Instead of taking the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, we decided to take a flight to Osaka, rent a car, and drive there.
We had a quick meal at this Tamago restaurant before the flight.
Japan is promoting Internal Travelling, so domestic flight prices are better than Bullet trains.
Boarding our flight.
We arrived at Osaka International Airport after a short flight.
Many beautifully wrapped souvenirs are available here.
We were collecting our rental car at the Rental Car company.
Off we went towards Hiroshima.
When you drive in Japan, you will go through many of these Toll gates, remember to have an ETC card in the car and if possible, book an Expressway Pass in advance to save cost.
Our first stop was the Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets.
The place was quite big. It’s also linked to Aeon Mall where you can do more shopping.
We wanted to visit Himejijo Castle but it was near closing time.
During our visit, there was also a Circus near the Castle.
Finally, we reached our hotel in Okayama.
In most Japanese Hotels, you must self-collect your room amenities before heading to the room.
This was our bedroom for the night.
It even has a bathtub.
After parking our car, we walked to the nearby Aeon Mall for some night shopping.
These were what we bought.
Our late-night supper in the hotel room.
We booked breakfast with this hotel.
It’s advisable to book breakfast as not many restaurants are open if you need to move out at 8 pm.
Another thing about a self-drive holiday is that you do not wait till the tank is almost empty before you fill it up. Always ensure you have a full tank before you move out in the morning.
Our first destination today was Okayama Korakuen Garden.
Where the Sakura was in full bloom.
They are so low that you can touch them.
After the park, we drove to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
It’s a beautiful place with Edo period Japanese and Western influences.
Boat riding on the canal is one of the highlights for those visiting this place.
Take a Trishaw ride if you have the time.
Denim Street is a place where you can check out the latest Denim products.
We arrived at the Hiroshima Peace Museum in the early afternoon.
We visited the iconic Hiroshima Dome.
The Bell of Peace.
Children’s Peace Monument
Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph.
Flame of Peace and many more. See it for yourself.
Save and Book with this Hiroshima Peace Park Tour.
When driving in Japan, you have to learn how to use this self-parking kiosk.
Arrived at our hotel and parked our car in the multi-story parking building.
We walked to the nearby Shopping Complex to do some shopping and,
Tried out their speciality, Okonomlyaki.
Book and Save with this Hiroshima Tour.
Buffet breakfast at the Hotel the next morning.
Wait in turn to buy our ferry ticket to Miyajima Island. If you have a JR pass, you can use it here.
All aboard!
The ferry terminal on the island.
Remember to check out the return ferry timetable.
Many free-roaming deers can be found here.
The famous floating Tori-Gate.
Many shops can be found here.
Including Macha products.
You may want to consider trying out this Sea Eel Restaurant. Better to eat it hot and fresh in the store. However, the queue can be quite long during certain times.
As we were rushing for time, we bought takeaway and ate it in the car. By then the eel was already cold and the rice turning hard. Wonder what time they packed these?
This completes our trip to Hiroshima. See you at my next destination.
