Reflecting Waters: A Journey Through Hiroshima and Miyajima
Traveling has always been more than just seeing the world; it creates a rare opportunity to reflect, reset, and simply be. This is especially true when I travel solo. It allows me to immerse myself fully in the moment, absorb new cultures, and contemplate the philosophies and traditions that shape them. Whether it’s wandering through vibrant markets, climbing a mountain for a panoramic view, or watching a quiet sunset on a beach, travel becomes a bridge between the outer world and my inner self.
Over the past few days, I returned to two places in southwestern Honshu that have long held a place in my memory: Hiroshima and Miyajima. After two busy weeks of traveling, these places gave me a chance to slow down and take in their depth and wisdom.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a name the world knows as one of the cities forever marked by the atomic bombing in 1945. I spent that afternoon and evening at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a place that holds grief and beauty in equal measure. It’s filled with tributes from around the world, honoring the victims and the resilience of those who survived. Walking through the park, past sculptures and paper cranes, you can’t help but feel the weight of history settle on your shoulders. The Atomic Bomb Dome, once the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, still stands as a haunting silhouette. Even with the golden light at sunset and gentle evening breeze, there’s a chilling stillness to it.
The following morning, I spent time in the Peace Memorial Museum. This museum is quiet and reverent, filled with personal stories, artifacts, and images that evoke a sense of awe and reverence. It’s an experience that's difficult to put into words, yet it entirely moves you, inviting contemplation. You leave with a deep sense of reverence, humility, and a hope that such destruction never repeats.
Miyajima
I then sailed off to the island of Miyajima. Miyajima is an island nestled in Hiroshima Bay and is famous for its floating shrine. Itsukushima Jinja was built on the beach, and when the tide comes in, the shrine peacefully floats on the water. The shrine features a majestic Torii gate that towers over the sea, welcoming all visitors to the island.
During my two days on the island, I stayed in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami floors and futons, a quiet room overlooking the tranquil forest, and a relaxing onsen mineral bath. After weeks of trains and busy streets, it was exactly what I needed—slow meals, quiet walks, and no agenda.
Capturing the Moment
One of the reasons I came to the island was to see that large, towering gate once again. The rain had just cleared, and the sunset was shaping up to be everything I’d hoped for. I stood on the beach with my camera and tripod ready. Using a purple ND filter, I took a long exposure and captured the Torii gate as the sky shifted colors behind it. This was a photo I had dreamed of capturing, with the help of all the natural elements. The Shinto gods were on my side ...
But more importantly, as I was standing on the beach with my camera, this moment gave me time to reflect and enjoy the beauty of the world around me. The beach was full of people watching the breathtaking sunset, from locals on the island to Japanese families on vacation to tourists from all around the world speaking a harmony of different languages. I talked to a young French photographer who had the same idea of capturing this moment. People, young and old, from various cultures and traditions, all gathered to witness the beauty of the moment. At that moment, I felt calm, at peace, and connected.
Final Thoughts
Those two days were the pause I needed. I caught my breath, caught up on journaling, edited some photos, and just sat with everything. Sometimes that’s the best part of travel: not the places you rush to check off, but the ones that give you time to slow down.