Visiting Hiroshima is a heavy visit. We didn’t have a ton of time to visit as we were staying in Miyajima to celebrate Kate’s birthday, but all that means is we’ll have to visit again.

First thing, we only spent half a day, if that in Hiroshima, so we didn’t get to do much more than go to Disk Shop Misery and see the Atomic Dome, then off to Miyajima. It was a must visit leftover from last time, that we never ended up doing. Beside the somewhat confusing getting from Hiroshima Station to downtown (I chose to walk, but next time, take the bus is the correct answer), Hiroshima reminded me of Osaka. Friendly town, interesting stuff to look at and well, Disk Shop Misery, which pound for pound, is one of the best punk focused record stores in the world.

If you’ve gone to the trouble of going to Hiroshima, you’re probably going to see what’s now called the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, or Atomic Dome, but is really the remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Agricultural Hall. The atomic bomb detonated above the hall, and the vertical structures withstood the pressure of the blast, whereas everything around it was obliterated. In my opinion, it’s best to visit this in the morning, because it’s quite sobering to be in the shadow of the remains of the hall. Even as someone who’s well aware of the perils of war, I’ve never been close to anything resembling war. There’s just no evidence of anything like this in North America (outside of the south which has Civil War remnants throughout), and it struck me as to how divorced we are from the wars that our leaders engage in. Food for thought.

Record Stores

There’s only one worth mentioning, and you should go to it. Disc Shop Misery. This is, in my opinion, one of the best punk focused record shops in the world.

In many cases, things that I was looking for in Tokyo (new records and CDs) were here. And of course, Guy from Bloodsucker Records/Gudon/Origin of M was there and one can’t visit without getting a picture!

Food

So we didn’t have any food in Hiroshima proper and I cannot weigh in on the Hiroshima style against the Osaka style Okonomiyaki. I assume Hiroshima wins, as I wasn’t that impressed with Osaka style – and noodles might just help. You tell me.

Venues

Club Quattro. According to the Internet and where bands tour. Of course those would be the larger shows. Smaller ones? Best bet is to head to Misery and pick up handbills. Here’s a map: