I’m Board Stiff! Board Games to Cure Boredom in Hiroshima

Jan 27, 2022

I’m Board Stiff! Board Games to Cure Boredom in Hiroshima

Japan offers a host of outdoor activities that make us feel wonder, introspection, and excitement. But what can you do on those dreary rainy days? How about heading to a cozy spot with a few family members or friends and spending a relaxing day playing some board games? Roll the dice and take a chance at Board Game Coast, Hiroshima’s board game café.

Where is This Café Located?

The café is in the Naka ward, across the river from the Hiroshima Peace Park. It is a two-minute walk from Fukuromachi station or a five-minute walk from Hondori station, meaning it’s easily accessible via public transportation. However, you should be aware that there are no parking spaces.

Email: info@coast-bgcafe.com
Address: 2-6-21 Ōtemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima (map link)

Opening Times: Weekdays 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; weekends and holidays 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays — if Monday is a holiday, it will be closed the following day
Website: https://www.coast-bgcafe.com/
Telephone: 080-8446-1904

How Do I Play? And What’s Available?

The café boasts hundreds of games (more than 500 at the time of writing), including many from overseas. To help you explore the possibilities before you arrive, the café has partnered with a website to provide a searchable list, which you can find here.

Once you’ve found a game you like, a little search engine magic usually procures the rules for the game. Of course, this may not be possible for every single board game in the catalog. For games like Monopoly, where you need to draw cards and change your actions based on what the cards say, you may need to rely on image translation technology.

Another way to find games to play is to ask. The staff love introducing board games to people of all experience levels and ages. This is a great way to find new games that require little explanation, meaning you can start playing immediately.

In addition, bringing your own board games to the café is fine!

Look, Monopoly Gets Me Quite Hungry…

The café has a drinks menu and allows you to bring food inside — although the website notes to please be considerate about bringing any foods that may have a strong smell.

Where to Buy Board Games in Hiroshima

If you discover a game you love while playing at Board Game Coast, you might like to purchase it while you’re in Hiroshima. That way, you can play at home whenever you like, perhaps during a board game evening with friends. You may also like to purchase any old favorites that Board Game Coast doesn’t have to bring them along with you. The good news is there are a couple stores specializing in board games, meaning you should be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Playspace

For board games you won’t find just anywhere, head to Playspace. In addition to board, card, and dice games, you can pick up accessories to replace missing parts for your games. Since the shop is small, it’s best to call or check the website before you go if you want something specific.

Address: Matsuoka Building 101, 2-2-10, Ōtemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima (map link)

Opening Times: Weekdays 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.ps-hiroshima.com

Yellow Submarine Hiroshima

Although technically a hobby store, Yellow Submarine Hiroshima has a wide variety of all kinds of games, including a selection of board games and tactical role-playing games on the first floor.

Address: 1-5-15, Ōtemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima (map link)

Opening Times: Weekdays 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; weekends 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Website: www.yellowsubmarine.co.jp/

Board Game Recommendations

I personally love Blokus. It is a delightfully simple game — you can learn the rules in under a minute — and has the potential to become quite competitive.

For those bringing children around the age of five or so, I highly recommend Toddles-Bobbles Green. This game revolves around putting names to faces and lets your child’s creativity shine.

We hope this gives you another great option for how to spend a rainy weekend. If you do end up going to Board Game Coast, let us know what you played and who won in the comments below!

Image: https://www.coast-bgcafe.com/