Although beer has always played a significant role in Japanese culture, microbreweries have only cropped up recently. This is because taxes had been prohibitively expensive for small brewers, but the laws changed in 1994. Finding craft beer shops nationwide, including in Hiroshima, is now possible.
What makes Beer Stand Shigetomi unique is how the beer is poured. The owner uses five methods, each giving the beer a different taste. Patrons can order up to two glasses, and they have 20 minutes total to finish their beverages. Since the beer shop is only open three days a week and you sometimes need to wait before you can enter, plan your visit in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on this experience.
Where: 10-12 Kanayamacho, Naka Ward (map)
Website: sake.jp
Open Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
At Hangout, you’ll find a wide selection of Japanese and international craft beers on tap and imported bottled and canned beers. Although it’s only a tiny place, the beer hall also offers a varied menu of meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan dishes — the hamburgers are particularly popular.
Where: 2-4-17 Warizukadori, Naka Ward (map)
Open Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday; 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays
If you want to try several craft beers, you can stay in the same beer hall all evening by visiting Raku Beer. Almost all the beer on tap is local — the wait staff can give you recommendations if you’re unsure what to choose. Pair your drinks with finger food or a full meal.
Where: 3-3 1F Mikawacho, Naka Ward (map)
Website: rakubeer.jugem.jp
Open Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on weekdays; 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays
At the Real Beer Style Golden Garden, you can choose between seven craft beers on tap from around the world and several types of canned and bottled beers. Since tap beers constantly change, you can come back several times and always have something new to drink. Although the prices are slightly higher than at some craft beer shops, you can take advantage of happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to spend less.
Where: 1 & 2F 2012 Shintenchi, Naka Ward (map)
Website: golden-garden.tv
Open Hours: 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day
In addition to their own brews (you’ll see the brewing tanks at the entrance when you walk in), Hiroshima Neighborly Brewing serves international beers on tap. The brewery is the perfect place to accompany a drink with a pre-or post-dinner snack.
Where: 1-5-10 Otemachi, Naka Ward (map)
Website: hnb.beer
Open Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day
If you’re a craft beer fan, you’ll love experiencing the different flavors at Hiroshima’s breweries, pubs, and beer halls. Pair your beer with delicious local food for a great evening out.
Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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