Hiroshima Street Food Guide: Taste the Authentic Flavors

If you were to visit Hiroshima, where would you begin your journey? Maybe with the Peace Memorial Park—a place that moves the heart. But just seven minutes from that iconic spot, a different kind of magic awaits: the unmistakable aroma of sizzling okonomiyaki, charcoal-grilled skewers, and the briny snap of fresh oysters.

This Hiroshima street food guide is your passport to the local flavors that rarely appear in tourist brochures. These are the dishes that locals crave and the corners of the city where real Hiroshima hospitality shines.

Why It’s Hard to Find Real Street Food in Hiroshima

Let’s be honest—finding authentic street food in Hiroshima isn’t as easy as it sounds. While some cities have food stalls lining every street, Hiroshima’s treasures are a bit more tucked away. Most tourists rely on big food halls or chain restaurants near the station. But if you're looking for genuine experiences—the kind shared between neighbors after work or made from recipes passed down generations—you’ll need a guide like this one.

Start Your Journey: Okonomiyaki at Katsura (Hondōri)

After spending time in Peace Memorial Park, walk 7 minutes north into Hondōri Shopping Arcade. Nestled between local shops, you’ll find Katsura, one of the most beloved okonomiyaki restaurants in the city.

• 📍 Address: 6-12 Hondōri, Naka-ku, Hiroshima

• 🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily

• 🚶 Access: 7-minute walk from Peace Memorial Park

• 💡 Local Tip: Sit at the counter to watch your okonomiyaki grilled right in front of you.

What makes Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki different? It’s layered—not mixed—with cabbage, pork, and noodles stacked and cooked into a crisp, golden pancake. Watching it made is part of the fun.

📍 Map Location of Katsura

Second Stop: Yakitori at Ukiwa by Chūgoku-Shinmachi Station

Craving something smoky and savory? Take a 3-minute walk east to Ukiwa Yakitori, a small stand just beside the quiet Chūgoku-Shinmachi Station. It's popular with locals finishing a day’s work.

• 📍 Address: Near Chūgoku-Shinmachi Station, Naka-ku

• 🕔 Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Weekdays only)

• 🍢 What to Try: Tsukune (chicken meatballs), negima (chicken with green onion)

Here, skewers are grilled over binchotan charcoal, giving each bite a signature smokiness. Order a cold beer, grab a stool, and strike up a conversation with a Hiroshima local—you might just learn about the next hidden gem.

Third Stop: Hiroshima Oysters at Kanawa (Inside Hiroshima Station)

Your final stop is just a short tram ride or 15-minute walk away: Kanawa Oyster Bar inside Hiroshima Station’s ekie dining area. It’s an upscale oyster specialist but still casual enough for travelers with backpacks and appetite.

• 📍 Address: ekie KITCHEN, Hiroshima Station

• 🕐 Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• 🦪 Must-Try: Raw oysters with ponzu, grilled oysters, and oyster rice

Hiroshima Bay is one of Japan’s top oyster farming regions. Kanawa has been serving them since 1948. The oysters are fresh, flavorful, and absolutely worth the visit.

🌐 Kanawa Official Website

Optional Stops: Bonus Street Bites

Still hungry? Here are a couple of extra stops you might enjoy if time allows:

• Micchan Sohonten (Hatchobori): Another Hiroshima okonomiyaki institution.

  • 📍 Address: 6-7 Hatchobori, Naka-ku

  • 🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

  • 🔥 Famous for: More sauce-heavy okonomiyaki

• Shintenchi Alley: A retro bar and snack street with grilled squid, takoyaki, and cheap sake.

  • 📍 5 minutes from Hondōri

  • 🕛 Open till midnight most nights

    
    

Suggested Walking Route (Map Included Below)

Here’s how to enjoy all these flavors in one walkable afternoon:

1. Peace Memorial Park

2. 🚶 Walk 7 minutes → Katsura Okonomiyaki

3. 🚶 Walk 3 minutes → Ukiwa Yakitori

4. 🚋 Tram or 🚶 walk 15 minutes → Kanawa Oyster Bar (Hiroshima Station)

Why I Love Hiroshima (And Why You Will Too)

Hiroshima is often associated with its past—and rightfully so. But what surprised me most when I first visited was the warmth of its people, the pride in its food, and the quiet joy of wandering its streets in search of something delicious.

The food here isn't just about taste—it's about connection. Every bite tells a story: of resilience, of tradition, and of a city that has rebuilt itself beautifully and boldly. That's why I made this Hiroshima street food guide—to help you taste that story for yourself.

Let’s Connect in the Comments!

Are you planning a trip to Hiroshima? Have a favorite street snack I didn’t mention?Leave a comment below—I read every one and love chatting with fellow travelers. Whether you're looking for vegetarian options, budget tips, or hidden food stalls, I’m here to help.

Your insights might even be featured in the next update of this guide!