Hiroshima
Shopping Districts
Sections
1. Hondori Shopping Arcade (ๆฌ้ใๅๅบ่ก)
Overview:
Hondori is Hiroshima's most famous shopping street, a covered pedestrian arcade stretching about 600 meters. Itโs located in the heart of the city, near the Peace Memorial Park, making it a convenient stop for tourists.
What to Expect:
- Stores: A mix of international brands (Uniqlo, ABC Mart), local boutiques, cosmetics shops, and souvenir stores.
- Specialty Shops: Look for Hiroshima-themed goods, such as Momiji Manju (maple-leaf-shaped sweets) and Hiroshima Carp baseball merchandise.
- Dining: Numerous cafes, bakeries, and casual restaurants are scattered throughout the arcade.
- Entertainment: Nearby, youโll find karaoke spots and game arcades.
Costs:
- Clothing: ยฅ2,000โยฅ10,000 for casual wear.
- Souvenirs: ยฅ500โยฅ3,000 for local goods.
- Dining: ยฅ800โยฅ2,000 per meal.
Tips:
- Visit in the late afternoon or evening when the arcade is lively.
- Many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists (minimum purchase of ยฅ5,000). Bring your passport to take advantage of this.
- Be mindful of the crowds, especially on weekends.
2. Hiroshima Station Area (Ekimae)
Overview:
The area around Hiroshima Station is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Itโs perfect for travelers who want to shop conveniently before or after their train journey.
What to Expect:
- Asse Shopping Mall: Located inside the station, this mall offers fashion, cosmetics, and local food products.
- Ekie Shopping Mall: A newer addition to the station, Ekie specializes in regional delicacies, souvenirs, and trendy shops.
- Yale Yale A-kan: A department store with a variety of goods, from clothing to electronics.
Costs:
- Fashion: ยฅ3,000โยฅ15,000 for mid-range brands.
- Souvenirs: ยฅ500โยฅ5,000 for regional specialties.
- Dining: ยฅ1,000โยฅ3,000 for meals in station restaurants.
Tips:
- If youโre looking for Hiroshimaโs famous food products (e.g., oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki kits), Ekie is the best place to shop.
- Many stores in this area cater to travelers, so English signage is common.
3. Kamiyacho and Hatchobori Districts
Overview:
These two districts are Hiroshimaโs downtown commercial areas, offering department stores, high-end boutiques, and electronics shops.
What to Expect:
- PARCO Hiroshima: A trendy department store with international and Japanese fashion brands, cosmetics, and lifestyle goods.
- Sogo Hiroshima: A luxury department store featuring high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Japanese designer labels.
- Yamada Denki: A large electronics store where you can find gadgets, cameras, and appliances.
Costs:
- High-end fashion: ยฅ10,000โยฅ100,000+.
- Electronics: ยฅ5,000โยฅ200,000, depending on the product.
- Dining: ยฅ1,500โยฅ5,000 for upscale restaurants.
Tips:
- Department stores often have basement food halls (depachika) with gourmet treats and bento boxes. These are great for sampling local delicacies.
- If youโre shopping for electronics, check for duty-free options and ensure compatibility with your home countryโs voltage and plug types.
4. Shintenchi and Nagarekawa
Overview:
These areas are known for their nightlife, but they also have unique shopping opportunities, especially for quirky and alternative fashion, vintage goods, and local crafts.
What to Expect:
- Boutiques: Small, independent stores selling handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, and unique accessories.
- Craft Shops: Look for stores selling Hiroshimaโs traditional crafts, such as Kumano brushes (high-quality makeup brushes) and Miyajima wood carvings.
Costs:
- Vintage clothing: ยฅ2,000โยฅ8,000.
- Handmade crafts: ยฅ1,000โยฅ10,000.
Tips:
- These areas come alive in the evening, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Combine shopping with a night out at one of the many izakayas (Japanese pubs) or bars in the area.
5. Hiroshima Marina Hop
Overview:
Located slightly outside the city center, Hiroshima Marina Hop is a seaside shopping and entertainment complex. Itโs ideal for families or those looking for a more relaxed shopping experience.
What to Expect:
- Outlet Stores: Discounted prices on brands like Adidas, Nike, and outdoor gear.
- Local Shops: Stores selling regional products and seafood.
- Entertainment: A small amusement park and a ferry terminal offering boat rides to nearby islands.
Costs:
- Outlet shopping: ยฅ1,000โยฅ10,000 for discounted items.
- Dining: ยฅ1,000โยฅ2,500 for meals at seaside restaurants.
Tips:
- Check the weather before visiting, as this is an outdoor complex.
- Consider taking a ferry to Miyajima Island after shopping for a full-day experience.
6. Miyajima Island
Overview:
While not technically in Hiroshima city, Miyajima Island is a must-visit destination for its cultural significance and unique shopping opportunities.
What to Expect:
- Omotesando Shopping Street: A charming street lined with shops selling souvenirs, traditional crafts, and street food.
- Specialty Items: Look for Miyajima shakushi (wooden rice paddles), Momiji Manju, and oyster-related products.
Costs:
- Souvenirs: ยฅ500โยฅ3,000.
- Street food: ยฅ300โยฅ1,000 per item.
Tips:
- Many shops close by 5:00 PM, so plan your visit early in the day.
- Be respectful of the islandโs cultural and religious significance, especially near Itsukushima Shrine.
Cultural and Practical Considerations
- Cash vs. Credit Cards: While many stores in Hiroshima accept credit cards, smaller shops and markets may only take cash. Carry some yen with you, especially for street food and souvenirs.
- Tax-Free Shopping: Many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Look for the โTax-Freeโ sign and bring your passport.
- Politeness: Japanese shop staff are known for their excellent customer service. Greet them with a polite โKonnichiwaโ (hello) and say โArigatou gozaimasuโ (thank you) when leaving.
- Shopping Bags: Japan has a strong focus on reducing plastic waste. Many stores charge a small fee for shopping bags, so consider bringing a reusable bag.
- Seasonal Sales: The best times for discounts are during the New Year (January) and summer (JulyโAugust) sales.
Conclusion
Hiroshima offers a diverse shopping experience, from bustling arcades to serene seaside outlets. Whether youโre hunting for high-end fashion, unique souvenirs, or local delicacies, thereโs something for everyone. By following the tips and recommendations above, youโll be well-prepared to navigate Hiroshimaโs shopping districts and enjoy a memorable experience. Happy shopping!