Hiroshima is well-known for its daytime attractions like the Shukkei-en Garden and the Atomic Bomb Dome, but this City of Peace deserves to be equally famous for its vibrant nightlife. Whether it’s a funky dive bar, a place to enjoy the region’s legendary oysters, or a spectacular selfie backdrop, the city offers something for everyone. Here is a sampling of nighttime must-sees to suit a variety of interests and budgets.
Visiting Okonomimura on our best of Hiroshima tour – Photo Credit: Arigato Travel
MAC Bar
Open in some form since 1977, the legendary MAC Bar is currently in its third incarnation on the third floor of an unassuming building in Tatemachi. There’s a grungy, smoke-filled interior and a small dance floor, but the main attraction is the music. Classic vinyl has given way to discs, with walls lined by an eclectic collection of more than 6,000 CDs. On any given night in this “listening bar,” you’re as likely to hear an obscure album from an indie garage band as you are Michael Jackson or the Rolling Stones. Don’t let appearances fool you; the vibe in this quintessential dive bar is welcoming. After a couple of beers, you’ll be on a first-name basis with the friendly owners and fellow patrons from Hiroshima’s international community.
Address: 3-3-4 Tatemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0032
3 demons engaging a samurai hero in the Kagura performance – Photo Credit: north-tail
Kagura Dance performance
On Wednesday nights, the Hiroshima Prefectural Citizens’ Cultural Center hosts kagura, a Shinto ceremony of gratitude to the gods for a bountiful harvest. This ancient tradition has been preserved by local troupes who practice the Northern Hiroshima “Geihoku Kagura” style. The ritual includes elaborately costumed performers re-enacting folk tales and fables through dance and music. With more than 50 local troupes in the region, the center features a different group each week, ensuring a unique experience every visit.
Website: https://www.rccbc.co.jp/event/kagura/en/
Address: 1 Chome-5-3 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 731-0051
People enjoying an interesting autumn environment created at the top level of Orizuru Tower at night in Hiroshima – Photo Credit: Daniela Constantinescu
Rooftop at Orizuru Tower
For stunning vistas of the city at night, head to the observation deck atop Orizuru Tower. While the “Hiroshima Hills” deck is open during the day, the rooftop bar only begins its service in the evening. The menu features classic cocktails and creative mocktails you can sip while contemplating serene views of Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. There is a fee to access the roof, and drinks are extra, but the nighttime perspective of the City of Peace is truly unbeatable.
Website: https://www.orizurutower.jp/rooftopbar/en/#
Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051
Best of Hiroshima tour, sake tasting at a local bar – Photo Credit: Arigato Travel
Sake Bank
No trip to Japan is complete without a tasting, and Hiroshima offers its own downtown experience at Sake Bank. Tucked away on the second floor of the Castle Tatemachi Building, this venue provides connoisseurs and beginners alike an opportunity to sample a wide variety of nihonshu (premium-grade sake). Patrons are charged by the half-hour rather than by the drink, so once inside, you are free to explore different labels at your leisure. The glass refrigerators lining the walls feature hundreds of varieties from all over Japan. Simple snacks like rice crackers are available, but you are also welcome to bring your own food.
Website: https://morethanrelo.com/en/sake-bank-hiroshima-japanese-sake-tasting/
Address: 〒730-0032 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Tatemachi, 5−2 キャッスル立町 ２階
A night view of the restaurants and bars in front of Hiroshima Station – Photo Credit: sekky15
Ekinishi
Just to the west of the south entrance of Hiroshima Station, you’ll find the Ekinishi District, a bustling neighborhood filled with izakaya (informal pubs serving snacks and drinks). The area comes alive after dark, and the narrow alleys are crowded with young office workers partaking in tabearuki, or “eating while walking.” Try the gyoza at Kyouki-Ranbu or the yakitori at Tori no Kura. During the winter months, you can pair the city’s famous fresh oysters with a glass of sake at Baltan. Most establishments open at 6 pm and close by 11 pm, allowing everyone to catch the last train home.
If you take the long way around, stop by the landmark “HIROSHIMA” sign across from the station. The shimmering lights reflected on the Enko River from the nearby Enko Bridge provide a perfect backdrop for an Instagram-worthy selfie.
Bar Alegre
This speakeasy-style bar is a bit of a hideaway, but it’s well worth the effort to find. Follow Google Maps to the building and look for the neon “Bar Alegre” sign outside. Take the elevator to the third floor, where an illuminated black and white kanji sign confirms you’re in the right place. Look for a small half-door with a sword hanging above it; you’ll need to bend over to enter this cozy cocktail lounge. Bar Alegre boasts a fine selection of whiskies and gins, as well as a menu of unique craft cocktails. You can order from the list or challenge the knowledgeable bartenders to create something tailored to your mood.
Website: https://www.bar-alegre.com/
Address: 〒730-0033 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Horikawacho, 1−32 コニービル 3階
Last Tango in Paris cocktail – Photo Credit: Arigato Travel
Last Tango in Paris
East meets West at Last Tango in Paris. This elegant establishment features mood lighting, retro French posters, and a menu inspired by a fusion of French and Japanese flavors. Opening nightly at 7 pm and remaining busy until 4 am, it is the ideal spot for a late-night rendezvous or one final stop after a night on the town. This sophisticated space offers a little slice of Paris right in the heart of Hiroshima.
Address: 6-1 Nagarekawacho, Naka Ward, 広島市中区 Hiroshima 730-0028
Best of Hiroshima tour, Okonomimura restaurant – Photo Credit: Arigato Travel
Okonomimura
Okonomimura bills itself as a “food theme park.” It consists of four floors dedicated entirely to the regional specialty: okonomiyaki (Japanese for “grilled how you like”). The basic ingredients consist of a savory pancake topped with cabbage and noodles, but recipes vary from stall to stall. You can customize your meal with toppings like shrimp, pork, and egg. English menus are widely available, making it easy to discover this inexpensive, flavorful staple. While some stalls close by 8 pm, others remain open until midnight, making this the perfect destination for a late-night snack.
There’s a wealth of things to do in Hiroshima after the sun sets, and the city truly takes on a new life. Explore the various eateries, duck into a hidden bar, or simply enjoy a relaxing evening taking in the beautiful illuminated sights. From traditional cultural rituals to modern clubs, Hiroshima’s nightlife offers something for everyone. If you find yourself in the city after hours, be sure to take a look around!
Featured Photo Credit: demesafrankc
