Honestly speaking, Hiroshima isn't the top choice for yakitori. When it comes to Hiroshima food, nine out of ten people would first think of Hiroshima-yaki or oysters. Yakitori here is more of an "option when you want some grilled skewers during your journey" rather than a destination worth traveling to specifically. But it's precisely this "non-mainstream" positioning that makes Hiroshima's yakitori shops unexpectedly distinctive—without Tokyo's crowding and high price pressure, you can actually get better quality for your money.
Local Character of Hiroshima Yakitori
One clear advantage of Hiroshima's yakitori shops is their proximity to the Seto Inland Sea, Japan's most important oyster-producing region. Some yakitori shops include "oyster grilling" or "roasted oysters" options on their menu—something you rarely find in other cities. Another highlight is the local chicken breed—Hiroshima Prefecture has multiple high-quality local chicken farms, and many yakitori shops use locally sourced chicken.
In terms of price, Hiroshima's yakitori is about 20-30% more affordable than Tokyo. A signature skewer in Tokyo often costs ¥400-¥600, while comparable items in Hiroshima go for around ¥250-¥450. This price difference mainly comes from Tokyo's high rent and labor costs, not from differences in ingredient quality.
Recommended Areas
When it comes to yakitori shops in Hiroshima city, they're distributed across several main areas: The area around JR Hiroshima Station is the most concentrated, perfect for a quick meal before or after catching a train; the "Yakkenbori" and "Nagarekawa" area is Hiroshima's "salaryman district," with hidden gems that have great evening atmosphere; the Hatchobori area is close to the downtown district, making it convenient to stop by after sightseeing.
There's a small tip for eating yakitori in Hiroshima: Areas with fewer tourists often make it easier to find locally-recommended shops. In the alleyways between Hatchobori and Inarimachi, there are many husband-and-wife shops that cater primarily to regular customers—without Chinese menus. The common characteristic of these shops is "having the confidence not to cater to tourists"—they only offer Japanese menus, chef's handwritten daily specials, and may have only six to eight seats.
Since Hiroshima yakitori isn't the representative cuisine of this area, I won't specifically recommend shop names, but I can point you in the right direction:
- Want to save time and convenience: Choose a chain store within five minutes' walk from JR Hiroshima Station, with the advantage of being open 24 hours or late night
- Want to experience local vibes: Head toward "Yakkenbori" and wander into the alleyways, randomly pick a husband-and-wife shop that looks appealing
- Want to pair with Hiroshima specialties: Look for shops that offer "roasted oysters" or "Hiroshima local chicken"—two birds with one stone
Practical Information
Getting around Hiroshima city is mainly done by streetcars and the city tram, with a single ride at ¥190 (about NT$40), and a day pass at ¥430 (unlimited rides on all city lines). Yakitori shops are concentrated in the downtown area, so you rarely need to transfer to a bus.
Average spending: ¥2,000-¥3,500 per person (about NT$450-800), or about ¥2,500-¥4,500 including draft sake or shochu. This price range is considered mid-to-upper tier dinner option in Hiroshima, much more budget-friendly than Tokyo's "starting at ¥5,000 per visit."
Operating hours vary widely: some shops open as early as 5 PM, while others only do dinner service from 6 PM until late night. I recommend visiting between 7 PM and 9 PM—this is when the chef is at their sharpest and the ingredients are freshest.
Travel Tips
Hiroshima yakitori works best as a "Dinner Option B"—after eating Hiroshima-yaki or oyster dishes during the day, when you want to change things up at night. If you come to Hiroshima specifically for yakitori, you might be a bit disappointed; but if you treat it as an element of "just craving it during your journey," Hiroshima's value will surprise you.
Another suggestion: don't just focus on "location" when searching for shops. Hiroshima's yakitori shops have more stable quality than Tokyo—there aren't as many "influencer-bait雷店" (trap shops). Walking into a shop that has local customers is often more reliable than thoroughly researching "high Tabelog ratings"—this is Hiroshima's character: not the number one food destination, but everything has quality above the basic standard.
