Hiroshima

Judy. Visiting Hiroshima has long been on my list. Visiting now, with a new war started, and the resulting death of citizens made it a pilgrimage. 

Friends who’ve been here have told me how peaceful it is, and I would agree. Even the art museum is a quiet, meditative place, and the artwork chosen exudes tranquility and joy. Each of the monuments in the Peace Park speak to its past horror and hope for the future. No one was a winner here, but here you feel hope, despite it all.

Shukkeien Garden, dating to the 16th century

Monument in Shukkiein Garden with ashes of victims of the Hiroshima bomb 

Two trees that survived the bombing, despite being close to the epicenter

Even the artwork in the museum speaks to peace

The bomb exploded above this science building, incinerating all inside. The shrine is in front of it.

Monument to the students who died. They had been pulled from school to work in factories for the army. The Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama had to work in a parachute factory, and has used her art to deal with her resulting mental problems.

Children's Memorial Park

Eternal flame, with prayers that it may never happen again.