Seeing as I am going for the first time this July, I have done exhaustive research on Japan.

The best way to get around Japan are the bullet trains. As a tourist, you can buy a Japan rail pass before you go, it is a great value. BUT YOU MUST BUY IT BEFORE YOU GET TO JAPAN!! I was told to get it through JTB (Japan Travel Bureau, a LARGE travel agency), but my usual travel agent was able to get the pass for $30 less than JTB sells it for.

If you goto/call the JNTO (Japan National Tourist Organization (chicago phone (there are other locations) 312-222-0874)) they will send you info on any areas you wish. I highly reccomend asking for a copy of the Railway Timetable for the bullet trains. It is very easy to use and shows all the train schedules/times. I looked up the time from Hakone(Odawara stop) to Hiroshima, it was about 4.5-5 hours travel depending upon train taken.

I have been told by some FT's that Peace Memorial Park is very moving. It has the A-Bomb dome which is a building remnant from the A- bombing of Hiroshima. Hiroshima Castle is another sight to see.

Another area near Hiroshima, about 45 minutes away, is Miyajima, which is an island in the Seto Sea. Just one of the sights here is the "floating shrine" built so that when the tide is in, it appears to be floating on the water.

Can't state strongly enough to contact JNTO before you go for many more ideas.

PS: my wife will be bringing her Starbucks mug as well (it's a sick habit you people hooked on Starbucks!!)