torii at Miyajima

World's largest rice paddle 

Miyajima

The A-Bomb Dome

Childrens Peace Monument, Hiroshima Peace Park

Hiroshima Peace Park

Getting ready to eat spicy tsukemen

Spicy tsukemen

Delicious Kakigori (shave ice)

Okayama Castle (The Crow Castle)

Momotaro, one of Jon's favorite childhood heroes

Dressing up

Dressed up

Samurai

Korakuen Garden, Okayama

Ryuten Pavilion, Korakuen Garden

Korakuen Garden

Korakuen Garden

Koi feeding frenzy