​🕊️ Day 8 Afternoon: A Quick Stop in Hiroshima

Before checking out of the Miyajima Coral Hotel for our afternoon in Hiroshima, we made one final strategic move with our luggage. We sent our suitcases directly to our final hotel in Tokyo.

​This allowed us to travel across the entire country—from Hiroshima up to Kanazawa, and eventually to Tokyo—carrying only our backpacks. No wrestling with heavy bags on the Thunderbird express or searching for large lockers in busy stations. It turned a long transit day into a light, breezy adventure.

​After taking the ferry back from Miyajima, we made a short but essential stop in Hiroshima. Since we were traveling light, we were able to navigate the city efficiently before catching our next Shinkansen to Kanazawa.

​The Atomic Bomb Dome: Seeing the skeletal remains of the Industrial Promotion Hall is a sobering experience. It stands as a powerful, silent monument to peace and a reminder of the city's tragic past.

​Peace Memorial Park: We walked through the park toward the Children's Peace Monument, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki and the thousand paper cranes. Even with limited time, the atmosphere of resilience and hope in Hiroshima is palpable.

​🚄 The Long Northward Transit: Hiroshima to Kanazawa

​In the late afternoon, we boarded the Shinkansen once again. This is one of the longer transit stretches, taking you from the south of Japan up toward the Sea of Japan coast.

​The Route: We took the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka (or Kyoto), and then transferred to the Thunderbird Limited Express train heading for Kanazawa.

​Dinner on the Go: We grabbed another Ekiben (station bento) at the transfer station. By now, we were becoming experts at picking the best seasonal boxes!

​🏮 Evening Arrival: Kanazawa : Stepping into the Samurai Era

​We arrived in Kanazawa in the evening. Known as "Little Kyoto," this city was spared from WWII bombings, meaning its historical districts are incredibly well-preserved.

​First Impressions: Even the station itself is a masterpiece! The Tsuzumi-mon Gate (a massive wooden structure shaped like a traditional drum) combined with the glass Motenashi Dome creates a stunning welcome.

​Checking In: We headed to our B&B Mikawa - Kanazawa Fish Harbor, ready to explore the Geisha districts and one of Japan's most beautiful gardens the next morning.

​💡 Traveler’s Strategy:

​This was a big travel day. By combining a morning in Miyajima with an afternoon in Hiroshima and an evening transit, we maximized our time. It’s a fast-paced way to travel, but the efficiency of the Japanese rail system makes it feel like a breeze!