On our last morning in Fukuoka, we decided to visit the Nanzoin temple, which is just 30 minutes from Hakata Station. This incredible temple is renowned for its enormous 16-metre-high reclining Buddha statue, which is truly awe-inspiring in both size and serenity.
To make things easier, we sent three of our suitcases to the hotel the day before, keeping just one for the day. This meant we could make the most of our visit without it being too crowded. Before heading off, we also left our last suitcase in a locker at the station, which was really handy.
This meant we could move around easily and enjoy our morning without worrying, while discovering the beauty and peace of the Nanzoin temple.
You can get into the Nanzoin temple for free, so you can explore this spiritual place at no cost. There are a few dress code rules to be aware of, too. Just cover your knees and shoulders. This is a way of showing respect for the shrine and its traditions.
Also, if you want to see the famous Reclining Buddha statue, you'll need to cover any tattoos you have. This is a common practice in many Japanese temples. If you haven't got the right clothes, don't worry! The temple has clothing available for loan, so that everyone can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the site without any constraints. It's a great way of making sure that everyone can enjoy this sacred place while respecting local customs.
We got to Hiroshima around 2:30 pm. Once we'd checked into our hotel, we went straight to the Peace Memorial. We'd managed to get tickets online, which was a good move given the number of visitors. You can also buy them on the spot, but I'd suggest buying online to avoid the long queues. The entrance fee is very reasonable, between 200 and 250 yen, and it's well worth the cost for the meaningful experience it provides.
When we got to the memorial, we were really moved. The first room we visited showed photos of Hiroshima before and after the bomb, which made a big impact. Then we watched a video about the reconstruction work, which made the experience even more intense. It was a moment of deep reflection, where history and emotion came together, reminding us of the importance of peace and memory.
I decided not to take any photos during the rest of the visit to the permanent exhibition. As we were walking down a corridor, we came across clothes of children who had died as a result of the bombings, which was a particularly poignant moment. The stories of the victims were told with a lot of emotion, and really highlighted the shattered lives and human tragedies caused by the war.
Once we'd got through this emotional section, we had the chance to step outside and admire the view of the Hiroshima Dome, which has remained partially destroyed since the explosion. This famous building, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shows how the city has bounced back and sends a message of peace. The combination of the tragic history we had just explored and this monument to memory was both moving and inspiring. It made us think about the importance of remembering and working for a better future.
At the museum, we also found some before and after photos of the bombings, with the Nagasaki bombs on the left and the Hiroshima bombs on the right. These images really made us appreciate the scale of the destruction and the impact of these historic events.
The tour wraps up in a room that looks at the dangers of nuclear bombs and how to prevent radiation. This part of the museum is really thought-provoking. It encourages visitors to consider the awful consequences of using nuclear weapons and expresses the hope that what happened in Hiroshima should never happen again.
It's a powerful and essential message that reminds us all of the importance of peace and conflict prevention. Our visit to the museum was a really moving experience. It made us think about our collective responsibility for a future without war.
When we got back to the hotel, we thought we'd take a few things with us since the launderette was only a 5-minute walk away. While our clothes were in the wash, we took the chance to check out an izakaya, which is a kind of Japanese pub. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed, which was just what we needed after a busy day.
The izakaya offered a 'nomihōdai' (unlimited drinks) for 90 minutes a la carte, but we decided not to take advantage of it. I must admit, I'm still not used to drinking so much alcohol. We went for a peach liqueur mixed with soda, and shared some chips, which came to around €18.
The drink alone cost 500 yen, which is about €3, which I thought was very reasonable. It was a great way to end the day, enjoying some simple food and a moment of togetherness before getting some rest.
For dinner, we went back to the hotel to try Japanese teppan yaki, which is cooked in front of you on a hot plate by a talented chef. It was a great experience – delicious and spectacular – because we got to watch the chef prepare our dishes and enjoy the aromas as they cooked.
I also got to taste three different sakes from Hiroshima to go with the meal. Each sake had its own unique character and aroma, which was a great way to get a taste of the local flavours. It was a great way to celebrate our stay in this historic city, while enjoying Japanese cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere. This memorable dinner combined the pleasure of food with the discovery of local culture.
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