HImeji Castle Skies

To answer a couple of questions from Monday's post about Himeji Castle:

1. It's built on such a tall foundation for defensive purposes. This is not just a decorative castle, it was a lord's final defense.
2. You can go inside the castle, and I'll be posting photos of that soon.

While there, I noticed the following skyward view, perfect for Skywatch Friday.

Himeji Castle (Outside)

On our next day in Japan we took the bullet train from Hiroshima to Osaka, but made a stop at the city of Himeji, home of the incredible Himeji Castle.

This may be Japan's most famous castle, and it's like something out of a fairy tale.

This castle was built between 1601 and 1609, and has remained intact through wars and natural disasters.

It's Japan's most visited castle and it's easy to see why.

Our World Tuesday

Toronto 1988 (3)

Atomic Dome

Atomic Dome

I don't have words to describe the feelings from being in this place, so I won't try. If you want further details read one of the many online articles about its history.

It used to be the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall before August 6, 1945.

The bomb exploded almost overhead, which is why parts of the building survived.

Now it's surrounded by a thriving, modern city.

Our World Tuesday

Toronto 1988 (2)

Local Lightning

It's not one of my best lightning shots (obviously for Skywatch Friday), but it's a fun one taken at my house. If I'd been out a few minutes earlier the sky was lit up, but by the time my camera was ready some low clouds had moved in.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Obviously Hiroshima is famous for the atomic bombing, and while the city is now a modern, thriving metropolis, they have preserved parts of the past, including creating the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This is the Memorial Cenotaph, through which the famous dome is visible.

When we were there, many schoolchildren were visiting; it's obviously a very important historical location.

This display includes items exposed to the blast.

I try to stay nonpolitical on this blog, but this place makes a person very aware of the utter futility of war and imperialism. The lack of historical understanding in the modern world, along with the spread of widely-believed lies, makes me very nervous that we're headed into a very dark time. And that's my lecture for Our World Tuesday.

Toronto 1988 (1)

San Francisco Beach (3)

Skywatch Friday

Hiroshima Castle

One of Hiroshima's must-see sights is the Hiroshima Castle.

Since the original from the 1590s was destroyed in the atomic bombing, this is a replica built in 1958.

Inside is a museum about the area's pre-WW2 history, but no photos are allowed. From the top you can see the modern city skyline.

The locations of the old castle are still visible in the grounds.

Our World Tuesday

Deer & Torii Gate

Camera Critters

Saturday's Critters

San Francisco Beach (2)

Skywatch Friday