Hiroshima 一日游

the first real day of our trip to Japan, we met our guide from Asageshiki at Hiroshima station. We had a lovely talk while we walked to the first stop on our morning tour and found out a bit about history, as well as the area. She has grown up in the area and so was knowledgeable. We started the day at a temple and were able to learn about many of the practices one should follow when visiting a shrine, as well as the meaning of many of the practices. This shrine did withstand, although renovated, the atomic blast, and was where many of the wounded were brought. Next we went up 433 steps to the top of a mountain in a first, an amazing forest smack dab in the city, a lot of it was original and had survived. We got more lessons on history, culture, as well as a workout. We also found out that a portion of our tour fee was used by Asageshiki group and many volunteers to care for and improve the path up the mountain, we got to see progress photos of their work, which was very impressive. Finally we reach the top for an absolutely amazing view of the city. After soaking that in we had the opportunity to have a very delicious bento box style breakfast and tea ceremony. It was honestly the best way to start our trip in hiroshima. As we walked back down the mountain we were able to get good advice about our plans for the day as well as advice on places to eat. I must recommend this tour for anyone coming to the area if you are fit enough for a slow, but lengthy climb.

We would even like to give more stars, Nana and teamaster Lily were wonderful in guiding us and telling Hiroshima stories. They are also very friendly with great personalities, making it a joy to spend time with them while climbing the mountain, using our 5 senses and experience a tea ceremony. As a group of two adults and two teens it can be a challenge to do something everyone enjous, but we unanimously say: best morning tour ever!!