Hiroshima’s Party Grid: A Night Out in Nagarekawa

Sure, Hiroshima’s history as the site of the dropping of the first atomic bomb has granted it a handful of World Heritage stamps, and its city-wide theme of world peace ornamented with paper cranes is a fantastic reason to visit one of the most charming cities on Earth. Still, Hiroshima does have more to offer than just its displays detailing its mid-20th-century history.

Hiroshima is also a city proud of its eating and drinking culture. The prefecture is nationally known for its prime oysters, sake (rice wine), and unique form of okonomiyaki (savory pancake). Resilience is a regular concept for the local people, and, because of that, the city has developed well beyond its past. As a city with well over a million residents, one can expect a happening party block. Look no further than Nagarekawa for a place to make new friends.

Where to Dine

Day or night, Nagarekawa is open for business. If food is your focus, most times will do, but dinner before drinks is always a good order.

Just in front of Nagarekawa is Okonomimura, literally okonomiyaki village, and it’s just that. Like many buildings in Japan, this one has a vertical focus with four floors full of cosy okonomiyaki restaurants all begging competitively to be chosen by hopeful customers. You can bet that just about all of them have the Hiroshima Carp baseball game on.

The process is as such: a style of okonomiyaki is chosen – however you’d like it and whatever you’d like on it. Then, in front of you, the grill master creates your choice from scratch and each layer is cooked and added. Meat, seafood, vegetables, cheese, or even mochi (rice cake) are topping options. Once prepared, you’ll be presented with a glowing, savoury meal to be eaten directly on the grill with a special spatula. There are few cuisines on Earth like it or as delicious.

While much of the village is open until 2 A.M., late night spots like Kara Shibi Miso Ramen Kishin, where your spicy miso ramen is given a crown of pork belly, are typically open until the sunrise hours. For something a little more upscale, the pristine wagyu steaks of Momonoki are to do die for, selected by the customer, and grilled in front of you. This gem is also open until midnight. The selections after dark are incredible around the block.

Photo: Richard Henry

Where to Mingle

Nagarekawa tends to glow nearly as bright as the daytime once the sun goes down, and in that radiance comes clear pathways to late-night fun.

The adventure that comes with walking the streets and wandering into spots is totally recommended, but if you’re looking for a spot specific to your desires, we’ve got you covered with a few diverse options.

Not far into the block from any direction is a local favourite, Tropical Bar Revolucion. Often referred to as Rev’s, Revoluction is on the 8th floor of a building on the main street. The bar is more tropical in vibe than décor with a chill balcony area that overlooks a good deal of downtown Hiroshima. The place is popular with foreigners and native locals alike and is ideal for meeting new people. Without a doubt, Rev’s is undeniably a friendly environment.

For something a bit more music focused, Mac Bar is your place. As a bar that regularly hosts foreigners, Mac Bar seems to live and breathe vinyl records. As the night progresses, the kind owner typically throws records on and off the turntable by request, and the shelves are full of options – genre upon genre. Mac Bar is a spot of legend among current and former residents, so make sure and join the legacy by signing the wall before you leave.

If hard rock and heavy metal are your bag, Koba is a headbanging paradise. A couple blocks outside of Nagarekawa, Koba is a bar of double-floor seating that regularly attracts metal heads new and old. The drinks pour freely as hard rock music videos light up the wall above the stairs via a projector. If you’re wanting to expand your rock lover’s circle to an international level, look no further than Koba.

Photo: Richard Henry

Where to Dance

Nagarekawa has no shortage of dance clubs. As the locals like it, many of these places stay open until the sun rises. Let’s talk about a few of our favourites.

First off, Ken’s Bar is a popular spot that combines a local watering hole with a club vibe. Promoted as a salsa bar, this fusion has turned the mirror, rainbow LED-lit dance room into an area where any dance music is encouraged and often by request. It’s a happening place for young people looking to share drinks with a mix of native and international.

Club G is a nightclub in Nagarekawa that features dance music by DJ’s and is only open on Friday and Saturday nights. The club doesn’t open until 10 PM, so you can expect to party all night long. Likewise, Herbie Hiroshima is a laser-lit club of the same vein but with DJ’s, artists, and dancers from all over Japan regularly performing various dance styles. Herbie Hiroshima has similar hours to Club G but is also open on Sunday nights. Both clubs are prime spots for fans of hip-hop and reggae and for those who prefer to party well into the wee hours.

Should You Partake?

Absolutely. In celebration of Hiroshima’s past and present, enjoying a night out in such an amazing town is both a way to explore the local culture and experience things in ways that you’ve never experienced before. All of this with the added recommendation of drinking responsibility and taking a taxi home when needed. Trust us: there are plenty of cabs in Hiroshima’s party zone, so don’t be afraid to let loose. Kampai!

Bottoms Up!

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