Hiroshima is more than just a city of history—it’s a vibrant hub for shopping and dining, offering everything from modern shopping malls and local markets to traditional Hiroshima-style delicacies. Whether you’re looking for fashion, souvenirs, or a memorable meal, Hiroshima has plenty to offer.
Shopping in Hiroshima
Hondori Shopping Arcade
Location: Near Hondori Station, Naka Ward
One of Hiroshima’s most famous shopping streets, Hondori Arcade is a covered pedestrian street lined with fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, electronics stores, and casual eateries. It’s a great spot for finding trendy Japanese clothing, cosmetics, and local specialties.
- Don Quijote: A discount store with everything from snacks to cosmetics.
- Uniqlo & GU: Affordable Japanese fashion brands.
- Tsutaya Bookstore: A stylish spot with books, stationery, and a café.
Hiroshima PARCO
Location: Hondori area
A trendy shopping mall catering to fashion-conscious shoppers, Hiroshima PARCO offers everything from luxury brands to streetwear, cosmetics, and home goods. It’s a great place to find Japanese and international brands all under one roof.
Kamiyachō Area & SOGO Hiroshima
Location: Kamiyachō Station, Naka Ward
The Kamiyachō district is Hiroshima’s main commercial area, home to major department stores like SOGO Hiroshima, which offers high-end fashion, cosmetics, gourmet foods, and international brands. Nearby, you’ll also find Tokyu Hands, a popular store for DIY supplies, home goods, and unique gifts.
AEON Mall Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima Station area
A massive shopping complex with fashion, homeware, and a large supermarket, AEON Mall is great for families and those looking for a casual shopping experience. It also has a food court featuring local specialties like okonomiyaki and ramen.
Dining in Hiroshima
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki
Hiroshima is famous for its Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake layered with cabbage, pork, noodles, egg, and a rich, tangy sauce.
- Okonomi-mura (Okonomiyaki Village) – A multi-story building dedicated to okonomiyaki, featuring dozens of restaurants serving their own versions of the dish.
- Nagata-ya – One of Hiroshima’s most popular okonomiyaki restaurants, located near the Peace Park.
Hiroshima Oysters
Hiroshima is Japan’s largest producer of oysters, which can be enjoyed raw, grilled, fried, or served in hotpots.
- Kanawa Oyster Restaurant – A historic oyster restaurant with river views.
- Yakigaki no Hayashi (Miyajima Island) – Famous for its grilled oysters served on the half shell.
Tsukemen (Spicy Dipping Noodles)
Hiroshima’s take on tsukemen features cold noodles served with a spicy dipping sauce that you can adjust to your preferred heat level.
- Bakudan-ya – A well-known local chain serving Hiroshima-style tsukemen.
Hiroshima Ramen
Hiroshima’s unique shoyu-tonkotsu ramen combines a soy sauce base with rich pork broth.
- Shinzen – A local favourite serving Hiroshima-style ramen with a deep umami flavour.
Momiji Manju (Sweet Maple Leaf Cakes)
A must-try souvenir from Hiroshima, momiji manju are maple leaf-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste, custard, or matcha cream.
- Yamada-ya (Miyajima Island) – A famous shop known for freshly made momiji manju.
Nightlife & Izakayas
For a fun night out, Nagarekawa and Hatchobori districts are packed with izakayas (Japanese pubs), craft beer bars, and sake bars. Hiroshima’s local sake is well worth trying, and many bars offer sake tasting flights.
Hiroshima offers a fantastic mix of modern shopping and delicious dining experiences. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, indulging in local cuisine, or exploring lively nightlife spots, Hiroshima has something for everyone.