In the lobby of the Grand Prince Hotel near Hiroshima Port after we've checked out.


I like the arrangement of these two stuffed creatures at the reception desk . . .


At the front of the hotel as we leave.


One last look as we head for our car to leave. On the left were several very upscale shops, but we did not go in. However, several workers came out to see Santa as we walked past!

This street follows the streetcar route from Hiroshima Port. That's one of the older cars at this stop.


Driving from the port toward Hwy 2, we see one of the newer streetcars. That's probably the bypass road overhead.


Sculpture - likely something left from the A-bomb.


Driving in Hiroshima - it's SO much easier to ride the train!

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Going across a bridge in Hiroshima. There are MANY rivers in Hiroshima.


Waiting in traffic - guess what's in THAT truck?


Oh good! This sign tells us we're on the right road.


Crossing another river.


Beautiful mountain with houses below as we start to leave Hiroshima. Then Stan has a great idea . . .

It's still early - let's stop at Miyajima & take our bikes over to the island! GREAT idea! So, we've parked & ridden our bikes onto the ferry. There are no cars on the ferry with us today. This is a different ferry than we usually ride & it's less crowded getting on and off.


Looking back at the mainland as we head toward Miyajima Island.


And looking toward the island and a ferry.


Stan looking out as we prepare to dock.

Santa with one of his reindeer? Naw - just Stan & one of the many Miyajima Island deer.



Riding along the seawall . . .


Giant stone torii gate.


The sun lights up the famous Miyajima Island floating torii gate. People come from all over Japan (and the world!) to see this.

Stan wanted to go to the coffee house we found last time we were here. Fortunately for him, I have a good sense of direction and took us right there . . . This is looking at the front of the coffee shop from across the narrow street, where we parked our bikes.


Once inside, Stan knew he wanted the special cake he had before. Fresh baked and still warm. And of course, decorated for perfection.


I had the tiramisu with my cafe latte. Yum! Of course, I took the mint decor home to sprout.


The coffee bar & our barristas!


Children were passing by & started begging their mom to come in after they saw Santa inside!

Stan's having coffee beans ground so he can enjoy this delicious blend at home.


At the back, are the children who talked their moms into coming inside! Stan gave each one a small piece of chocolate from Santa & they were delighted & are eating them (after checking with their parents.)


I love this beautiful old cabinet that's holding different coffee beans that are for sale here.


And behind, a large (antique?) coffee roaster/grinder?


All warm & refreshed, we're back on the street, where Santa-san draws a crowd.

Stan outside the window of our favorite roasted oyster stand. No place to sit here - only "to go" but I've found some seats on the steps of a closed bank right across the street. Fortunately, I brought a warm blanket so we're not sitting directly on the cement steps!


Yum! Christmas lunch!


After we eat our fill, we're walking/riding down the covered shopping street. It's a little warmer here out of the wind. Although it's Christmas Day, it's still very crowded here, and several European tourists stop to take pictures of Stan. (He loved it!)


We saw this cute little girl posing among the small statues.


Cute stuff inside a shop we went into to get warm. But we also found a few great bargains that we had to have!

Looking into a shop where oysters are being roasted over an open fire. Yum! But we're headed for the shop that makes fresh Miyajima cakes and serves hot tea. We're frozen!



Found it! As we sip hot tea, we're looking into a peaceful garden behind this shop. There are good restrooms here as well, so always a favorite stop for us. And of course, we always buy some of the famous Miyajima maple-leaf cakes that are made fresh here. Look RIGHT HERE for a picture! There are several flavor options, but to me it's always chocolate! We each had a warm one with our tea and bought some to take home.


Santa-Stan inside the shop.


One last look at the floating torii as we bike toward the ferry landing. The sun is getting low in the sky & it's turning colder.


Back on the ferry, we've parked our bikes & we're going inside to stay warm for the return trip. Our purchases as well as the warm blanket are in my back basket.

Passing the ferry going over as we leave the island. It's a beautiful day, but VERY cold.


Just a few cars and one other pedestrian as we wait to disembark.


We decided to stop in the bakery & pick up a few goodies to take home before we leave. It's late in the day, but there is still a good selection available. It smells so good in here & it's warm!

After we biked back to our car, we had a not so nice Christmas surprise - our car battery was dead! (Hmm, Stan apparently left the lights on after the last tunnel & it was VERY cold & windy today!) So after a conversation with the parking attendants, and a VERY cold wait, help finally arrived! (Apparently in Japan, there's no such thing as getting a "jump" start.)


Stan had not been able to figure out where our battery lived (nor did the parking attendant), and it even took the professionals a few minutes to locate it! But after we removed the bikes, and pulled up the carpet in the cargo area - viola! The Battery Compartment was revealed!


The parking attendant and Stan are looking on as the professional charges our battery. I guess this is a much safer option than jumper cables, although it was a pretty expensive lesson for us . . .


It started right up and our rescuer made sure it was charged & would continue to run before he left us. He was relieved to hear that we were driving back to Iwakuni MCAS (about 15 km) so that it would be fully charged when we arrived home. So, after an unexpected delay, Stan reloaded the bikes in the back & we were once again on our way home and it's not yet 5 pm on Christmas Day!

Exciting & satisfying two days away. But it's early Christmas morning in the US when we arrive home, so we can open our presents & then call our families & see how Christmas is going there!