Thu, 28 Aug '08 - Dinner in Hiroshima

I don't remember arrinving at Hotel Flex or what it looked like, just that it had a shower, air-con and a bed. Though by that point I'd have settled for the floor under a cold tap.

Later that evening we 'followed' some lousy directions from the Flex hotel reception and wandered into downtown Hiroshima. Eventually we find a busy looking shopping area that looks a safe bet for food. 

I explain how the tall buildings have a retail or food outlet on each floor (not just the bottom one or two floors with offices or residences above as in the UK). Typically for Japan this is a city literally stacked layer on layer. When add in the fact that streets don't usually have names and what is in each building and floor can vary wildly you have to wonder how anyone finds their way around. Another impenetrable aspect of Japan. 

Desperately we scan restaurant menu boards. The sixth floor of a modern building seems to be offering traditional Japanese cuisine. We head for the anonymous looking lift and cross our fingers.

What a crazy contrast; the metal doors open to reveal a traditional interior. Despite being housed in a high glass, steel and concrete tower. It is however very convincing. We’re shown to a cosy dark wood booth and are lucky enough to have a waitress who is studying English. Amazing food, and great value. We calculate we’ve gone without proper rest for over a day and a half now. Exhausted and excited in equal measure - tomorrow it's Mazda HQ.

Thought
Thinking about how clashing design styles are tightly packed into the urban jigsaw. It can be quite disorientating. Each outlet clamours for your attention, flouting its concept, competing with its neighbours... commercial urban Japan is an assault on the senses.