Monthly Archive for April, 2006

A Rainbow of Peace
Originally uploaded by jasohill.

We got to Nagasaki at around 5:30pm on March 21st. The bus dropped us off near the station, right next to the streetcars so we decided to seek out our lodging and have an easy evening. We hopped on the next streetcar and rode it to the Peace Park. From there we located our Ryokan and enjoyed a lazy evening of eating and watching videos. We figured that we had earned a break. For dinner we went to “Joyfull(sic)”. Yes, they actually spell it with two l’s. It would be so bad if it weren’t a national chain.

On the 22nd we left our hotel and made our way across the public track and field track. The hypocenter of the blast was located on the other side of the track. The hypocenter marks the exact spot where the Atomic Bomb detonated in 1945. The blast damage and ensuing fire left 70 000 people dead and many more severely injured. Most buildings were instantly destroyed; however, there are still some remains of of one building right next to the blast center. It was a pretty haunting scene for me. I was standing at the very center of so must pain and terror. There were also a lot of paper cranes scattered about. These are universal symbols of peace around the world, and many schools send their cranes to either Hiroshima or Nagasaki. I felt very lucky to be able to see them in person. I was also lucky to see the memorial hall where the names of all those killed are inscribed. The building was simply amazing. There are twelve glass pillars that reach into ceiling. It was a truly solemn place and you can find it next to the museum and it is free of charge. The museum itself is hard to describe in words. The only way I can tell you about it is with my tears. The entire area is a place that you absolutely have to visit. You will never understand the impact of these bombings unless you understand the extent of the damage. Imagine having the entire area you grew up in completely obliterated in around thirty seconds.

Surprisingly, there is little indication that anything happened at all. There are so many new buildings, schools, and even love hotels near the museum. It’s crazy to think that this place was vaporized. From there we went to the peace park and gazed at all the amazing statues that were sent to Japan as a pledge for peace. The main statue is a beautiful fusion of Christian and Buddhist art and looms over the park. Don’t forget to check out the peace fountain as well. Tara thought that if I took a picture of her at the right angle then the jets of water would make her look like an angel. I’m not sure if it worked, but feel free to check out the picture and see for yourself.

In addition to all of the A-Bomb related scenery, there is the famous Urakami Tenshudo Cathedreal. A dazzling Catholic church on a hill close to the peace park. It was destroyed in the A-Bomb blast but it was rebuilt and still looks very beautiful. There is a cat that come out and to have its picture taken with you as well. I was surprised at this since cats in Japan are not usually very friendly. That pretty much wrapped up the sightseeing for the 22nd. We had another relaxing evening and decided to start a little earlier the next morning. We spent two days in Nagasaki. If we could have, I would have also considered a third day there. It’s just that beautiful.

Trip to Kyuushuu 2006
Originally uploaded by jasohill.

On our second day our in Fukuoka we took a train out to Dazaifu. It was a cheap ticket and provided us with a wealth of stuff to do during the day. Our plan was to visit Dazaifu and then head back to Fukuoka and catch a bus to Nagasaki at around three. In order to facilitate this, we bought our Nagasaki ticket in advance at the Nishitetsu bus station. If you are thinking of doing a similar thing, I would seriously consider buying your ticket in advance. Those buses tend to fill up rapidly during the day.

For those who don’t know, Dazaifu was the old administrative sector of the Kyushu area. You can find many historically important shrines and temples, as well as the ruins of the old government headquarters. These are all spread out around the city, which just happens to be fairly large. You can rent a bicycle at the station, and if the weather is permitting, this is something I’d recommend you do(from the old government ruins to the station it’s about a 50 minute walk.). We ended up taking the taxi a couple of times when a bicycle would have done the trick. The Kyushu National museum also happens to be situated here. Be sure to add this to your “to do” list and don’t forget to set aside around two hours to see it all. It’s a large museum, and there are many displays in both Japanese and English. The displays covers the prehistoric period all the way up to the present, and there are many awesome items on display, from ancient swords to old coins. And for those of you that find “old coins” to be rather trite, on the second floor there is a special exhibition that changes every few months. There was a Chinese cultural exhibit when we were there, but we didn’t have the time. The exhibit does cost a bit more, however.

It was a good thing we didn’t go to that special exhibit. We only had around an hour to make our bus. Luckily with a few connections we made it just in time. Here is some advice for those who want to get from Dazaifu to Fukuoka in time for their trains or buses. NEVER TAKE THE LOCAL THE ENTIRE WAY. Transfer at the place where the rapid train is offered. You won’t make it if you take the local express.

At 3:10pm we were on our bus and on the way to Nagasaki. That is all I’m going to talk about today. Tomorrow, I will begin the Nagasaki portion of the trip.