Solo Japan Part VII: Hiroshima

Jan 25

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Day 10: Last Stop in Tokyo

I bottled my tears in an empty Fujisan Cola bottle and headed back to Tokyo. Fujikawaguchiko was great, but I still had some business to take care of in Tokyo before I headed to Hiroshima, my last solo stop.

By business, I mean shopping business. I went to Harajuku to buy some last-minute goodies and gawk at some giant rainbow cotton candy.

Little MOONCHEEZ and Rainbow Cotton Candy from Harajuku

It was crazy crowded there, but I was on a mission for sunglasses.

I left with two pairs and a giant t-shirt with Noodle from the Gorillaz on it.

Tokyo was such a wonderful home for me to travel from for those first ten days, but I was excited to try somewhere new. I was flying out to Hiroshima the next morning.

Little MOONCHEEZ eats Hiroshima Okonomiyaki

Day 11: Arriving in Hiroshima

Cherry Blossoms on the River in Hiroshima

I was happy that the cherry blossoms were still in full bloom all around the city. The river was lined with pink petals and people were enjoying their hanami (flower viewing) picnics all around during the lunch hour. 🌸🌸🌸

Strolling Around Hiroshima

With shopping still on the brain, I made sure to find myself a Pokemon Center (big Pokemon merch store) because I had never been to one. I was particularly drawn to this Gloom and Raticate but resisted because there were still months of travel ahead. Do I regret this? ..Maybe.

After walking around, I got settled into my hostel which was a really cozy and welcoming space. Unlike the others I'd been to, the staff and guests sat at a communal table and I saw they were all chatting. I met some lovely people who invited me to a yozakura (cherry blossom night viewing) at Shukkeien Garden that evening. It was my first real social gathering since my trip began. Seeing the illuminated cherry blossoms was beautiful and I'm glad they included me without really knowing me at all.

Night Cherry Blossom Viewing in Hiroshima

After walking around the city to get to the yozakura we were all pretty hungry. I was actually planning on cooking myself some dinner before I was invited so I was super ready for some chow.

We all agreed on getting Hiroshima Okonomiyaki, a layered savory pancake with cabbage, noodles, egg, meat, green onions, batter, and sauces. After ours were cooked they got pushed in front of us on the griddle and they give you a little flat spatula to cut and serve yourself portions on your plate.