Japan TR (include JL & CX F review)

[Rugby]

Enjoying the report very much - love Japanese whisky bars and the balls of ice chiseled by bar staff that look amazing in the glass.

 

[boomy]

I just have to quickly hijack your excellent TR to throw in my shot of the Shinkansen's 'Gran Class' seat from the last time I did Tokyo–Kyoto.

Never seen a train seat like this before.

Looks great. Is that first class on the Nozomi?

 

[Cynicor]

Looks great. Is that first class on the Nozomi?

I think it's on more than just the nozomi, but not certain on that.

They have 3 classes on some services now- Standard, green and gran glass.

 

[boomy]

Day 6
This day is dedicated to the peace memorial park tour, starting with the famous A-bomb Dome. The bomb exploded almost directly above the building and yet it's one of the very few structures that survived the explosion. While the city was being rebuild, the government decided to keep this building as a permanent reminder of that terrible day.
Unfortunately it's currently under renovation to keep it from falling apart so couldn't take a good photo.

Children's Peace Monument.

Bell of Peace.

Cenotaph for the victims.

Through it can see the eternal flame that will keep burning until the last atomic bomb in the world is destroyed.
Model of the A-bomb used for Hiroshima.

The Peace Memorial Museum is a must visit, regardless of anyone's views about the use of the atomic bomb, it's important to see the amount of destruction it brought upon the city and it's residents. Out of 350,000 people who lived in Hiroshima on that day about 140,000 lost their lives, including Chinese, Korean who were brought as slaves from the peninsula (1 out of 10 people who died was Korean) and American prisoners.
It was good too see the relative objectivity presented by the Japanese. They basically say: we chose the path of war for many years, then we attacked the US and when the tide was turned against us we paid the price so we decided to change our ways and turn to peace.

 

[boomy]

Nice stone postal box in the peace park.

Interesting looking building in the city.

Time to catch the tram back to Hiroshima station and leave for Osaka.

 

[boomy]

I think it's on more than just the nozomi, but not certain on that.

They have 3 classes on some services now- Standard, green and gran glass.

Correct, also can't use or upgrade JR pass on this class so need to buy new ticket at ¥9,870 then upgrade to Gran Class at the cost of ¥16,490.

 

[jukebox333]

I visited Hiroshima in 2008, and felt very self conscious as a Westerner I must say.

The peace park, and the museum, are, as you say, a must see. Looking out over the city, and imagining the devastation that one weapon wrought, was numbing.

A few years ago, I closed the loop as it were, seeing Enola Gay on display at the Smithsonian in Washington DC.
The curators and custodians there were, thankfully, as graceful and reverent about the events of 1945 as the people of Hiroshima.

Brilliant report, boomy - keep up the posts.

 

[boomy]

Osaka
Took the Shinkansen from Hiroshima direct to Snin-Osaka. From there had to change lines for Osaka station.
The Hilton is located just across the road from the station but getting there is not that simple. There are many different exits and also an option to go underground. It took us a while to find the right way but eventually we got there.

Hilton Osaka
Hilton Plaza is a large complex with shops, restaurants and conference halls.

The hotel lobby is built in atrium style which makes it feel specious, even when crowded.
We received an upgrade at check-in to Tower Suite. It was massive and luxurious with wooden floor and beautiful carpets.
Some photos of the dining area ,living room and bedroom.



The executive lounge was nice, although looked a bit small for the size of this hotel. Highlights for me were the seared tuna canapés and French Viognier in the wine selection. First time I've seen I've seen this type of wine offered in any hotel lounge.

 

[LadyC]

I'm sure you already have things planned for Kyoto but it is definitely worth checking out the Nishiki Market. Dinner at Otsuka and drinks at Chez Quadimodo are good too.

 

[Mattg]

Another fantastic trip report boomy. Thoroughly enjoying the read.

 

[boomy]

It started raining outside but we still felt like going out tonight so we took the metro and went to Dotonbori which is the entertainment district of Osaka.

Lucky there were a few shopping arcades in the area to escape the rain.

We had some Takoyaki (octopus balls).

It's a popular street snack in Osaka.

 

[drron]

There is a crab restaurant in Osaka that is really good,providing you like crab.done many ways but we had an enjoyable crab suikiyaki.Several branches but we went to this one-
Kani Doraku Dotonbori honten

 

[Deleted member]

Bon Voyage Boomy, keep it coming.

 

[Deleted member]

We had some Takoyaki (octopus balls).
View attachment 43984


Well I never knew octopi had balls. .....

 

[drron]

We had some Takoyaki (octopus balls).
View attachment 43984


Well I never knew octopi had balls. .....

And certainly not that big!:shock::mrgreen:

 

[boomy]

Day 7
It was still raining when got up this morning so we took our time after breakfast and stayed in the suite until midday. The rain didn't stop but we finally decided to go out and explore the city.
Fist we went to Osaka Castle. The castle was built in the 16th century but it was burned down a couple of times since and was reconstructed in the early 20th. During WWII the castle which already became a weapons coughnal used by the Japanese army, was bombed and the main tower was destroyed. Later it was restored again the 1997 and now functions as a museum.
Inside there is an exhibition that tells the story of the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi who unified Japan under his rule, invaded Korea and also built this castle.
The castle is located short walk from the train station with is a bit of moderate climbing to do.
Passing the main gate, can see it up there.


Getting closer, almost there.

There it is, the entrance is on the right.

Views of the city from the 7th floor.

 

[boomy]

Later we had delicious Tempura for lunch.

Meanwhile the rain stopped so we decided to return to Dotonbori and explore the area a bit more.
Again passing through shopping arcades.

Some creative restaurants signs on the spotted on the main steert.

 

[boomy]

Chinese tourists loved the dragon signs.


All these food outlets made us hungry and we decided to try Okonomiyaki Osaka style (after first trying in Hiroshima we loved it and wanted more!). I found a place that supposed to be one of the best in Osaka. Restaurant Mizuno runs for 70 years already. The original location was bombed during WWII but since it found a new location close to the main street and now managed under the founders grandchildren.
There was a queue and about 30 min wait.

Before

After

Tastes awesome, totally worth the wait.

 

[boomy]

Back to the Hilton to pick up our luggage and catch the train to Kyoto. We passed on the comfort of the Shinkansen and took normal train directly from Osaka station to Kyoto station. Although trains on this line come very often, it was rush hour which meant very low chance to find vacant seat. The ride took only 30 minutes so it wasn't too bad.

Westin Kyoto
Took the free shuttle from the train station and 20 minutes later we reached the hotel. It's an old hotel but the location is not bad (close to metro and bus station). This season hotel prices in Kyoto are quite high so I booked this one well in advance and managed to get 2 nights for ¥18,000 (~$200AU) per night.
The hotel was full so no suite upgrade for us this time. We got basic upgrade to deluxe room and choice of Japanese or full buffet breakfast in the morning. The rate I booked didn't include breakfast and SPG Plat usually get complementary breakfast only in the lounge so this was a nice surprise.
Photo of the room.

Decent size room but nothing special about it. The Lounge was small but it did offer two types of sake, my preferred drink while in Japan. All in all this hotel is good value for the price we paid (include upgrade, lounge, Internet and breakfast) but I'm sure there are better options for accommodation in Kyoto, especially for those who don't hold SPG status.

 

[boomy]

Day 8
Kyoto
Today we decided to try the Japanese breakfast, served in the hotel's Japanese restaurant.

It's one set menu with the only choice is between rice and congee.

It was a good meal with interesting flavours.

Breakfast finished, time to do some Temple hoping. We took the metro, followed by tram to Arashiyama district.
First we visit Tenryu-ji Zen temple, built in 1339 and the Bamboo Grove.