While in Kyushu I decided that I might as well go even further south to see the city of Nagasaki, famous for the second atomic bomb that was dropped on Japan. I went to the museum and walked though Peace park. Like Hiroshima, there is really no evidence left that an atomic bomb completely destroyed the city. Also, there is a ropeway that goes to the top of Mt. Inasa which I took to see the night view. The night view is one of Japan’s top 3 night views along with Hakodate(which I have been to), and Kobe. I also met a new friend, Kohei a medical student in Tokyo. Strangely, he reminded me a lot of my friend Josh, who is also a medical student (now in Oregon I think). We went out to eat one of the famous foods: Nagasaki Champon. The following day we also took a boat out to one of the near islands for onsen, and a bicycle ride. From Nagasaki I took a long bus ride up to the city of Hida-Takayama in Gifu. In Takayama, I yet again stayed with a friend. Yumiko, who I met in Okinawa runs a shop with her brother in center of the old-style traditional shopping street. The perfect location, I stayed with my friend on the second floor of the shop. She showed me around the area and we ate all the special foods in Takayama, including Hida beef and mitarashi dango. The following day was raining, so we decided to go see Hida Cave and the Harayu Falls. When we got to the falls it starting pouring, but we decided to go anyway and by the time we made it to the falls we were completely soaked, even with umbrellas. So we went to the other thing that is famous in Gifu, an onsen. After relaxing in the water and a change of clothes, I ate dinner with my friend and hopped on a bus back to Tokyo. In about 2 weeks, I visited many places in Japan and had a great time. Not to mention since I stayed with friends all but 2 nights, and my friends drove me around in their cars it was one of the cheapest vacations I have ever had.

As it says. The museum show very well the horror and devastation that comes atomic bomb.

The statue in Peace park. The elevated right hand points to the threat of nuclear weapons, while the outstretched left hand symbolizes tranquility and peace. Divine omnipotence and love are embodied in the sturdy physique and gentle countenance of the statue, and prayer for the repose of the souls of all war victims is expressed in the closed eyes. Furthermore, the folded right leg symbolizes quiet meditation, while the left leg is poised for action in assisting humanity.

Eating Nagasaki Champon with Kohei.

View from Mt. Inasa

Yumiko with mitarashi dango.

Yumiko’s shop in the middle of the old style street.

Getting wet at Harayu Falls.

All the pictures are at the Full Photo Gallery