Tour Diary - Day 8: Bullet Train to Hiroshima

Day 8 - 7th December

Day eight signified the start of the second week of the tour, and was a rest from the training and playing of the previous days. The day consisted of travel and an experience of Japanese culture, as we travelled from Global Arena to Shin-Kobe through Hiroshima.

The tour party started the day early to make sure they were ready for the long day of travel ahead. At 8:30, we boarded a bus for Kokura Station, where we departed by bullet train for Hiroshima. The experience was novel and exciting, travelling at such high speeds. After arriving at Hiroshima, we went to the Hiroshima dome and the memorial museum. It was an incredibly humbling and eye-opening experience for all of the boys, as we were informed of the events that occurred at Hiroshima, and how they shaped the Japanese culture. Many of the boys on tour were surprised to see the much more somber side of the normally vibrant culture of Japan.

After visiting Hiroshima, we boarded another bullet train for Shin-Kobe, where we stayed the night. After settling in to our accommodation, we were roomed in pairs with our same position from the different team. Once unpacked we had dinner at the hotel. During dinner the Head Master arrived and lightened all the boys spirits. However, many of the boys were disappointed that they were being deprived of going to the communal baths.

Overall, the day was extremely enjoyable, as we were able to experience two completely different sides of Japanese culture, the bullet train and the memorial at Hiroshima, and welcomed the Head Master to the tour.

Nick Driessen

 

Travelling by bullet train to Hiroshima