Hiroshima's Vibrant Nightlife: Bars, Izakayas, and Karaoke
Hiroshima, renowned for its significant historical past and resilient spirit, offers more than just a glimpse into its rich history. As the sun sets, Hiroshima's vibrant nightlife comes alive, showcasing an array of bars, izakayas, and karaoke spots that cater to locals and tourists alike.
Whether you want to enjoy a craft beer, sing your heart out, or indulge in local delicacies, Hiroshima's nightlife has something for everyone.
Best Bars in Hiroshima
Wonderful Joke Bar
Excellent Wonderful Joke Bar in Hiroshima is a quirky and vibrant spot known for its eclectic rock and roll-themed decor and free karaoke. This small but lively bar in the Nagarekawa district offers a great atmosphere with red-painted walls, metal tables, and band posters, creating a unique and energetic environment.
Patrons can enjoy a variety of inventive cocktails and reasonably priced beers while singing along to a wide selection of songs on the karaoke machine, all at no additional charge.
Molly Malone's
Molly Malone's is an authentic Irish pub in the heart of Hiroshima's nightlife district, near Hiroshima Station. It offers a warm and lively atmosphere, with live Irish music and a great selection of Guinness and other beers.
Known for its welcoming environment, this pub is a favorite among locals and ex-pats, making it a must-visit spot in Hiroshima. Enjoy hearty pub fare, catch up on international sports, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture that Molly Malone's has to offer.
Bar Alegre
In Hiroshima's vibrant Nagarekawa district, Bar Alegre is a hidden gem known for its refined atmosphere and skilled bartenders. This popular spot offers an extensive drink menu, making it a favorite among locals and tourists.
The bar is celebrated for its creative cocktails, prepared by a national prize-winning bartender, adding to the unique experience of Hiroshima's nightlife.
Explore Hiroshima's vibrant nightlife with a local guide on a bar-hopping food tour.
Mac Bar
Mac Bar is a cozy and intimate establishment located on the third floor of the Borabora Building in Tatemachi. Known for its extensive music collection of over 6000 CDs and numerous vinyl records, the bar offers a unique and nostalgic atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quiet evening with friends.
The walls are lined with wood strips, giving it a warm and inviting feel, while the bar's friendly owners, Yuri and Boku, add to its welcoming vibe. Whether you're a music enthusiast or just looking for a relaxed spot to unwind, Mac Bar is a must-visit in Hiroshima.
Raku Beer
Raku Beer, located in the heart of Hiroshima near the PARCO department store, is a standout spot for craft beer enthusiasts. This Japanese Craft Beer Café offers 15 taps featuring a rotating selection of craft beers from all over Japan, including rare finds like Oyster Stout and Miso Lager.
The atmosphere is relaxed, and they serve beer-inspired dishes such as Weizen Mussels and Beer-Stewed Beef, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy local brews.
Beer Gardens
During the warmer months, Hiroshima's beer gardens provide a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a cold beer under the stars. These beer gardens, often on the rooftops of large department stores and hotels, offer a unique and enjoyable experience.
Popular spots include the rooftop beer garden at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Hiroshima, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city, and the beer garden at the Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima, known for its elegant indoor setting for year-round enjoyment regardless of weather conditions. These venues typically feature all-you-can-eat food buffets and a wide variety of drinks, making them a perfect place to relax and socialize during the summer evenings.
Best Izakayas in Hiroshima
Local Izakaya on Yagenbori Street
Yagenbori Street in Hiroshima is a bustling area renowned for its vibrant selection of izakayas. This street is lined with numerous izakayas, each offering a variety of delicious local dishes and a friendly, inviting atmosphere.
Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, traditional Japanese comfort foods, or an assortment of sake and shochu, Yagenbori Street provides an authentic taste of Hiroshima's rich culinary culture.
Nagarekawa Street Izakayas
Nagarekawa Street is a bustling area in Hiroshima known for its vibrant nightlife, housing many popular izakayas. This neon-lit district offers a wide range of izakayas where you can savor fresh seafood and enjoy a variety of sake, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists to unwind and experience the local food culture.
Dive into an exciting evening adventure in Hiroshima with us!
Izakayas near Butsudan Street
Izakayas near Butsudan Street in Hiroshima offers an intimate dining experience focusing on traditional Japanese grilled dishes and beverages. These hidden gems are perfect for enjoying a cozy evening with local sake and expertly prepared small plates, making them a top choice for those seeking an authentic taste of Hiroshima's nightlife.
Machiya Street Izakayas
Machiya Street is a culinary treasure trove where visitors can find izakayas serving Hiroshima specialties. This area is renowned for its delectable okonomiyaki and the distinctive Onomichi ramen, offering an authentic taste of local cuisine.
Where to Karaoke in Hiroshima and Tips
Karaoke Kan on Ebisu Street
Karaoke Kan on Ebisu Street is one of Hiroshima's most popular karaoke venues. It offers a variety of private rooms perfect for groups.
Known for its extensive song selection in multiple languages, it provides a fun and intimate experience for friends and family to enjoy singing together.
Big Echo near Hiroshima Station
Big Echo, located near Hiroshima Station, is celebrated for its extensive song selection, ensuring that Japanese and international music lovers can find their favorites. High-quality sound systems and private rooms offer an excellent environment for an enjoyable karaoke experience.
Shidax in the Nagarekawa District
Shidax is a prominent karaoke chain known for its themed rooms and an extensive menu of food and drink options. Located in Hiroshima's bustling Nagarekawa District, it provides a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for karaoke enthusiasts, ensuring the party continues late into the night.
Tips to Have an Unforgettable Night in Hiroshima
Explore Nagarekawa District: Known as Hiroshima's central entertainment hub, Nagarekawa District is filled with vibrant bars, clubs, and izakayas, where you can experience the local nightlife at its best.
Visit an Izakaya: To experience Hiroshima's culinary delights, try local dishes and drinks at an izakaya on Yagenbori Street or Nagarekawa Street.
Sing at a Karaoke Bar: Head to Shidax or Big Echo in the Nagarekawa District to enjoy themed karaoke rooms and a wide selection of songs. It's fun to spend the evening with friends.
Enjoy Local Beverages: Savor craft beers at Raku Beer or try Hiroshima's famous sake and highball cocktails made with Hiroshima lemon.
Indulge in the rich flavours and culture of Hiroshima's sake legacy.
Walk Along Hondori Shopping Street: This bustling pedestrian street is excellent for evening shopping and has many eateries where you can grab a late-night bite.
Relax in a Beer Garden: During the summer, visit one of Hiroshima's beer gardens for a refreshing drink under the stars. They often have great views and a lively atmosphere.
Attend a Live Music Event: Many bars and clubs in Hiroshima offer live music performances, with music ranging from jazz to rock, providing an energetic backdrop for your night out.
Try Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: This local specialty is available at popular spots like Okonomi-mura. It's a savory pancake with noodles, vegetables, and various toppings.
Visit a Hostess Club: For a unique experience, visit one of Hiroshima's hostess clubs, where you can enjoy conversations and drinks with the hostesses in an upscale setting.
Use Public Transport: Hiroshima's trams and buses are convenient and run late into the night, making it easy to get around the city safely.
How to Get Around Hiroshima
Hiroshima Electric Railway: The streetcar system, known as Hiroden, is a convenient way to travel around the city, with stops near significant nightlife areas.
Buses: Hiroshima's bus network covers the city extensively, making it easy to get to and from various nightlife spots.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available and a good option for late-night travel, especially if you've been drinking.
Walking: Many nightlife areas, such as Nagarekawa and Yagenbori, are within walking distance of each other, allowing you to explore the city's vibrant nightlife on foot.
Embrace Hiroshima's Nightlife Spirit
Hiroshima's nightlife is a testament to the city's resilient and vibrant spirit, not just that it is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site. From bustling bars and cozy izakayas to lively karaoke spots, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether a local or a tourist, exploring Hiroshima's nightlife is an experience you will want to experience. So grab a drink, sing a song, and immerse yourself in this remarkable city's lively evening atmosphere.
Embark on a compelling journey through the vibrant streets of Hiroshima.
FAQs
Where to meet people in Hiroshima?
Joining local clubs and organizations, such as language exchange groups, cultural clubs, or sports teams, is a great way to make friends in Hiroshima.
Is Hiroshima tourist friendly?
Hiroshima boasts a wide range of excellent hotels, and its well-organized attractions make it highly accessible and welcoming to tourists.
Is Hiroshima close to Tokyo?
Located over 800 km (497 mi) away from Tokyo, Hiroshima's distance can deter some potential travelers. However, it shouldn't, as the cities are efficiently connected by the high-speed Shinkansen railway, the highlight of Japan's train system.
Is Hiroshima dark tourism?
Japan is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, which is distracted by World War II, a renowned destination for dark tourism.
Is Hiroshima City closer to Kyoto or Osaka?
Hiroshima city is just 1 hour and 42 minutes away from Kyoto via the fastest shinkansen (bullet train). From Osaka, the journey is even shorter, taking only 1 hour and 33 minutes.
Does Hiroshima have a good nightlife?
Hiroshima nightlife offers a vibrant and diverse, experience with numerous bars, izakayas, and karaoke spots catering to locals and tourists.
