Nightlife in Hiroshima

Jul 19, 2023

Nightlife in Hiroshima

There’s plenty to do after hours in Hiroshima if you fancy letting your hair down. If you don’t feel like winding down right after your evening meal, check out the city’s clubs and late-night bars, which offer diverse, fun atmospheres.

Nagarekawa Street

Located just 10 minutes from Hiroshima station, Nagarekawa is the go-to nightlife zone in Hiroshima. It’s the largest entertainment area in the Chugoku-Shikoku region – a neon-lit mecca of bars, izakayas, nightclubs, and restaurants. There are also several adjoining party streets, including Yagenbori Street, Butsudan Street, and Ebisu Street.

Among the joints worth paying a late-night visit to are the rock ’n’ roll-themed Wonderful Joke bar that runs karaoke nights, the Kimono and Sake Bar (where you can sample classic Japanese culture and don a kimono for the night), the cozy and well-established Mick’s Izakaya, and Step One, which has Latin DJs partying into the early hours.

Molly Malone’s

An authentic Irish-style pub in the heart of Hiroshima’s downtown district, Molly Malone’s is understandably popular with expats, but it also draws a big local crowd. It has everything you’d expect from such an establishment – Guinness on draught, pub grub including Sunday roasts, sports on TV, and live Irish music late into the night. The bar closes at midnight every night, except Mondays, when it’s closed all day.

Address: 1-20 Teigeki Hall 4F, Shintenchi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-0034

Website: https://www.mollymalones.jp/

Bar Alegre

This downtown bar is a hidden gem. It’s well worth heading to if you fancy award-winning cocktails or fine spirits, such as an array of good whiskeys. You can try out some unique drinks here, such as a banana and hazelnut dessert cocktail or a Chinese Bloody Mary made with soybean paste. The bar is small and decked out to resemble an authentic old-fashioned tearoom, which includes a miniature 1.30-meter-high doorframe. The bar is open nightly until 2:00 a.m. every day, except for Sundays.

Address: Coney Building 3rd Floor, 1-32 Horikawacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-0033

Mac Bar

Something of an institution in Hiroshima’s nightlife scene, Mac Bar seemed on the point of closing for good in 2016 after nearly 40 years. First, the building that housed it was pulled down. Shortly after, the charismatic owner passed away. However, it found a new space a year later and continued to stay in business. The bar is a perfect marriage of music and booze, with the counter area decked out like a music library with walls of CDs on the shelves. You’ll find a friendly mix of international revelers here.

Address: 3-3-4 Tatemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-0032

Biru Stand Shigetomi

You might think serving beer is nothing too impressive. Biru Stand Shigetomi will change your mind. It’s known for the bartenders’ abilities to change the taste of the beer by pouring it in different ways, which can make it more mellow or take the edge of the bitterness. As the bar is only open from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., there tend to be many people waiting at all times. However, customers are limited to no more than two beers each and you can request a notification when it’s your turn to avoid standing around too long.

Address: 10-12 Kanayamachō, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-0022

Wine Bar ViVi

Wine lovers need to pay Wine Bar ViVi a visit. Although it looks simple on the outside, you’ll be confronted with a luxurious setting the moment you walk through the door. A sommelier will help you pair your meal with the right wine to enjoy the flavors to the full. Book in advance to ensure you are able to snag a spot.

Address: 11−24 Sumiya Building 2F, Kanayamacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-0022

SakeBank Hiroshima

An evening out in Japan is not complete without some sake. Whether you’re an expert or you know nothing, a top place to visit is SakeBank Hiroshima. They have some delicious options available – and you can try as many of them as you like in a set period of time. The staff will tell you all about the different types and provide you with personalized recommendations.

Address: Castle Tatemachi 2nd Floor, 5-2 Tatemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-00322

Kristoffer Trolle, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons