The Chugoko region is the five westernmost prefectures on the main island of Honshu. Cities to the South of the region are well connected by the Shinkansen between Kyushu and Osaka, with regular fast trains to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Kagoshima. A mountain range runs East to West and therefore the North is less densely populated and connected by slower local rail lines.
Hiroshima
As I wandered from the station to my hotel in the centre of Hiroshima, it struck me that there are a lot of Christian churches in this city. Almost every corner I turned there was another cross or crucifix, it was not what I was expecting to see, there are more churches here than shrines and temples.
Hiroshima was almost completely destroyed by the first atomic bomb that the USA dropped on Japan and I wonder if if it was the post war designation as a City of Peace that has led the churches to flourish.
All of the main tourist sites in the city are close to tram stops but most are within walking distance of the station as well. Hiroshima Castle has been rebuilt and is a good spot to see Sakura blossoms. The Peace Park is nearby and is where the Atomic Dome can be found. There are also Museums, Memorials and parkland to explore.
Hiroshima is famous for Okonomiyaki, a kind of savoury pancake that is cooked in front of the customer on a hot plate. There are plenty of Okonomiyaki restaurants near the station.
Itsukushima
One of the enduring images used to describe Japan, is the picture of a Torii gate which appears to be floating on water. This can be found on Itsukushima, a very pretty island situated in Hiroshima Bay, to the southwest of Hiroshima. The Island is connected to the mainland by a JR ferry service from Miyajimaguchi, which is free to JR Railpass holders; the trip takes around 10 minutes and allows some good views of the Torii gate from the water.
The Island has a number of important shrines and pagodas, and is a World Heritage Site. It would be easy to spend a day wandering around the Island as there are a number of nature trails and plenty of tourist spots, including a ropeway, shopping district and aquarium. At low tide you can walk up to the Torii gate and get some good photographs, plus great views of the Island.
Twintail 
Great pictures!
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