Kumamoto to Kagoshima was 42 minutes on the Shinkansen.

I wonder why they call it the ‘bullet train’??

The Shinkansen is fast. They travel up to 320 km/hr.

But not cheap.

It was 8000 yen (Cdn $80) for 42 minutes.

But the bus was 4100 yen (Cdn $41) for almost 4 hours.

Kagoshima is on the south end of Kyushu island.

It is a large city but I only needed the tram to get from the train station.

Spicy seafood tsukemen with udon. Watching the other diners, I copied their technique of putting done noodles in the soup, then eating them. Better chance of wearing them that way.

A veg curry and naan beside my hotel. Tasty but sadly lacking the vegetables I was seeking.

Shaved ice with condensed milk and toppings. A huge lineup and I never made it back.

The gas pump was attached above and the attendant lowered the nozzle.

Kyushu is famous for their white porcelain, and this was a modern take by an artist.

A ferry ride to Sakurajima Island was 15 minutes and 500 yen (Cdn $5) return.

The island is famous for its active volcano which erupts regularly. The locals complain of the messy ash.

There are also hot springs, with a very long foot bath.

Back in town I climbed up behind the shrine for a panoramic view.

But the real action was later in the day!

Then it was back to the train station for Kagoshima to Hiroshima.

What would have been at 10-11 hours by bus took less than 3 hours on the direct Shinkansen.

Hiroshima.

Defined by August 6, 1945 by an atomic bomb.

Atomic Bomb Dome is the most recognizable historic building remaining.

The bomb was detonated just above, so though everyone was killed, the building survived.

How it looked before.

The Peace Memorial Park.

Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph

Pond and Flame of Peace.

Memorial Tower Dedicated to Mobilized Students.

Some 6300 students died while assisting in the war effort.

Children’s Peace Monument with the cases of origami cranes made by children. There was a ceremony going on with more being added.

Clock Tower of Peace

The river where many people fled to escape the fires and heat. And many died in the river.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was very busy but people were quiet and subdued. It was very graphic and moving.

A tree on the castle grounds. It survived but the castle didn’t.

Reconstruction of the Hiroshima castle.

Omotegoman (main gate) was reconstructed as well.

Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum and Shukkeien Garden.

Salvador Dali exhibit

Kakeiemon style porcelain (17th century)

Ramen with wonton for lunch

Lemon sorbet for lunch

Walnut and raisin bread for lunch

And then back to the train station.

Baggage transfer services are popular here. Especially with the huge suitcases favoured by the travellers! The big catch is the cost and the delay of a day for it to reach you.

But I have lots of room to carry my bag.

And another Shinkansen train to Himeji. I could get used to this, but it was 42 minutes compared to 3+ hours.

I have to say though, there isn’t much scenery because of all the tunnels. And looking out at those speeds made me feel a bit nauseous.

See you in Himeji!