GET AHEAD OF THE TREND: 10 HIDDEN GEMS IN HIROSHIMA

Arigato Travel offers two distinct tours that introduce Hiroshima’s specialty dishes and sake, focusing on the city center and the historic Saijo area. From the iconic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki to the city’s poignant history and efforts toward world peace, Hiroshima is rich with unique stories. Truly learning everything about this region could take thousands of hours; Therefore, at Arigato Travel, we’ve been thinking about how to convey Hiroshima’s charm in a short amount of time. As a result, many people have joined our tours, leaving excellent reviews, which brings a smile to our faces.

Our tours are ideal for those who don’t speak Japanese, have limited transportation, or are on a tight schedule. Furthermore, we regularly update our blog to help customers explore Japan more deeply. In this post, we aren’t just introducing popular city locations; we are sharing 10 lovely hidden gems around Hiroshima to expand your travel horizons!

Obscura Coffee

Founded by three owners, two of whom are from Hiroshima, the company has established three coffee shops in Tokyo and two in Hiroshima. A standout feature of this roastery is their hands-on approach; they personally visit coffee farms across Africa, South America, and Central America. Moreover, they carefully communicate with the producers, as they believe that the cultivation methods and the people behind them significantly influence the taste of coffee. By fostering strong relationships with the farmers, they also prioritize quality and discussions for improvement, aiming to bring out the beans’ best characteristics and craft each drink with care.

Their espresso is great, with a smooth blend of bitterness and a soothing aroma, especially when mixed with creamy milk, and their lattes are popular among women for their delicate flavor. Even if you’re not a coffee person, don’t hesitate to try their “Coffee of the Day” or ask the staff for recommendations. Exploring and finding your favorite coffee beans will definitely be an enjoyable experience.

For those visiting Hiroshima during the summer season, I highly recommend trying their Affogato! They pour rich espresso over ice cream, and it is a refreshing treat that truly highlights an appreciation for food, especially on super-hot days in Japan. Sourcing its unique personality from its various producers, each bean is carefully handled by Obscura Coffee, enhancing its distinct sweetness and aroma. Even if you’re not a coffee lover, I encourage you to try their drinks.

Address: Japan, 〒730-0035 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Hondori, 3−1 キャラ・ウェーブ

Website: https://obscura-coffee.com/shop/#hiroshima

Taros Brewery

TAROS Brewing, established in Hiroshima City in January 2023, focuses on combining ingredients to produce high-quality original beers. They hope that beer will not only be for special occasions but a part of daily life. The pub “Hangout” is attached to the brewery, and offers freshly brewed beers along with a variety of food, including salads, ten different burgers, and a multitude of meat options. The concept of a playground inspired the name, and fittingly, Hangout invites everyone to casually visit and enjoy themselves as a local hangout spot in Hiroshima.

Here’s a quick list of their most popular beer:

SUCKER PUNCH: A sour ale with a maple, cinnamon, and vanilla aroma inspired by the flavors of apple pie. As the name suggests, you can enjoy a burst of sourness that feels like a sucker punch.

GREED: This IPA has a scent of mango, pineapple, vanilla, and coconut with a tropical tang to it that will bring you joy during the summer season.

REVERBERATION: This beer offers a floral aroma from Sabro along with notes of Galaxy’s passion fruit and peach. It has a bit of sweetness, a tinge of bitterness, and a refreshing taste, making it an enjoyable beer that won’t leave you bored.

SHANGRI-LA: This hazy IPA takes inspiration from Asian scents. The bouquet of lemongrass complements the lingering fragrance of coconut, making it a delicious beer.

INVERSION #2: With a mild alcohol content of 4.5%, this beer has a vibrant aroma, making you feel like you can enjoy glass after glass. It’s crafted in the West Coast Pilsner style, aiming to pair well with meals. The fragrance of pear, passion fruit, and peach, along with a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness, makes it crazy good.

SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE: To celebrate the first anniversary of Brewing, SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE was made with cocoa shells used in the homemade chocolate at Pub and Bar PIC in Fukuro-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, and Tonka beans from Brazil and vanilla beans. With an alcohol content of 9%, be careful not to get drunk too quickly; it’s pretty sweet!

Address: 〒730-0802 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Honkawacho, 2 Chome−4−17 1階

Website: https://tarosbrewing.com/

Nekoya Yokocho Building

Nekoya-cho Building is a newly opened small facility that has offered “eating, working, and refreshing” experiences since September 23, 2023. The first floor is a comfortable dining space consisting of four shops: Sha-shokudo, a cafeteria concept for employees and the community; Yacone, craft ice cream produced by Ai Yoshida; Tsukanto, a unique style of offering tonkatsu and natural wine; and finally, Sibire, specializing in spicy cuisine and charcoal-grilled dishes.

On the second floor, there’s a gallery and event space that serves as a hub for cultural activities, conveying themes through exhibitions, events, and sometimes even a restaurant. In addition, various fascinating workshops are held for those who may be interested in participating.

The fifth floor is the “Hiki Stargazing Sauna,” a rare semi-outdoor sauna where you can enjoy views of the sky and a small garden. On rainy days, it gives a surreal experience with rain pouring into the room. Moreover, the facility has amenities such as face towels, body soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hair dryers, so you can visit without bringing anything. While food and drinks are prohibited, swimsuits and tattoos are allowed here. Reservations must be made by 9:00 PM the day before, so please book in advance. On the rooftop of the building, there’s a “never-complete garden,” which aims to foster a small forest where the city and nature coexist harmoniously. Spending time here will allow you to disconnect from the worries of the outside world and immerse yourself in a sense of pure tranquility.

Address: 8-17 Nekoyacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0852

Website: https://www.nekoya-cho.jp/

Taishu Sakaba Sawayaka Yokogawa

Next is Taishu Sakaba Sawayaka, a popular izakaya located just outside the north exit of Yokogawa Station. This recommendation is from a local Hiroshima girl who is also a friend of mine! They offer a nostalgic atmosphere along with delicious food and drinks. Their signature item is the Lemon Sour, made with local lemons from Osaki-shimozima Island’s “Sueoka Shinkaen,” which are known for having no wax or preservatives, ensuring you can enjoy it with peace of mind. Hiroshima is famous for its lemons, so be sure to give them a try!

In addition to the Lemon Sour, Taishu Sakaba Sawayaka offers a lot of food that pairs well with drinks, including yakitori, robatayaki, and deep-fried dishes. Among them, the meat-wrapped lettuce is particularly delicious and often sells out quickly. It’s said that the perfect balance of saltiness and crispness makes it the ideal accompaniment to drinks.

Since it’s a beloved spot among locals, making a reservation is a good idea just in case. For those who don’t speak Japanese, you can easily make a reservation online through this link! If you’re visiting with three or more people on a weekday, you can order the Beef Tongue Shabu-Shabu course for around $30 per person. Also, the two-hour all-you-can-drink option is included. It’s well worth it, especially since tipping is not required in Japan!

Address: 〒730-0011 Hiroshima, Nishi Ward, Yokogawacho, 3 Chome−2−2JR 横川駅北口

Website: https://www.facebook.com/SawayaYokogawa/?paipv=0&eav=Afax73DjK7sIMPQdrMTQHkT6TKP_jO8SiwrnXlr46b2Urvm_noBK9Ij9bfIbXT9IzwA&_rdr

Suzuhari Sou

Suzuhari-so is a guesthouse with open-air baths located in Asakita Ward, Hiroshima City, which uses 100% natural spring water that flows directly into it. The water is gentle and effective in helping with various conditions, such as skin disorders, neuralgia, cold sensitivity, and fatigue recovery. For detailed information about the hot springs, please check out this blog.

Furthermore, Suzuhari-so offers a refreshing environment where you can experience relaxation in nature and enjoy seasonal views. With an “Irori” (sunken hearth), it becomes a space where families can gather for warmth and conversation. Irori is a piece of equipment used for heating, cooking, and boiling water, typically placed on wood or tatami floors. Since guests need to bring their own food and drinks, it’s a good idea to review this blog beforehand and learn more about the Irori!

There are both overnight stays and day trip options available, but the recommended plan is the former, seeing as weekday rates are 25,000 yen (165$), while weekends and holidays are 30,000 yen (198$). This rate is for up to five people, with an additional 1,000 yen (6$) charge for each additional guest. It’s a great opportunity for groups or family trips to experience Japanese culture affordably.

Address: Suzuhari-1545 Asacho, Asakita Ward, Hiroshima, 731-1141

Website: https://www.suzuharisou.com/

B-local Hiroshima

Here, let me introduce B-local and B-hotel Hiroshima, which offer a new style of hotel experience called “live like a local.” These frontless hotels in Hiroshima provide more than just a place to sleep. Particularly, B-local is an experiential form of accommodation that transforms old traditional houses into vacation rentals. Currently, there are 10 locations in Hiroshima, each offering a different concept. For example, in the Kurahashi Island area, the catchphrase “have the sea and sky all to yourself. It’s a waste of time to stay indoors. This place will surely become the center of your life” rings true, as you’ll be living next to the beautiful sea and sky.

Furthermore, at “Kurasu Hayase” in Ondo Town, known for its oyster production, you can enjoy activities like BBQ, bonfires, and fishing, making it a nice environment even for families with young children. You can fully experience the culture of traditional Japanese houses while blending into the town’s lifestyle.

These private resorts, where you can experience the amazing autumn leaves, summer sea, and green forest while living like a local, will be a novel change of pace. Exploring the central tourist spots of Hiroshima is good, but I highly recommend this opportunity for those who want to learn about the culture and lifestyle of Hiroshima Prefecture itself. Their villas are beautifully designed and perfect for group trips, so make sure to check them out on Instagram or Facebook. Moreover, some staff members speak English, so feel free to consult with them for reservations!

b-hotel Website: https://www.b-hotel.jp/

b-hotel Address: 2-10 Nekoyacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0852 (There are 7 of them in Hiroshima!)

b-local Website: https://linktr.ee/bhotelhiroshima

b-local Address: 4311番7 Kurahashicho, Kure, Hiroshima 737-1377 (There are 10 of them in Hiroshima!)

RIVA

Although prices are a bit higher, RIVA is a must-visit spot for those who want to enjoy Hiroshima’s local cuisine and sake. They don’t offer individual menus; instead providing course meals that change monthly. These course meals range from 6,600 yen to 11,000 yen (approximately 43 USD to 73 USD), and for an additional 3,900 yen (26 USD), you can get a 90-minute all-you-can-drink plan featuring Hiroshima sake and other types of alcoholic beverages. If you’re an alcohol lover, I suggest trying out every type of sake!

One of the charms of their course meals is the opportunity to taste various seasonal dishes in small portions. RIVA prepares local cuisine in a new style according to monthly events and festivals. Additionally, for children in elementary school and younger, they offer a special menu with white rice and Wagyu beef dishes, but you can also choose from their individual options.

When you enter, you’ll find a Japanese confectionery shop, and if you proceed inside, the restaurant reveals itself. For the finale of the course, you’re served wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and matcha, making it a special presentation. At RIVA, where the blessings of the Seto Inland Sea show themselves, please enjoy the sophisticated and calming atmosphere. Please don’t forget to make a reservation for the course!

Address: 1-17 Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0034

Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/riva/hiroshima#/

Lemon Ravine

As mentioned before, Hiroshima is famous for its lemons. Lemon cultivation in Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, began in the Meiji era, and by 1963, it became the largest lemon-producing region in Japan, boasting a production volume of approximately 900 tons. As a result, this valley came to be known as the “Lemon Ravine.” Countless lemon trees planted in the Lemon Ravine bloom with flowers in early summer, bear green fruits in summer and autumn, and turn yellow from winter to spring. The best viewing times are during the flower season in mid-May and from October onward. By the end of December, the contrast between the blue sea and sky, green leaves, and yellow lemons is incredibly beautiful, making it perfect for stunning photographs. If you plan to travel around Hiroshima, be sure to savor this magnificent view.

Address: Setodacho Tarumi, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-2404

Website: https://dive-hiroshima.com/explore/390/

Red Soba no Sato (red buckwheat flower field)

Next on the list is the rare red buckwheat flower field, found in the Higashi Yawatabara area of Hiroshima prefecture, located near the border with Shimane prefecture, at an elevation of 800 meters. This spot is perfect for those on a driving trip! In September, you can take in the breathtaking sight of red buckwheat flowers in full bloom. While ordinary soba flowers are white, the “Takane Ruby 2011” is exceptionally rare with its red color. The red soba is attributed to anthocyanins, a polyphenol known for its immune-boosting properties.

In addition, the blooming fields of red flowers offer a nice opportunity for photography, but please be careful not to step on the flowers. As a side note, there’s a donation box for environmental maintenance at the entrance, and any contribution you’re able to make will be much appreciated, as it helps the local community maintain the field and ensure the continuation of delicious soba production. Typically, the flower peak is around mid-September, and the red soba harvest begins in late October after the autumn festival. However, since there’s no official website for updates, it’s best to check this Facebook page or Google reviews for accurate information.

Address: Higashiyawatabara, Kitahiroshima, Yamagata District, Hiroshima 731-2551

Kario Chaya

It is located about 2 km from the red buckwheat flower field, where you can taste soba made directly from the fields. Kario Chaya put effort into the milling method for the aroma and smoothness of the soba. They also use Hon-wasabi, unique to the local and seasonal vegetables, for their tempura, valuing the flavors of the region. Their rich and slightly sweet broth perfectly complements the soba, making it a dish that will leave customers endlessly happy. The menu includes *Morisoba (盛そば), *Kakesoba (かけそば), Tempura Morisoba (天ぷら盛そば), and Tempura Kakesoba (天ぷらかけそば). As a side note, extra-large sizes are only available on weekdays. Their specialty black bean rice balls (黒豆むすび) are often sold out, so consider yourself lucky if you manage to buy them. When ordering, use the vending machine and select your items using the buttons. Make sure to have cash ready!

Unfortunately, due to snowfall, they are closed during the winter months, so plan your visit between April and December. They are also closed on Tuesdays, with the last order at 3:00 PM. I highly recommend experiencing this rare and healthy red soba in Hiroshima!

*Kake soba is hot soba soup noodles, and Morisoba is chilled buckwheat noodles on a dish.

Address: 119-1 Higashiyawatabara, Kitahiroshima, Yamagata District, Hiroshima 731-2551

Website: https://www.facebook.com/kario.chaya/

Hiroshima offers an abundance of culinary delights and cultural experiences that are waiting to be explored. Arigato Travel’s tours provide the perfect opportunity to delve into the city’s traditional dishes and sake culture, guided by experts who guarantee a memorable journey. Whether you’re short on time or seeking to discover hidden gems, Arigato Travel supports you by writing blogs on all interests and preferences.

Featured Photo Credit: ぴーうさ

If you’re looking to explore Hiroshima, join our Best of Hiroshima and Saijo Sake Town Tours to experience the essence of the city and create unforgettable memories!