Nice bars / cafes in Hiroshima?
 

Hey there,

we are just in the middle of our trip (more described here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan...itinerary.html) and I'm a bit stuck with Hiroshima nightlife.

While it was pretty easy in Tokyo (you just go for Asakusa or Shinjuku), it looks pretty challenging in here. I know, I know - there's a whole district indicated on the map (next to "a bit dodgy area" :) ) - , but I'm not sure which places are worth going for a beer or two.

So, do you happen to have any suggestions where to go? Please mind that I'm traveling with two ladies.

THANKS!
mf

Never had a problem finding a friendly bar in central Hiroshima. I tend to seek out places that serve the local nihonshu - it's unfashionably and unapologetically not so dry.

If you're there on Christmas Eve (it seems you are), then I recommend that you go to the cathedral in the evening. When I went a few years ago the church was full to overflowing and I enjoyed the service and a cup of coffee with the crowd outside. It was a good atmosphere and at the time I felt it was a "real" Christmas in a way that I hadn't experienced in any part of Japan before.

Wander over to http://www.gethiroshima.com/ and read over the bar reviews, downloadable maps and any other stuff you might be interested in checking out in the area. Used to live near Hiroshima and it was the best source of English info. You can get also one of the maps in paper form at the tourist info in the underground outside the south exit of Hiroshima Station. It marks out the "dodgy" area (which really shouldn't be much of a problem, even with the ladies). Lots to choose from, be it all Japanese to mostly foreigner to a mix depending on what ya want.

Hey,

thanks a ton for both suggestions! Hiroshima site looks really impressive.

We tried all local okonomiyakis, together with tons of beer both from the bars and 7/11s :)

Now it's time to move to Nagasaki

best & Happy New Year!
mf