Hiroshima

Best Shopping

Hiroshima offers a variety of shopping experiences, from bustling shopping arcades to modern malls. Here are some of the best shopping areas in Hiroshima:

• Hondori Shopping Arcade: Located in the heart of Hiroshima, Hondori Shopping Arcade is a covered pedestrian street lined with shops, boutiques, department stores, and cafes. It's a great place to find fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and souvenirs.

• Hatchobori: Another popular shopping district, Hatchobori is known for its trendy fashion boutiques, upscale department stores, and specialty shops. Here, you can find a wide range of fashion items, cosmetics, gourmet food, and home goods.

• ASSE Hiroshima: ASSE Hiroshima is a large shopping complex near Hiroshima Station, offering a wide selection of fashion stores, electronics retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a convenient place for shopping and dining, especially if you're near the station.

• Hiroshima PARCO: Located near Hondori Shopping Arcade, Hiroshima PARCO is a multi-story shopping mall with a vast array of fashion brands, accessories, cosmetics, and lifestyle stores. It also houses a variety of restaurants and cafes.

• Sun Mall: Sun Mall is a covered shopping street near the Peace Memorial Park. It offers a mix of traditional and modern shops, including clothing stores, souvenir shops, and local food stalls. It's a great place to find unique Hiroshima-themed items and local crafts.

• Fukuya Department Store: Fukuya is a long-established department store in Hiroshima, offering a wide range of goods, including fashion, cosmetics, gourmet food, and household items. It's known for its high-quality products and attentive customer service.

• Hiroshima Bussankan: Located within the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Bussankan is a shop specializing in Hiroshima's traditional crafts and souvenirs. Here, you can find items like Hiroshima-style lacquerware, pottery, textiles, and other locally made crafts.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Hiroshima offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a range of entertainment options for visitors to enjoy. Here are some highlights of the nightlife and entertainment in Hiroshima:

• Nagarekawa District: Known as Hiroshima's nightlife district, Nagarekawa is lined with bars, clubs, and live music venues. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy a night out, socialize, and experience the city's energetic atmosphere.

• Live Music and Performances: Hiroshima has a thriving live music scene with various venues hosting performances of different genres, including rock, jazz, classical, and traditional Japanese music. Venues such as Live House SEMBA and Club Quattro are popular choices for music enthusiasts.

• Theater and Performing Arts: Hiroshima offers several theaters and performing arts venues where you can catch plays, musicals, traditional Japanese performances, and dance shows. The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum and Hiroshima Cultural Exchange Hall are known for hosting diverse cultural performances.

• Cinemas and Movie Theaters: If you're interested in catching the latest films, Hiroshima has multiple cinemas and movie theaters throughout the city. From mainstream releases to independent and international films, you can find a variety of options to suit your movie preferences.

• Rooftop Bars and Sky Lounges: Hiroshima boasts several rooftop bars and sky lounges that offer stunning views of the city skyline. These establishments provide a relaxing and sophisticated atmosphere to enjoy a drink and take in the city's night scenery.

• Night Cruises: Experience a different perspective of Hiroshima at night by taking a night cruise along the Motoyasu River. These cruises offer picturesque views of illuminated landmarks and bridges while enjoying a leisurely boat ride.

• Karaoke: Karaoke is a popular form of entertainment in Japan, and Hiroshima has numerous karaoke establishments where you can sing your heart out with friends. Many karaoke venues provide private rooms equipped with a wide selection of songs in different languages.

• Izakayas and Restaurants: Hiroshima is home to a vast array of izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. You can enjoy local Hiroshima specialties, traditional Japanese dishes, and international cuisine while socializing and sampling a wide range of drinks.

Local Cuisine

Hiroshima has a rich and unique local cuisine that is worth exploring. Here are some highlights of the local dishes and specialties you can try in Hiroshima:

• Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: Hiroshima is renowned for its take on okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with layers of ingredients. In Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the batter is mixed with cabbage, noodles, and various toppings such as pork, seafood, vegetables, and a special sweet and savory sauce. It's a must-try dish when visiting Hiroshima.

• Hiroshima-style Tsukemen: Tsukemen is a type of ramen where the noodles are served separately from the broth. Hiroshima's version of tsukemen is known for its thick, chewy noodles and rich dipping broth made from soy sauce and pork bones. It's a popular dish among locals and visitors alike.

• Hiroshima-style Oysters: Hiroshima is famous for its plump and delicious oysters. You can enjoy them fresh and raw, grilled, or in various dishes like oyster fry (kaki-fry), oyster okonomiyaki, or oyster hot pot (kaki-nabe). Hiroshima's oysters are prized for their sweet and briny flavor.

  
  

• Momiji Manju: Momiji Manju is a popular sweet treat in Hiroshima. These small cake-like pastries are shaped like maple leaves and filled with various flavors such as red bean paste, custard, chocolate, or matcha. They make for a delightful souvenir or snack.

Accommodations

There are several areas in Hiroshima that are convenient and offer a range of accommodations for travelers. Here are some of the best areas to consider for staying in Hiroshima:

• Hiroshima Station Area: Located near the city's main transportation hub, Hiroshima Station, this area offers easy access to trains, buses, and the Shinkansen (bullet train). It has a wide selection of hotels, ranging from budget options to upscale establishments. Staying here provides convenient transportation connections and access to nearby attractions.

• Peace Memorial Park Area: If you want to be close to the iconic Peace Memorial Park and Museum, consider staying in the area surrounding it. There are several hotels within walking distance, allowing you to easily explore the park and its surrounding monuments.

• Hondori Shopping Arcade: The Hondori Shopping Arcade area is a bustling and lively district, known for its shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It offers a range of accommodations, from business hotels to guesthouses, and is a great choice if you want to be in the heart of the city's shopping and dining scene.

• Miyajima Island: While not in the heart of Hiroshima city, Miyajima Island is a popular day trip destination and offers a unique experience. Staying overnight on the island allows you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere after day-trippers have left. There are ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and guesthouses available on the island.

• Kamiyacho/Nagarekawa: Kamiyacho and Nagarekawa are neighboring districts that offer a mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife. These areas are popular among locals and visitors alike, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. They offer a lively atmosphere and a range of hotel options.