1. What kind of shopping options are available in Hiroshima?
There are many shopping options in Hiroshima, including department stores, shopping malls, specialty stores, and markets. Some popular shopping areas include:
1. Hondori Shopping Street: Located in the city center, this pedestrian street is lined with over 250 shops and restaurants.
2. Aeon Mall Hiroshima Fuchu: This large shopping mall features over 200 stores, including fashion retailers, electronics shops, and a movie theater.
3. Sogo Department Store: One of Hiroshima’s oldest and most prestigious department stores, offering a wide range of luxury brands and high-end goods.
4. Fukuya Department Store: Another well-known department store in the city with a variety of popular fashion brands and restaurants.
5. Hiroshima Central Wholesale Market: A great place to shop for fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
6. Momokamachi Shopping Arcade: A covered street with traditional Japanese shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
7. Sunmall Miyuki: Another popular shopping mall with a mix of fashion stores, cafes, and restaurants.
8. Mikanodai Shotengai: Known as “Little Kyoto” for its traditional atmosphere and shops selling unique products such as paper lanterns and handmade crafts.
9. Don Quijote Hiroshima Parco Main Store: A discount store famous for its extensive selection of affordable items including cosmetics, household goods, clothes, and snacks.
10. Takeya Shoten: One of Japan’s largest discount store chains offering a wide range of items at low prices including clothing, household goods, groceries, and more.
2. Are there any popular shopping districts or markets in Hiroshima?
Yes, there are several popular shopping districts and markets in Hiroshima. These include:
1. Hondori: This pedestrian shopping street is located in the city center and is lined with department stores, specialty boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
2. Hatchobori: This district is known for its fashion shops, street vendors selling local snacks and souvenirs, and the famous Hondori underground shopping mall.
3. Kamiyacho/Higashi-Senda-machi: These neighborhoods are home to various shopping streets featuring local businesses, traditional crafts shops, and international brands such as H&M and Zara.
4. ASSE Shopping Mall: Located near Hiroshima Station, this modern shopping mall offers a wide range of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
5. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Flea Market: Held on weekends at the Peace Memorial Park, this flea market offers a variety of antiques, handicrafts, vintage items, and food stalls.
6. Aeon Mall Hiroshima Gion: This large shopping complex houses over 200 stores including fashion retailers, a movie theater complex, supermarkets, and a variety of dining options.
7. Ceramics Shopping Area (Yahata): This area is famous for its ceramic products such as Imari ware and Arita-yaki pottery.
8. Flower Market Ujinaka-goryo Road: This indoor market offers fresh flowers and plants from all over Japan as well as gardening supplies.
9. Sunmall Dining Square: This food-focused shopping mall features various regional cuisines from across Japan.
10. Yokogawa Shopping Street: This traditional arcade boasts many small independent shops selling kitchenware, clothing items, groceries as well as several cafes and restaurants serving local delicacies.
3. How easy is it to find souvenirs and traditional Japanese items in Hiroshima?
It is very easy to find souvenirs and traditional Japanese items in Hiroshima. There are many souvenir shops, specialty stores, and markets throughout the city that sell a variety of traditional items such as yukata (Japanese summer kimono), origami paper, sake sets, wooden chopsticks, and local crafts. In particular, the Hondori Shopping Arcade in downtown Hiroshima has a wide selection of souvenir shops and boutiques where you can find unique gifts and mementos. Additionally, the Peace Memorial Park has a gift shop that sells items related to the atomic bomb and peace movement.
4. Are there any local markets that specialize in fresh produce and seafood?
Yes, there are several local markets that specialize in fresh produce and seafood. Some of these include the Freshfields Village Farmers Market, The Charleston Farmers Market, and the Sullivan’s Island Farmers Market. These markets offer a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.
5. Can you bargain or negotiate prices at markets in Hiroshima?
Yes, it is common to bargain or negotiate prices at markets in Hiroshima. However, this mainly applies to street markets or smaller local markets rather than larger, established marketplaces such as the Hondori Shopping Arcade. In these smaller markets, vendors may be more open to negotiation and it is acceptable to politely offer a lower price for an item and see if the vendor is willing to accept it.
6. What types of goods can be found at the outdoor flea market held on weekends near Peace Park?
At the outdoor flea market near Peace Park, you can find a variety of goods including:
1. Clothing and accessories – both new and used items such as shirts, jackets, bags, hats, scarves, etc.
2. Vintage items – old books, records, cameras, toys, collectibles, and other unique pieces from the past.
3. Handicrafts – handmade jewelry, pottery, knitted items, paintings and other artworks made by local artists and artisans.
4. Souvenirs – a range of souvenirs like keychains, magnets, postcards and other trinkets that make great gifts or mementos.
5. Food and drinks – stalls selling local snacks and drinks like takoyaki (octopus balls), grilled corn on the cob, Japanese tea and more.
6. Household items – kitchenware, linens, home decor items like vases or lamps can also be found at the flea market.
7. Plants and flowers – some vendors sell potted plants or fresh-cut flowers for decoration or gardening purposes.
8. Second-hand goods – you can also find second-hand furniture like chairs and tables at the flea market at affordable prices.
9. Electronics – Some vendors may also have electronics such as cameras, laptops or phones for sale at discounted prices.
10.Street performers- along with the goods stalls there are often street performers adding to the atmosphere with music or dance performances.
7. Are there any specialty stores or boutiques that are unique to Hiroshima?
Yes, there are several specialty stores and boutiques that can be found only in Hiroshima. These include:
1. Miyajima Souvenir Shop: This shop, located on the island of Miyajima, sells a variety of local souvenirs such as original T-shirts, accessories, and traditional crafts.
2. Sadako’s Origami Crane Shop: This store is dedicated to origami cranes and is famous for its interpretation of the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died from radiation sickness after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Gift Shop: This gift shop at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers items related to peace and also supports social welfare projects.
4. Takeda Dairy Farm Outlet Store: This outlet store specializes in dairy products made from locally sourced milk and produces unique flavors such as olive oil or sake-infused cheese.
5. Bakubaku Kitchen Potato Chip Specialty Store: Located in the city center, this store offers an impressive selection of freshly fried potato chips using locally harvested potatoes.
6. Kondo Isaribiya Floresta: This boutique sells handmade candles made with organic materials such as rapeseed or beeswax.
7. Okonomimura Antenna Shop: This specialty shop features food products from Okonomimura – a five-story building filled with various stalls serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
8. Ippon Alliance Jewelry & Café Jingoro Loft Limited Edition: Apart from traditional jewelry items made from pearls harvested in Hiroshima Bay, this shop offers one-of-a-kind accessories designed by local designers and antique silver rings produced by well-known artists.
8. Is it recommended to visit the famous Hondori Shopping Street for souvenirs and gifts?
Yes, it is highly recommended to visit the Hondori Shopping Street for souvenirs and gifts. It offers a wide variety of items from traditional Japanese handicrafts to trendy fashion items and local specialty food products. The street also has a lively atmosphere with street performers and events, making it a fun and unique shopping experience. Additionally, many stores offer tax-free shopping for foreign tourists, making it even more appealing for souvenir shopping.
9. Are there any local crafts or hand-made products available at the markets in Hiroshima?
Yes, there are several local crafts and hand-made products available at the markets in Hiroshima. Some popular items include:
1. Hiroshima Okonomiyaki kits – These kits usually contain all the ingredients and tools needed to make the famous Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at home.
2. Miyajima Maple Leaf-shaped sweets – These sweets are made from steamed rice flour and shaped like maple leaves, a popular souvenir from Miyajima Island.
3. Oyster shell handicrafts – As Hiroshima is famous for its oysters, many vendors sell various handicrafts made from oyster shells, including jewelry, keychains, and ornaments.
4. Hand-painted ceramics – You can find a variety of beautiful hand-painted ceramic items such as plates, cups, and vases at the markets in Hiroshima.
5. Traditional Japanese garments – Several markets sell traditional Japanese garments such as yukata (cotton kimono) or haori (traditional jacket) in various designs and colors.
6. Regional sake (rice wine) – Hiroshima is known for producing high-quality sake, and you can find a variety of regional sakes at the markets to bring home as souvenirs.
7. Fruit jams and preserves – The prefecture of Hiroshima is also well-known for its fruits such as oranges and peaches, and you can find delicious homemade jams and preserves made from these fruits at the markets.
8. Handcrafted wooden goods – From chopsticks to carved wooden boxes, you can find a wide range of handcrafted wooden goods at the markets in Hiroshima.
9. Tenugui towels- These are traditional Japanese hand towels that come in various colorful patterns and designs. They make great gifts or souvenirs from your trip to Japan.
10. How crowded are the shopping areas in Hiroshima, particularly during peak tourist seasons?
The shopping areas in Hiroshima can get quite crowded during peak tourist seasons, especially in popular areas such as the Peace Memorial Park and Hondori Shopping Street. The level of crowding may vary depending on the specific time of year and events happening in the city, but it is generally advised to expect larger crowds during weekends and national holidays. It is also worth noting that COVID-19 pandemic may also have an impact on the level of crowding, as safety measures and restrictions may be in place.
11. What are some must-try food items that can be found at local markets in Hiroshima?
Some must-try food items that can be found at local markets in Hiroshima include:1. Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: a savory pancake made with layers of cabbage, noodles, protein (such as pork or seafood), and topped with a sweet and savory sauce.
2. Oysters: Hiroshima is known for its plump and flavorful oysters, which can be found fresh or grilled at local markets.
3. Momiji Manju: a popular traditional snack in Hiroshima, these soft steamed buns are shaped like maple leaves and usually filled with red bean paste or other fillings.
4. Tsukemono: traditional Japanese pickled vegetables, often found at markets in various flavors such as umeboshi (pickled plum) or takuan (pickled daikon radish).
5. Mitaki-dango: a type of mochi dessert made with glutinous rice flour and topped with sweet red bean paste.
6. Freshly caught seafood: from fish to squid to shellfish, Hiroshima’s coastal location ensures an abundance of fresh seafood at local markets.
7. Mikan (mandarin oranges): known for their juicy sweetness, mikan are a seasonal specialty in the Chugoku region including Hiroshima.
8. Anago meshi (grilled conger eel over rice): a popular dish in Hiroshima featuring tender grilled eel served on top of steamed rice.
9. Tororo soba/noodles: cold noodles made from buckwheat flour topped with grated yamaimo (Japanese yam) that adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
10. Sake: Hiroshima is also famous for its sake production, so be sure to try some locally brewed varieties at the market!
12. Can you find international brands and products at the shopping malls in Hiroshima?
Yes, you can find international brands and products at the shopping malls in Hiroshima. Many shopping malls in Hiroshima, such as AEON Mall Hiroshima Fuchu, PACELINK Garden Shima and Fresta Shore are known for carrying a variety of international brands and products from different countries. Some common international brands found at these shopping malls include Zara, H&M, Nike, Adidas, and Uniqlo. You can also find imported goods from other countries at supermarkets like Aeon Supermarket and other specialty stores within the shopping malls.
13. Is there a best time of day to visit the markets in terms of avoiding crowds and finding good deals?
The best time of day to visit markets may vary depending on the type of market you are looking for. Generally, it is best to go early in the morning when the markets open as this is when you will find the freshest produce and less crowds. However, if you are looking for bargaining deals, it is often better to go late in the evening when vendors are looking to sell off their remaining stock. It’s also a good idea to avoid weekends and public holidays as these tend to be the busiest times at markets.
14. Are credit cards accepted at most stores and markets in Hiroshima, or should one bring cash?
Credit cards are generally accepted at most stores and markets in Hiroshima, although there may be some smaller shops or street vendors that only accept cash. It is always a good idea to carry some cash with you just in case. Many ATMs in Japan also accept foreign debit and credit cards, so you can withdraw Japanese yen if needed.
15. What are some unique items or delicacies that can only be found at markets in Hiroshima?
1. Hiroshima Okonomiyaki: This famous dish consisting of savory pancake filled with cabbage, meat, and noodles is a specialty in the city of Hiroshima.
2. Momiji Manju: This pastry is a popular souvenir item in Hiroshima and is made in the shape of a maple leaf, filled with different flavors such as red bean paste or matcha.
3. Oysters: Hiroshima produces about 60% of Japan’s oyster supply and they can be found fresh at many markets throughout the city.
4. Mamemochi: This traditional sweet treat is made from mochi (rice cake) stuffed with sweet red beans.
5. Tsukemono: These pickled vegetables are commonly found at markets in Hiroshima and come in various flavors and varieties, such as pickled ginger or cucumber.
6. Miyajima Maple Leaf Shaped Cake: Another variation of the Momiji Manju, this cake is shaped like a maple leaf and filled with cream or other fillings.
7. Mikan Mandarin Oranges: These small, juicy oranges are a specialty of the region and can be found fresh at markets during their peak season from December to April.
8. Yamaguchi Soba Noodles: These thin buckwheat noodles are a local specialty in the nearby prefecture of Yamaguchi but can also be found at markets in Hiroshima.
9. Fuchinashi Fish Cakes: This type of fish cake is exclusive to Hiroshima and has a unique texture and flavor due to its use of dried fish instead of fresh fish.
10. Kusakabe Yuzu Juice: Produced only in the Kusakabe region of Hiroshima, this juice made from yuzu (Japanese citrus fruit) is known for its refreshing taste and health benefits.
11. Suikangori Jelly: This clear jelly dessert is traditionally made using seaweed extract and is a popular summer treat in Hiroshima.
12. Anagomeshi: A specialty of the Asa-Minami market, this dish consists of saltwater eel grilled and cooked in a sweet and savory sauce.
13. Kaki-Kinsan Cookies: These cookies are made from kinkan (Kumquat) fruit grown in the Kaki region of Hiroshima and are known for their tangy flavor.
14. Sera Cheesecake: This type of cheesecake originated in the nearby town of Sera but can be found at markets in Hiroshima as well. It has a unique creamy texture and is typically served with honey.
15. Nokoshirazu Sake: Made only in the Saijo district of Hiroshima, this high-quality sake is known for its smooth taste and aromatic fragrance.
16. What is the price range for souvenir items at markets and shops in Hiroshima?
The price range for souvenir items at markets and shops in Hiroshima can vary greatly depending on the item. However, on average, prices can range from 500 yen (around $5 USD) for small trinkets and keychains to over 10,000 yen (around $100 USD) for high-quality and specialty items. It is always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
17. Is it possible to find traditional Japanese clothing such as kimonos and yukatas at the markets in Hiroshima?
Yes, it is possible to find traditional Japanese clothing such as kimonos and yukatas at markets in Hiroshima. There are several markets in the city that specialize in selling traditional clothing, including Hondori Shotengai, a covered shopping arcade with many shops selling kimonos and other traditional garments. Additionally, there are also vendors at the famous flea market in Miyajima Island who sell second-hand kimonos and yukatas at discounted prices.
18.What is considered a fair price for goods at local markets compared to other cities in Japan?
The prices at local markets in Japan may vary depending on the location and type of goods being sold. However, in general, the prices at local markets are considered to be fair and can be comparable to other cities in Japan. In some cases, prices may even be cheaper due to direct sales from producers or lower overhead costs for vendors. It is always recommended to compare prices between different vendors and negotiate if necessary to ensure a fair price.
19.What is the atmosphere like at night when shopping around downtown Hypocentre area near Peace Park?
The atmosphere at night around downtown Hypocentre near Peace Park is usually bustling and lively. The streets are lit up with colorful lights and there are many people out and about, enjoying the shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. There may be street performers or live music playing in the area as well. Overall, it can feel safe and energetic with a mix of locals and tourists exploring the city at night.
20.Can you recommend any local dishes or snacks that can be bought from street vendors or small shops around the city?
Of course! Some popular local dishes and snacks that you can find from street vendors or small shops in our city include:
1. Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) – a baguette filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
2. Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) – a flavorful broth with rice noodles, meat, and herbs.
3. Nem cuon (spring rolls) – fresh rice paper rolls filled with meat, vegetables, and herbs.
4. Banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake) – a crispy pancake filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and vegetables.
5. Bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles) – grilled marinated pork served over vermicelli noodles with herbs and dipping sauce.
6. Che (sweet dessert soup) – a variety of sweet soups made from different beans, fruits, and coconut milk.
7. Banh bao (steamed bun) – steamed buns filled with seasoned minced pork and topped with fried shallots.
8. Goi cuon (summer rolls) – fresh rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork or tofu, vegetables, and herbs.
9. Xoi (sticky rice) – savory or sweet sticky rice dish often served for breakfast or as a snack.
10. Bahn beo (steamed rice cakes) – small savory steamed cakes topped with minced shrimp and fried shallots.
These are just some of the many delicious options available from street vendors or small shops in our city. Be sure to explore and try out different dishes to get a taste of the local cuisine!