The Bomb Dome, Hiroshima

As I stepped in front of the dome, I can't help myself thinking the harsh reality and the dark effect of war in mankind. 

As I walked around it, I saw at the other side of the structure, a display of the before and after photo of the dome. It was in the heart of the city. Busy. 

By preserving the ruins of this historic dome, it can remind everyone... I mean everyone, how war can ruin lives. Over the years, the effect of the radiation can still be seen even to the new generation with cancers and birth defects.

The atomic bomb killed several hundred thousands of people by the nuclear fire. Lots of people suffered from minor to major injuries and the radiation sickness. 

That day, 06 August, 1945...

(A local having his lunch in this perfect weather) 

I encourage leaders of all kind, weak and strong, you must visit the Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, you will find what you're looking for. BE THE PEACE YOU SEEK.

The Hiroshima Castle

The Hiroshima Castle remain as they were in the old days and the entire castle is designated a Historic Site in Japan.

This is my favorite castle in Japan.

Of course, I didn't leave the castle without taking a selfie.

The Camera Man

Do you see him?

Most of the time, we don't notice them - they are the "invisible artist".

Shukkei-en Garden, Hiroshima, Japan

I finally found the place to find my inner peace.

(Me, playing and feeding with the fishes)

Shukkei-en is a historic Japanese garden in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is located adjacent to the garden.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Husband went for work, so I took the chance to see the paradise up in the mountain. I took a cable car right from feet of the Crown Plaza Ana Kobe where we stayed for couple of days.

What amazes me, is that everything in this place are clean and well maintained. I have so much trust with the Japanese, tbh. I wasn't even afraid of my safety while riding a cable car all alone; that might break down anytime while I'm up there. LoL.

(this is paradise)

(City of Kobe, Japan)

(I had a real hard time taking this photo of me, all by myself!)

LOVE.

(the couple were trying to save that moment's of love in a photo)

The gate.

Nature's beauty.

Can you imagine, what was in my head while walking down this place? Nothing but Peace. 

Yes, PEACE.

I took this photo, imagining that I was sitting in the chair and on the other side was my husband.

That could be such a lovely day.

more photos of the city from above

Ok, that's the caterpillar which will soon becomes a beautiful butterfly.

All in all, I enjoyed every inch of this garden.

How to get there:

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
1-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0002 Japan
TEL: +81 78-271-1160

By Shinkansen Bullet Train
Get off at "Shin-Kobe" sta., then 5 min. on foot

By Kobe Municipal Subway
From JR, Hankyu, Hanshin Railways and Kobe Municipal Subway "Sannomiya" sta., to "Shin-Kobe" sta., then 5 min. on foot

By Kobe City Bus
Get off at "Nunobiki" bus stops by bus #2, 18, 90 or 92, or get off at "Shin-Kobe" sta. bus stop by bus #64 from "Sannomiya" sta.

By City Loop Bus
Get off at "#11 Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway" bus stop

Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama

When I was a little girl, I used to play around bamboos in our farm. I love every sound of it when they are dancing free with the wind. 

As soon as we entered the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, memories of a younger me flashed back. But we were not so lucky because we aren't able to escape the crowd and that day was excruciatingly hot, contradicts to what we expect which is a glaringly quiet place to enjoy the nature. 

Husband and I were running after each other in getting the chance to capture the picture perfect of the place and here it goes...

(tourists in Kimono)

Finally, we were alone... LoL

To visit the place:

Nearest Transport:
10 minutes walk from Saga Arashiyama Station, JR Sagano line\
15 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station, Henkyo Railway

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Some taxi driver doesn't speak English, you can just tell them that you want to go to "Arashiyama" then they understand where you want to go.

Japanese Kimono

The true beauty of the Japanese Kimono.

Choosing an appropriate type of kimono required at least basic knowledge of the garment's symbolism and subtle social messages, reflecting the woman's age and the level of formality of the occasion.

.
Her name is Ji-yeon. She came from South Korea for 10 days visit in Kyoto with her lovely friend Ja, She said with her little English "In Korea, it was my childhood dream to be in Kimono."

They agreed that I can take photo of them but not showing their faces.

Photo was taken in Kiyomizu-dera Temple, in Kyoto, Japan.