anabolism did you ever take this trip? what did you end up doing and any lessons learned getting to/from HIJ?

Like you I'm a OW flier (AA EXP) coming from the States

I want to go to Hiroshima via a OW award either on my way (or return) from SYD.. any ideas which may be easier?

I'm in the initial stages of building this OW trip

I will have two elementary age school kids with me and am seeking simplicity as much as anything. Although I am paying out of pocket so things like the cab from HIJ may not be feasable or at least my first choice.

One worry is that I don't speak a word of Japanese (never been Japan either) so is getting around via bus, subway etc going to be extremely difficult?

I don't mind overnighting at NRT after the long flight and flying in the next day early.