🏮 Hiroshima Yokocho Secrets: A Nighttime Folk Stage in the Atomic Bomb City

Hello fellow travelers! Today, I'd like to take you to Hiroshima Yokocho, a unique food street in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City.
This isn't just a foodie spot; it's a place to experience Hiroshima's nightlife. This short street embodies Hiroshima's signature snacks, izakaya culture, and local hospitality . If you've experienced the weight of history during the day at the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, then visiting Hiroshima Yokocho at night will allow you to witness Hiroshima's "alive other side"—lively, warm, filled with laughter, and the aroma of delicious food. 🍶

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📍 Where is Hiroshima Yokocho?

• Location: Located in Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City , very close to Hatchobori shopping district and Hondori shopping street.
• It's about a 5-minute walk from **Hiroshima Electric Railway Hatchobori Station** or **Konomachi Station**.
• Because it is right in the city center, it is most convenient to have dinner here after shopping or visiting attractions.

When I first came here, I thought it was unremarkable when I passed by during the day. But when I visited again at night, the lanterns were lit and the stalls were all open. The whole street instantly became very lively. It was a microcosm of Hiroshima's nightlife!

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🏮History and background of Hiroshima Yokocho

1. A microcosm of postwar reconstruction

• The birth of Hiroshima Yokocho, like Yokocho in other cities in Japan, originated from the black market culture after World War II.
• At that time, in order to provide citizens with a place to eat and gather, many vendors gathered in narrow alleys, gradually forming Yokocho.

2. Modern transformation

• As the city develops, Hiroshima Yokocho is no longer just a temporary market for the common people, but has become a planned food street with a nostalgic atmosphere.
• Today, Hiroshima Yokocho is home to more than 50 small shops , offering everything from traditional izakayas to creative cuisine.

3. Meaning of the name

• "Yokochō" in Japanese usually refers to a narrow alley, symbolizing common people's culture and human touch.
• Hiroshima Yokocho is known as the "night living room of Hiroshima citizens."

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🌆 Hiroshima Yokocho's unique atmosphere

1. Nostalgic street scene lit up by lanterns 🏮

• The narrow streets are filled with red lanterns and handwritten signs, which are reminiscent of the Showa era.
• Each shop is small and cozy, with only a few seats at the bar, and the atmosphere is super intimate.

2. Locals and tourists mingle 🍻

• Hiroshima office workers come here to drink and chat after get off work.
• Tourists come to experience Hiroshima's nightlife and often interact with locals at the same table.

3. A diverse blend of cuisines 🍲

• There are not only Japanese cuisine, but also Korean and Italian restaurants, and even creative cuisine that incorporates Hiroshima characteristics.
• I feel like this is a "condensed version of Hiroshima cuisine."

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🍲 Must-try food in Hiroshima Yokocho

Speaking of Hiroshima Yokocho, I personally think the most charming thing about it is the "eating while walking" experience. Here are a few must-try dishes:

1. Hiroshima ware (お好み焼き)🥢

• Hiroshima's number one specialty! Layers of noodles, vegetables, and pork, topped with a sweet and savory sauce.
• The ingredients vary from shop to shop, and some even add oysters or cheese.

2. Hiroshima Oysters

• Hiroshima is Japan's largest oyster producing area.
• Grilled oysters, fried oysters, and oyster hot pot can all be found in Yokocho.
• My favorite is charcoal grilled oysters, which are so sweet and juicy and super healing.

3. Izakaya Classic Skewers 🍢

• Chicken skewers, pork belly skewers, and vegetable skewers are all full of the aroma of charcoal fire.
• Many restaurants also offer "Hiroshima-style" seasonings, such as citrus juice or special sauces.

4. Oden and side dishes 🍲

• Radish, konjac and fish cakes soaked in clear soup warm both the stomach and the heart.
• It goes best with sake or shochu.

5. Local sake and shochu

• Hiroshima is famous for its sake, especially the sake produced in the Saijo area.
• The editor recommends ordering a glass of Hiroshima local sake to experience the local flavor.

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🎉 How to experience Hiroshima Yokocho

1. Wine Tour 🍺

• It is recommended to order only one glass of wine and one dish at each restaurant, and then slowly move on to the next one.
• This way you can experience the atmosphere and characteristics of different stores.

2. Chat with the boss 🤝

• Many bosses are very talkative and will take the initiative to introduce dishes or share stories about Hiroshima.
• I once accidentally learned the secret of oyster cooking by asking, "How do you make this dish?"

3. Take photos and check in 📸

• When the red lanterns are lit at night, the street scenes are super good for taking pictures.
• But be careful not to disturb guests who are dining.

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🚆 Transportation

• Hiroshima Electric Railway Hatchobori Station : Approximately a 5-minute walk.
• Hiroshima Electric Railway "Konomachi Station" : About a 5-minute walk.
• It's about a 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, making the itinerary very convenient.

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💡 Editor's Tips

1. Best time : The busiest time is after 6pm.
2. Fewer people are better : 2 to 3 people are most suitable because the store is small.
3. Mainly cash : Some small shops do not accept credit cards, so it is recommended to bring Japanese yen.
4. Avoid peak hours : Weekend evenings are the busiest, while weekdays are more relaxed.
5. Alcohol control : There are many small shops in Yokocho, and it is easy to drink too much. The editor recommends drinking in moderation so that you have the energy to visit more.

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🌌 Summary: The charm of Hiroshima Yokocho

Although Hiroshima Yokocho is not as well-known as its counterparts in Tokyo or Osaka, it is the best place to experience the culture and culinary specialties of Hiroshima's common people .
Here, you can eat authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki, the freshest oysters, drink local sake, chat and toast with the locals, and experience the most authentic Hiroshima night.

I feel that Hiroshima Yokocho is the "heart of Hiroshima's nightlife."
If Hiroshima during the day is a symbol of history and peace, then Hiroshima Yokocho at night is a symbol of laughter, the aroma of wine, and the warmth of the common people. Next time you visit Hiroshima, don't miss this unforgettable little street! 🍻✨