Hiroshima FF 09, The End

A-Bomb Dome illuminated

Yuri San: Tsukaremashita desga tanoshikatta (Tired yet interesting)

Hiro San: Hayaku, kore wa saigono densha da yo (Hurry up, we have to catch the last train)

Hiroshima FF 09, Rainy Day

Day 3, the last day of the festival, it was raining. The origamis were still lit and floating on the Motoyasu River in front of the A-Bomb Dome at the Peace Memorial Park.

The park is located next to Hondori shopping center, so many of the visitors went there to buy umbrella. 

These candles were decorated using water proof colored pens, however the paper used was not strong enough, as such they were collected earlier due to rain. I was lucky to snap some shots before night.
It was me who arranged them in a row the day before, and they were still in their position when I came again the next day :). The candle in the middle shows a character call Anpanman, a very popular cartoon character among children in Japan. 

They have done their job, time to rest.

Where have all the flowers gone?

Long time passing

Where have all the flowers gone?

Long time ago...

Yuri San: Ame ga suki desu (I love rain)

Hiro San: Honto? (Really?)

Hiroshima FF 09, In the Night

In the night, when they are lit in the park behind Peace Memorial Museum.

Hiroshima FF 09, Flower Candle Message

Message candles which made by students from schools around the city.

One thing I found it interesting is when these students  come back  to search their work and proudly show it to their parents.

Yuri San: Kawaii yo (they're cute)

Hiro San: So desu (yup)

Hiroshima FF 09, Getting Ready

Tens of bird-shaped origamis symbolizing peace in the Peace Memorial Park.

Second day of the festival, May 4, 09. As the main attraction of the festival each  year, candles are put in all open area like in this Pond of Peace, in front of Peace Memorial Park.

Hiroshima Flower Festival 09, Welcome Again

Bird-shaped origami ready to be lit in the night.

Welcome to Hiroshima Flower Festival 2009. Hiroshima Flower Festival has been held every year from the 3rd to the 5th of May, during Golden Week since 1977. The festival is located on Peace Boulevard, one of the main streets in Hiroshima city and within Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park area.

My new theme for this week (or maybe longer :)). This time we're going a tour in the city. It takes about 40 minutes by train from Saijo station to Hiroshima station.

Yuri San: Nani de Hiroshima ni ikimasuka? (How are we going to Hiroshima?)

Hiro San: Densha de ikimasu (We take train)

Iwakuni Sayounara photos...

We've gone too far from Saijo through my postings today ;)). Nevertheless I did refresh my mind of this place.
Should you interested to go there too, Iwakuni Station on the Sanyo Main Line is about 45 minutes from Hiroshima Station, and is in the center of the city. From Saijo Station to Hiroshima Station, it takes 30-45 minutes by train depends on the train, regular or rapid.
I prefer going there by bus. Do the share with friends to rent a mini bus for a day. It just costs you about 4000 Yen and is worth it. There are some interesting place to see during the way to Iwakuni, why not stop and see what's there?

Hunting Omiyage at Iwakuni...

Some of the omiyage or souviners we can buy at the omiyage vendors before heading to the Iwakuni Castle. These are products of honey and beeswax. One egg-shaped beeswax candle cost 300 Yen each.

Tabemashoo....

Along the Nishiki River, people are enjoying their lunch time while sightseeing.
Some are even playing in the shallow river.

Sakura at Kikko Park

Sakura, seen from across the Nishiki River. On the other side of the Kintai Bridge, we can see enter Kikko Park The park has a big fountain and contains numerous shops as well as a variety of flowers. Kikko Park is also home to a sanctuary for white snakes. These snakes are found only in Iwakuni, and have been designated as special national treasures by the Japanese government. The white snake is a symbol of Benten, the Japanese goddess of wealth. The white snake is considered a sign of good luck in Japan. Many people come to pray to the snakes so that they might be successful in their businesess. Far in the background, on the hill is Iwakuni Castle.
We're going there later :).

Last Year Series in Iwakuni

I visited this place in the spring, April last year (2008). For me as a tropical person, it's a wow ;). Tourists from both Japan and overseas who visit Hiroshima and Miyajima often extend their travels to include Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture. In early spring, the sight of sakura, along the Nishiki river is unforgettable. What is famous in Iwakuni besides its cherry blossoms/sakura? This is the Kintai Bridge which spans the Nishiki river and is made completely of wood, without nails.

last year...

Spring is already here, yet not the Sakura (cherry blossoms). There's an event that is not gonna be missed by the Japanase during this season. Hanami festival or seeing Sakura.
I'm now waiting for Sakura to come, probably in the next two weeks.
For now, let me just show some photos I took during Hanami last year in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

For the Sake of Sake...

Does it look like a shameless promotion? Just a little weekend spirit, I decided to upload this photo, I guess. One of the photos I took during Sake Matsuri. These are some of sake brands produced in Saijo. Saijo is one of the most famous place in Japan for production of sake. Fine quality rice and pure delicious water from the town's natural sources are the essential ingredients for the best sake. Kampai!!!