Tokyo, Japan
January 13
Tag: Hiroshima Japan
Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Hiroshima, Japan
Where in the World Are We?
In Hiroshima, Japan
Miyajima Island & Tori Gate
HIROSHIMA, JAPAN
Commitment to peace
History buffs will want to write home Hiroshima. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese
city is known to all for its commitment to peace – its ruin on the 6th of August 1945 led to the end of
the war, and today, the Peace Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a constant reminder of the
destruction that war brings. A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet
contemplation. The Flames of Peace – set in the park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and
will continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs in the world have been destroyed. There are many
other inspiring messages of hope around the city, too; the Children’s Peace Monument just north of
The park is a homage to little Sadako Sasaki, who was just two years old in 1945. When she developed leukemia
in 1956, she believed that she would recover if she folded 1,000 paper cranes – a symbol of longevity and happiness
in Japan. Sadly, she died before she finished her task, but her classmates finished the rest.
Suppose you are lucky to visit during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura(cherry blossom) season. In that case,
the extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate means you can consider yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet.
SIGHTS
- Atomic Bomb Dome
- Adachi Museum of Art
- Izumo Taisha Shrine
- Korakuen Garden
- 5 Days Children’s Museum
- HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Displays of models, charred fragments of clothing, melted ceramic tiles, lunch boxes, watches, and
shocking photographs tell Hiroshima’s story of death and destruction. A visit here may be too intense for some (especially children), but to appreciate the horror of the bombing and the hope that made Hiroshima into the city it is today, this museum is highly recommended.
Today’s Excursion – Hiroshima Castle & Garden
We experienced the beauty and tranquillity of an Edo-period castle and Shukkei-en Garden during this panoramic, half-day
sightseeing excursion.
Hiroshima Castle, Central Keep, Museum, Shrine, Ruins, Fortifications, Panoramic City Views
The Hiroshima Castle is an imposing, feudal-era, flatlands fortress built by a powerful Samurai clan in 1589. The castle’s five-story main keep was destroyed by the firestorm following the explosion of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima at the end of World War II. Reconstructed in 1958, its central keep is now a museum and houses a shrine, ruins, and a section of defensive fortifications. Your approximately 100-step ascent to the top of the castle is rewarded with panoramic views overlooking the city.
Shukkei-en Garden, Miniature Forests, Valleys & Mountain Landscapes, Garden Paths, Pond
Shukkei-en Garden (Shrunk Scenery Garden). As its name implies, the garden offers uniquely beautiful images of miniature natural formations. The Shukkei-en Garden was built after the Hiroshima Castle and dates back to 1620. The charming miniature forests, valleys, and mountain landscapes are refreshing and peaceful. Upon arrival, take a stroll along winding garden paths surrounded by the central pond.
3:30 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans – Beppu
The city is home to over 2,000 springs called Onsen, dramatic landscapes and thermal pools, a blue lake, and black beaches where you can be buried in hot, relaxing black sand while enjoying coastal views. There’s more. Historic castles, lush hillsides, and a stellar selection of parks make this a singular experience.
BEN MILLS RETURNS
PRE-DINNER SHOW! WITH BEN MILLS
AT 6:30 PM
VENETIAN LOUNGE, DECK 5
Ben Mills is back at the piano for another show packed with your favorite classic hits.
Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant
BOOGIE FEVER
TONIGHT’S SHOW
AT 9:15 PM
PANORAMA LOUNGE, DECK 9
Get on your boogie shoes and feel the heat in your feet as you join your Silversea Singers and Dancers with the Silversea Band for some disco fever and explosive dance moves, bound to get your toes tapping and heads bobbing.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Hiroshima, Japan
Where in the World Are We?
In Hiroshima, Japan.
HIROSHIMA, JAPAN
A TREASURE TROVE OF HIGHLIGHTS AND FOOD, WITH TWO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
History buffs will want to write home about Hiroshima. Despite being devastated in 1945, this Japanese city is known
to all for its commitment to peace – its ruin on the 6th of August 1945 led to the end of the war, and today, the Peace
Memorial (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is a constant reminder of the destruction that war brings.
A walk in the leafy boulevards of Peace Memorial Park brings quiet contemplation. The Flames of Peace – set in the
park’s central feature pond – burn brightly and will continue to do so until all the nuclear bombs in the world have
been destroyed.
There are many other inspiring messages of hope around the city, too; the Children’s Peace Monument just north of
the park is a homage to little Sadako Sasaki, who was just two in 1945. When she developed leukemia in 1956, she
believed that she would recover if she folded 1,000 paper cranes – a symbol of longevity and happiness in Japan.
Sadly, she died before she finished her task, but her classmates finished the rest.
Suppose you are lucky to visit during the unpredictable and short-lived Sakura (cherry blossom) season. In that case, the
extraordinary sight of the delicate pink blossom floating across the water to the red gate means you can consider
yourself one of the luckiest people on the planet.
HIROSHIMA CASTLE
Hiroshima Castle was built by Mori Terumoto at the end of the 16th century. The atomic bomb destroyed it completely, but it was reconstructed in 1958 to its former appearance. Locals love it as a symbol of Hiroshima.
It has become a museum that introduces the history of Hiroshima through materials and models, holding about six special exhibitions a year and various promotional activities.
SIGHTS
- Atomic Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Peace Memorial Park
- Shukkeien Garden
- Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium
- Itsukushima Jinja
Today’s Excursion – Miyajima Sacred Island & Hiroshima Highlights
We explored the history and highlights of Hiroshima during this scenic, informative, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch. Hiroshima, Hiroshima Castle, Miyajima-Guchi Ferry Terminal, Ferry-Ride, Miyajima Island.
We departed the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Miyajima-guchi Ferry Terminal.
Upon arrival, we embarked on a ferry for a short ride to Miyajima Island. Only 12 square miles in area and consisting primarily of steep, wooded hills, Miyajima is ranked as one of the three most scenic spots in the country.
Itsukushima Jinja Shrine.
Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, Torii Gate, Boardwalks, Buildings, Prayer & Main Halls, Noh Theatre Stage.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Treasure, and Important Cultural Property is thought to date from the mid-16th century. Its dramatic, approximately 50-foot-tall, reddish-orange-coloured Torii Gate is distinctively built over water, giving it the illusion of ‘floating’ in the sea during high tide. Built on pillars, the shrine complex consists of multiple buildings, including a Prayer Hall and Main Hall, all connected by boardwalks. There is also the Noh Theatre Stage, where plays that paid homage to the gods were once performed, and, surprisingly, many wild deer can be seen walking around on the island.
We had some free time to explore the island’s streets and browse the local shops. Wander through and see the sights. We had a typical Japanese multi-course lunch served bento style.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Memorials, Monuments, Statues
The area where the park now lies was ground zero for the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. Following the bombing, Peace Memorial Park was created and dedicated to those who lost their lives during and after the attack. We strolled through the park to discover its many memorials, monuments, and statues, then entered the Peace Memorial Museum, its main attraction. The museum consists of two buildings depicting the history of Hiroshima and the day of the atomic bomb, August 6, 1945. We saw displays of personal belongings, compelling photographs, and stories of the sadness and suffering
after the bomb.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant
TONIGHT’S SHOW – LIMELIGHT
Experience a magnificent evening of musical entertainment at its best!
Limelight is a dynamic show featuring the very best of musical theatre from New York’s Broadway and London’s West End, as well as some of the most iconic movie musicals.
Our Silversea Vocalists and Dancers bring this Broadway experience to life!
Enjoy hits from past productions through to the present day, including Grease and The Greatest Showman.
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to Hiroshima, Japan
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Beijing, China, to Hiroshima, Japan.
Today’s Activities Included:
- Bridge Lessons
- Dance Lessons
- Destination Lecture with Michael DiSpezio: Osaka and Tokyo – Cities of Wonder
- Discover what awaits us in Osaka and Japan’s capital city of Tokyo as we delve into the fantastic sites, history, and culture of Japan
- Enrichment Lecture with Mark Stanton: Marco Polo, the greatest con artist in history, he never went to China
- Despite being famous for the most famous trip in history, new evidence points to the fact that Marco Polo never went to China. There were many references to other ‘foreign’ people in China when he was supposed to be there, but no mention of Marco Polo. He does not mention the Great Wall, despite apparently being a governor of the province it runs through. He fails to mention that the Chinese drink tea or wear silk and the timeline of his travels is impossible today using modern transport
- Enrichment Lecture with Lecturer Kathy Reichs: Forensic Anthropology – Bones from the Crime Lab into Crime Fiction III
Enrichment Lecture with Cinematographer Pieter de Vries: Inside Titanic – Bowler Hats, Bathtubs & Brass Beds
The incredible camera & lighting equipment for Pieter’s team to explore Titanic’s yet unseen private interior spaces.
TONIGHT’S SHOW – SHIMI GOODMAN AND CHRIS HAMILTON AS TIANO
Shimi Goodman & Chris Hamilton are Tiano, the exciting Tenor & Piano act taking the world by storm. Individually, they are consummate musicians, but their synergy on stage creates a magical
atmosphere when they join forces. “Tiano are two true musical talents. Just as in a well-constructed recipe, the ingredients are key, and they are the perfect match. Their music will fill you with joy and hope and even bring you to tears. Two world-class performers.
A truly unmissable show. I highly recommend seeing them.”
(Cat Cora – US celebrity chef and TV personality)
Chris is a multi-award-winning composer and lyricist. He also writes songs with Shimi, two of which were featured on TV recently in the UK. Their program is eclectic, ranging from Albinoni to Tom Jones. Tiano has recently performed
a series of sold-out performances at Crazy Coqs in London’s West End. A reviewer from Out News Global said: “It is an almost unthinkable scenario that Liberace and Pavarotti had secret love children, let alone that those children went on to inherit their fathers’ talents!”
Tiano recently released their eponymous album, which includes original songs and injects new life into familiar songs by pairing them with well-known classical piano pieces.
Check out today’s Chronicle.