Dec 25, 2022
Hiroshima’s Wonderful Oyster Huts and Bars
For those of us who are used to the creature comforts of central heating, double-paned windows, and insulated buildings, winter in Japan – where none of these is the standard – can be uncomfortable at times. Fortunately, there are a few things that can make up for it. In Hiroshima, one of these is that winter means oyster season.
The Japan Inland Sea provides most of the nation’s kaki (oysters). There are amazing spots around Hiroshima where you can enjoy this delicacy. What’s more, fried, grilled, steamed, and – less common than you might expect – raw, they won’t cost an arm and a leg as they might back home.
Hiroshima Oyster Road
Starting with just ten small restaurants in 2010, Hiroshima Oyster Road has since more than doubled in size. It groups together some of the best seasonal oyster shacks along the Inland Sea coast. As all the establishments have some connection to the oyster farms in the area. High quality is a guarantee.
These oyster huts are open between mid-October and late May. With 1,500 yen, you’ll get a kilo of fresh, unshucked oysters. There are three huts in Hiroshima — you can find the details on the Oyster Road website.
Oyster Bar Maibu Namiki
With a winning combination of fresh oysters and a lively atmosphere, Oyster Bar Mabui is a great casual restaurant. In particular, it’s ideal for sampling the variety of ways oysters are served in Hiroshima.
The most popular choice on the menu is likely the tasting platter, which has a selection of different types of oysters, served either raw (with various sauces), grilled, or fried. Whether you sit at the counter or enjoy your oysters with friends at a table, you’ll have a fun night out.
Where: 3-12 Karl Building 1F, Mikawacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima (map)
Website: r.gnavi.co.jp/y516601
Kakikoya Ujina
One of the best ways to enjoy Hiroshima’s oysters is grilled. That’s precisely how they – or rather, you – do it at Kakikoya Ujina. For just 1,000 yen, you’ll receive a kilo of oysters that you can chuck on your grill and cook for yourself.
As well as oysters, you can choose from various other seafood options, including scallops, clams, and shrimp. There are also meat, vegetable, and rice dishes available.
Where: 1 Ujinakaigan, Minami-ku, Hiroshima-shi (map)
Website: hiroshima-oyster.com
Miyajima Omotesando
The beautiful island of Miyajima is rightly proud of many things, but one of the highlights has to be the pure joy that is the oyster stalls along Omotesando shopping street. Predominantly kaki furai (fried oysters), these little stalls sell oysters individually, by the plate or by the half shell. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a frothy beer after a day of sightseeing.
Where: 535 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima (map)
Kanawa Oyster Boat
What could be a better way to enjoy oysters than out on the water in a floating restaurant? Kanawa Oyster Boat is located across from the Peace Memorial Park, meaning you have great views of Hiroshima and the waterfront. The experience does come at a higher price than at many restaurants, though. The set price menu is 12,000 yen, which includes appetizers, grilled, fried, tempura oysters, apple and oyster gratin, and oyster hot pot. For a more budget option, you could opt for raw oysters and sparkling wine, which costs 1,500 yen.
Where: 1 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima (map)
Shimada Fisheries Oyster Hut
For the freshest possible oysters, try Shimada Fisheries Oyster Hut. The restaurant is connected to an oyster farm, and patrons have the chance to grill the oysters themselves next to the fishing boats. You can purchase a set meal (which includes a kilo of oysters, miso soup, and rice) for 2,000 yen. If you’re able, it’s worth combining a visit to the oyster hut with a landing tour to see the oyster rafts.
Where: 1-2-6 Miyajimaguchinishi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima (map)
Website: shimadasuisan.com
Guttsuri-an
A top-rated restaurant in Hiroshima, Guttsuri-an offers all sorts of seafood dishes served barbecue style. If you sit at the bar, you can grill your food yourself — the staff speaks English and will help you if you’re unsure what to do. As well as oysters, there are many types of seafood to try, including shrimp, octopus, sashimi, and scallops. Expect a great experience.
Where: 1-36 Tannacho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima (map)
Website: guttsurimaru.com
Image: Jay Drew (own work) with permission
Bert Wishart editor
Novelist, copywriter and graduate from the most prestigious university in Sunderland, Bert whiles away his precious time on this Earth by writing about popular culture, travel, food and pretty much anything else that is likely to win him the Pulitzer he desperately craves.
About the author