Streetcar A-Bomb Damaged Now Used For Tours In Hiroshima

Above, a Nagasaki streetcar in 2007. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I visited Hiroshima in 2004 with G-TOUR, we mainly confined our visit to the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome. 

At the time, I did not see any streetcars there. A few years later, I did see streetcars in Nakasaki when I visited it. They reminded me of old Los Angeles when streetcars were operating. They were removed in 1963 in favor of buses.

There is one streetcar in Hiroshima that did survive, although damaged, the atomic bomb. It is now being used for tours.

According to The Japan Times:

HIROSHIMA – A tour offering views of Hiroshima’s reconstruction following the U.S. atomic bombing 81 years ago aboard a streetcar that survived the blast started Sunday.

The tour uses Hiroshima Electric Railway’s streetcar No. 653, which was damaged in the blast on Aug. 6, 1945, in the closing days of World War II.

The streetcar resumed operations four months later after undergoing emergency repairs, and became a symbol of the city’s reconstruction. It is still operated for special events, with its livery restored to that at the time of the bombing.

The latest tour will run a total of 19 times on weekends and holidays through Oct. 31, on a loop line that opened in March.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's "Golden Route" For First-Timers

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to Japan, there are several websites that will greatly aid in one's vacation planning. 

One such site has posted an article on "The Golden" route that is aimed to first-time visitors. It was posted by Japan Today.

It begins with:

TOKYO - The Golden Route is the quintessential travel itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan. It traditionally includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and (sometimes) Hiroshima, offering a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s modern and historical sites. This route is ideal for first-time visitors as it provides a mix of modern cityscapes, historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences. The entire journey typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on how long you stay in each location.

The Golden Route is well-connected by the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, making travel between major stops fast and convenient. Local train lines, buses and subway networks will also make accessibility a breeze in each city. Many travelers opt for the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which offers unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen services, making it a cost-effective option.

This guide provides a summary of each destination in the order you would travel, including practical travel information.

To read more, go here. 

Trump Invited To Commemoration of Atomic Bombings

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan have invited President Donald Trump to their cities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings that led to the end of World War II.

The Japan Times reported:

The mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have requested that U.S. President Donald Trump visit the atomic-bombed cities this year to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the attacks and the end of World War II.

“We hope that you will listen to the voices of civil society, visit the atomic-bombed cities, listen to the firsthand accounts of the hibakusha and fully grasp the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and accept the hibakusha’s earnest desire for peace,” Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui and Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki wrote in a letter sent Tuesday to the new U.S. president.

The mayors emphasized Washington’s key role in reining in the proliferation of nuclear weapons as “tensions continue to worsen” across the globe ahead of the anniversary of the attack on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and on Nagasaki three days later.

The U.S. bombings of the two cities killed an estimated 214,000 people, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.

Above, the hypocenter monument in Nagasaki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

SoloSophie: Guide To Miyajima Island

Above, the torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine from the shuttle boat to Miyajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, a group of 60 Godzilla fans toured Japan on an organized tour by Daikaiju Enterprises, Ltd., the publisher of G-FAN magazine.

One of the tour's stops was a visit to Miyajima Island near Hiroshima. 

It was an interesting place with many deer wandering around the island's village near the Itsukushima Shrine.

SoloSophie has posted a guide to Miyajima Island for those considering a visit.

It begins with:

Wild deer, a breathtaking Torii gate that look as if its floating on the water, and one of the most breathtaking mountain hikes in Japan: there’s no shortage of things to do in Miyajima to impress even the most discerning of travellers. Easy to visit over the course of a day, here’s your guide to the best things to do on Miyajima Island.

To read the full guide, go here. 

Truman's Decision To Drop The A-Bombs On Japan

Above, the Nagasaki hypocenter monument. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The new Christopher Nolan movie, Oppenheimer, is igniting debate over atomic and nuclear bombs. As well it should. 

This month marks 78 years since the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan.

From the Harry S Truman Library & Museum website:

After President Roosevelt died on April 12th, 1945, it became Harry Truman’s job to decide how to end the war. The thought of invading Japan gave Truman and his advisors pause. The war had shown that the Japanese were fighting for the Emperor who convinced them that it was better to die than surrender. Women and children had been taught how to kill with basic weapons. Japanese kamikaze pilots could turn planes into guided missiles. The cost of invasion, they knew, would be high.

Upon becoming president, Harry Truman learned of the Manhattan Project, a secret scientific effort to create an atomic bomb. After a successful test of the weapon, Truman issued the Potsdam Declaration demanding the unconditional surrender of the Japanese government, warning of “prompt and utter destruction.” Eleven days later, on August 6, 1945, having received no reply, an American bomber called the Enola Gay left the Tinian Island in route toward Japan. In the belly of the bomber was “Little Boy,” an atomic bomb. At 8:15 am Hiroshima time, “Little Boy” was dropped. The result was approximately 80,000 deaths in just the first few minutes. Thousands died later from radiation sickness. On August 9, 1945, another bomber was in route to Japan, only this time they were heading for Nagasaki with “Fat Man,” another atomic bomb. After the first minute of dropping “Fat Man,” 39,000 men, women and children were killed. 25,000 more were injured. Both cities were leveled from the bombs and this, in turn, forced Japan to surrender to the United States. The war was finally over.

Today, historians continue to debate this decision. Was there another way to end the war?

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima in 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have been to both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Looking at those cities today, one would never suspect that both were obliterated instantly in 1945. 

Atomic Bomb Commemorations

Above, a replica of "Fat Man" at the National Museum of Nuclear
 Science & History in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This month marks the 78th anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan that ended World War II.

Commemorations will be taking place at several locations that are tied to the Manhattan Project.

According to an article in RV Travel:

Manhattan Project National Historical Park, in partnership with Pearl Harbor National Memorial, will host “Days of Peace and Remembrance” across its three sites to commemorate and reflect on the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945.

The commemorative programming acknowledges and interprets the conflicting viewpoints, both historical and modern, that surround the development and use of the world’s first atomic weapons. These events provide an opportunity to reflect on the historical and emotional traumas of the atomic bombings. Messages of Peace programs will be held at each of the park sites over the next two weeks. Following is a schedule of events.

To read more, go here. 

5 Reasons To Visit Japan In The Summer

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima during the summer of 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, I was part of G-TOUR, a group tour of Japan by Godzilla fans. It was during the summer of that year.

We did find it hot and humid while on the tour. The coolest (temperature-wise) was while we were on the slopes of Mount Fuji. 

For those who can only travel during the summer months or have a high tolerance to heat and humidity, the following may be your cup of green tea.

Travel Off Path provides five reasons why this summer is the perfect time to visit Japan.

They begin it with:

Japan is famous for its springtime cherry blossoms, colorful autumn days, and crisp snow-capped mountains in the winter, but summer is its best-kept secret.

While most summer travelers picture dreamy beaches and charming European towns for their vacation, there are many benefits to discovering other less popular destinations during this time of year. 

With fewer tourists and better deals to be found, Japan offers some surprising reasons to visit this summer.

 To see what the five reasons are, go here.

Biden Unlikely To Visit Nagasaki

Above, the monument marking the atomic bomb hypocenter in Nagasaki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyodo News is reporting that His Fraudulency Joe Biden is "unlikely" to visit Nagasaki during his trip to Japan for the G-7 summit in May.

Perhaps that's just as well. The atomic bombings are still sensitive issues for both the U.S. and Japan.

According to Kyodo News:

U.S. President Joe Biden is not expected to visit Nagasaki when he travels to Japan for a Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima in May due to scheduling conflicts, diplomatic sources said Thursday, disappointing citizens who hoped for his trip to the atomic bomb-hit city.

Biden would have been the first sitting U.S. president to visit the southwestern Japan city, which the United States hit with an atomic bomb after dropping one on Hiroshima in August 1945 in the final days of World War II.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hoped he and Biden could send a message to the world from the two atomic-bombed Japanese cities toward a world free of nuclear weapons, with concern growing over whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will use such destructive arms in his country's war against Ukraine, the sources said

Japan, meanwhile, has continued to arrange a visit by the G-7 leaders, including Biden, to the atomic bomb museum in Hiroshima, the sources said. If realized, it would be the first time that the G-7 heads have stopped by the museum together. 

Above, the Hiroshima Peace Museum and cenotaph (left). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have visited the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Museum with G-TOUR in 2004 and visited Nagasaki in 2007. Both are well worth visiting. 

To read more, go here.

Miyajima's Otorii Gate Scaffolding Removed

Above, Miyajima's otorii gate in 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the highlights of G-TOUR in 2004 was a boat trip to Miyajima near Hiroshima. There, we wandered around the Itsukushima Shrine and viewed the famous otorii gate on the island.

The otorii gate has been undergoing restoration since 2019 and recently had scaffolding removed.

According to Time Out:

Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most beautiful destinations. The Shinto shrine is best known for its massive vermilion otorii gate that stands in the sea a short distance from the main shrine. 

Since June 2019, the otorii gate has been covered in scaffolding as part of the long, arduous process of restoration. The renovation work is scheduled to be fully completed by the end of 2022, but folks in the area have noticed that most of the scaffolding has been taken down over the last week. 

To read more, go here.

G-TOUR 4

Above, the first G-TOUR took the group to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Daikaiju Enterprises is currently planning G-TOUR 4 to Japan.

On the official website, it is posted:

G-TOUR 4 2022

Daikaiju Enterprises is pleased to announce a return to Japan for G-TOUR 4, taking place from November 1st through November 12th, 2022. G-TOUR is the name given to a series of Godzilla-centric voyages to Japan and is an opportunity to visit iconic sites from kaiju cinema, soak up some of the country’s incredible natural beauty and culture, and engage in shopping experiences found nowhere else.

At present, the tour is on, but Japan currently has a ban on foreign tourism due to the pandemic.

One of the good points is that it is planned for November, the autumn season. Hopefully, by then, all tourism restrictions of Japan will have been lifted. As of now, foreign tourism to Japan is banned. Besides that, as the website also states, it also avoids the stifling heat of Japan's summer. 

The planned itinerary is very inviting, if I can get a cat-sitter for those 12 days I would sign up. I was planning to go to Japan two years ago, but the pandemic nixed that. (I went on the first G-TOUR back in 2004.)

For more information, go here.

The Travel: The Best 10 Things To Do In Japan

Above, photographing Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is number one on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the Japanese government has announced an extension of their entry ban on foreign visitors to the end of February (it'll likely be extended beyond that and I'd be surprised if it isn't), we have plenty of time to plan a visit when it finally reopens.

The Travel has posted a list of best 10 things to do when visiting Japan. I've already done seven of them and are worth a visit.

They begin with:

Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. It is known for being rich in culture and arts, it also houses over 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites including Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome, Himeji Castle, and many more. Aside from these, the country is also popular for having disciplined citizens, a high commitment to innovation, sparkling neon lights around the streets, and mouthwatering cuisine. To further explore the picturesque land of Japan, listed below are the top things to do in this country.

 To read more, go here.

Main Features of Hiroshima Peace Park

Above, the Peace Museum in Hiroshima Peace Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, one of the stops during G-TOUR (a group tour of Godzilla fans set up by G-FAN magazine) was Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.

It was a bit of somber visit despite being educational to those interested in World War II history. Still, anyone visiting Japan should consider a visit there.

The Travel has posted an article on the main features of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park that is worth a read.

They begin it with:

World War II took the lives of 75 million people around the globe, leaving destruction and tragedy in its wake. The end to all of that came with even more devastation: Hiroshima and Nagaski, the two atomic bombs that would bring a final, ruthless blow to Japan. While this did signify the end of the war, it also signified what many believed to be the end of the city of Hiroshima.

It's estimated that it took the lives of 140,000 people although the exact number has never been confirmed, due to the long-lasting effects of radiation. Over the next two years, Hiroshima would spend every moment rebuilding but would remember the date of August 6th, 1945, forever. In tribute to those lives lost and as a testament of strength to Japan, the Hiroshima Peace Park was built, featuring unique works that symbolize what life was like the moment that hatch door was opened.

To read more, go here. 

Hiroshima Marks 76th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today marks the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, the first of two bombings that led to the end of World War II. 

The anniversary was commemorated today in the city.

The Japan Times reported:

HIROSHIMA – Hiroshima on Friday marked the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombing by the United States, with its mayor urging world leaders to shift away from nuclear deterrence to trust-building dialogue.

In the annual ceremony, which was scaled down once again this year amid surging coronavirus infections across Japan, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui called on world leaders to support a U.N. treaty to ban nuclear weapons that came into effect this January.

After a moment of silence was observed at 8:15 a.m., the exact time of the bombing on Aug. 6, 1945, the mayor also highlighted the significance of combining individual efforts, particularly among youth, to encourage nuclear-armed states to change their policies.

 To read the full article, go here.

Lonely Planet: 10 Best Places To Visit In Japan

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Right now, Japan is not taking in any foreign vacationers.

However, this won't last forever (although it seems that way) and tourists will eventually be welcomed in.

In the meantime, here's what Lonely Planet says are the 10 best places to visit in Japan.

They begin their list with:

Japan offers up a real feast for travelers, with mountainside onsen (hot spring) villages, sleepy beach-lined islands and buzzing megacities all on the menu.

You could arguably spend a lifetime sampling the country’s delights, but some towns and sights are staples; core ingredients to any great Japan trip. Ready to tuck in? Here’s our pick of the 10 best places to visit in Japan.

To see what they are, go here. 

Planning For 2 Weeks In Japan

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Someday, people will be able to travel again to Japan. But that is a little far off on the horizon. But that shouldn't stop people from planning a future visit.

For first-timers, some planning has to be made including an itinerary of what things to see and do. Of course, that all depends upon how much time one has.

The Invisible Tourist has a post of a two-week visit to Japan with some suggestions.

They posted: 

To read more, go here.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Temporarily Closed

Above, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The coronavirus has hit Japan hard.

Months ago, it seemed that Japan was weathering the pandemic quite well and life was returning to some normalcy.

All that changed in recent weeks as the pandemic is hitting the country hard, so hard that the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is now temporarily closed.

According to NHK:

A museum in Hiroshima that documents the 1945 atomic bombing of the city has been temporarily closed amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is one of 45 facilities in the western Japanese city that officials have decided to temporarily close to reduce personal contact.

A notice at the entrance says the museum will remain closed until January 3. But people who have already made reservations will be allowed to enter.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Above, Itsukushima Shrine's grand vermillion torii gate at Miyajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of these days, tourists will flock again to Japan to enjoy its scenic beauty and take in Japanese culture.

Until then, all we can do is read about it and catch a video of Japan on YouTube and other sources.

Japan has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for people to visit and Time Out Tokyo has listed the best ones.

They begin with:

It’s no secret that Japan is filled with some of the most picturesque sightseeing spots in the world – we’re talking soothing bamboo forests, summer festivals and winter villages. So many of Japan’s historic sites have been damaged or destroyed in natural disasters and wars, so the ones that still remain are considered rare and therefore special.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, or Unesco, aims to preserve global cultural, historical or natural landmarks by designating them as World Heritage Sites. And Japan boasts a whopping 23 World Heritage Sites, ranging from traditional villages to Shinto and Buddhist shrines and temples, and more.

Thanks to preservation efforts, both tourists and residents can still visit these ancient sites and learn about the history of Japan. Here are some of Japan’s best Unesco World Heritage Sites, from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial to Kyoto’s ancient monuments. 

To read more, go here. 

 

Nagasaki Marks 75th Anniversary of Atomic Bombing

Above, the monument that marks ground zero of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow marks the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan and the city is memorializing the event that led to the end of World War II.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO - The city of Nagasaki in southern Japan marks the 75th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on Sunday. 

It was the second nuclear bomb dropped by the U.S. three days after the attack on Hiroshima. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15, ending World War II and nearly a half-century aggression against its Asian neighbors. 

Dwindling survivors, whose average age exceeds 83, increasingly worry about passing their lessons on to younger generations. 

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ATTACK? 

Nagasaki's sky was also hazy, but visibility briefly cleared. At 11:02 a.m., the Bockscar dropped a 4.5-ton plutonium bomb dubbed “Fat Man” from 31,500 feet (9,600 meters). About 30 seconds later, the bomb exploded at 1,640 feet (500 meters) above a tennis court, hitting the mostly civilian district. Under the mushroom cloud that rose as high as 52,500 feet (16,000 meters), the blast destroyed about 70% of the city. Seconds later, the temperature at ground zero rose to 4,000 degrees Celsius (7,200 degrees Fahrenheit). All wooden houses within one kilometer of ground zero were destroyed by the blast and firestorm. About 20 minutes later, “black rain” of highly radioactive particles started falling onto the city, causing additional radiation exposure.

Above, a replica of "Fat Man" atomic bomb at the National Museum of Nuclear
 Science & History in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum By Virtual Tour

Above, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to COVID-19, travel to Japan is out of the question for the time being.

However, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is commemorating the 75th anniversary (which is today) of the August 6, 1945 atomic bombing of the city with a virtual tour of the museum.

Time Out Tokyo reported:

The 75th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima takes place this August 6, but Japan’s travel restrictions due to the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic have made it impossible for many people to visit the city and mark the occasion as planned. As a way to commemorate the anniversary while sustaining social distancing protocols, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum has partnered with international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as Japanese and American artists to curate materials for a virtual tour of the museum so that people can still visit the site from home.  

The online tour consists of 3D renderings of the museum and its artefacts, including everyday objects which survived the bombing. The new online exhibition, complete with multimedia components, is available from August 6, which marks the anniversary of the bombing.

To read more and to take the virtual online tour, go here. 

Foreigners May Have To Pay Entry Taxes In Some Japan Locales

Above, visitors may soon have to pay a ¥100 tax to visit Miyajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Several years ago, Japan made a concerted effort to increase tourism into the country.

Well, they have and that opened up a "can of worms". So now different local governments are considering additional taxes on tourists to address problems that increased tourism is causing.

Nikkei Asian Review reported:

HIROSHIMA, Japan -- Local governments at some of Japan most popular tourist hotspots are considering extra taxes on visitors to protect the environment and help deal with overtourism. 

Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture is home to Miyajima, known as one of the three most scenic places in Japan. The city aims to introduce a new tax in spring 2021, while areas in Okinawa are implementing levies of their own. 

Japan has experienced a tourism boom over the past several years, straining the infrastructure of some places popular with overseas visitors. Overcrowded streets, heavier traffic and a shortage of restrooms, along with noise and waste pollution and environmental degradation, risk causing trouble between locals and visitors. The number of overseas visitors is likely to increase with the approach of the 2020 Olympics. 

Hatsukaichi is considering an entry tax of 100 yen ($) for every person coming to Miyajima. It had mulled the same plan in 2008 and 2015, but shelved the idea both times.

¥100 is roughly 92 cents.

To read more, go here.