Venture outside of Tokyo to discover the wonders of Hiroshima.

A SHORT FLIGHT FROM THE BUSTLING mega-metropolis of Tokyo brings travelers to Hiroshima and the city of Onomichi, the port town known for its world-famous cycling course. Let this four-day itinerary guide you from Tokyo to Hiroshima and back.

DAY ONE: TOKYO
Begin your first day in Tokyo with a visit to the Kimono Gallery in Ginza at the heart of Tokyo. The staff at the gallery provides free fittings for men and women. Guests can rent kimonos and tour the surrounding area, including the imperial palace, Tokyo Station, Tsukiji and the Kabuki-za. Once you finish sightseeing, return your kimono and get ready for a night tour on the Sky Bus Tokyo.

Spend your evening on the Odaiba Night Course on the Sky Bus Tokyo. The two-story, open-deck bus takes guests to see Tokyo Tower lit against the night sky. The approximately two-hour itinerary, after passing Rainbow Bridge, includes a stop at Aqua City in Odaiba, giving guests the chance to eat and take a commemorative photo.

DAY TWO: TOKYO AND HIROSHIMA
The flight from Tokyo to Hiroshima is short, approximately one hour and twenty minutes. When you arrive in Hiroshima, it is time to ride the waves with Miyajima Sea Kayak tours. Guests take a sea kayak to visit and view the World Heritage site, Itsukushima Shrine. The tour is perfect for beginners, as the guide offers safety guidelines and fully equipped kayak rentals.

DAY THREE: HIROSHIMA
Today, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The large park was erected at the center of the atomic blast that struck Hiroshima at the end of World War II in hopes of sending a message of enduring world peace. The park features a number of points of interest, including a museum presenting Hiroshima as it existed at the time of the bombing and memorials for the victims of the bomb. The Hiroshima Peace Bell, recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 soundscapes, can be found here.

DAY FOUR: HIROSHIMA AND TOKYO
Start your morning with a trip to Onomichi, a coastal city on the island of Honshu. The city is recognizable as the calm backdrop to a number of novels and movies. The hilly ambiance of the town features many traditional temples to explore. In addition, Onomichi is known as a “cat town” as well, assuring visitors will run into cats no matter where they go. Visitors can follow the cat trail, featuring stones with drawings of cats before bidding Onomichi goodbye.

Guide to Chugoku, Shikoku and Tokyo:
chushikokuandtokyo.org