Hiroshima is not a major hub for traditional Japanese craft markets—unlike Kanazawa with its Kaga Yuzen or Kyoto with its Nishijin weaving district. However, if you broaden your definition of "market," you will discover that Hiroshima holds a different craft tradition—one woven from the post-war peace movement, the coastal workshops of the Seto Inland Sea, and a lacquerware industry carried forward by local artisans for centuries.
Why We Wrote This Article
Most visitors to Hiroshima only spend half a day at the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park before rushing to Miyajima to see the floating torii gate. What they miss: starting from downtown Hiroshima, you can reach several studio districts specializing in handcrafted products by tram or JR within about 30 minutes—and even try making lacquered chopsticks or small wood crafts yourself. This article is written for travelers who "want to buy something special in Hiroshima" and "enjoy exploring urban workshops." Whether you're a free-spirited deep travel enthusiast or a family looking for hands-on craft experiences with your children, you'll find the perfect spot here.
Hiroshima's Craft Heritage: Lacquerware and Woodwork
Hiroshima's craft pride isn't fabric or ceramics—it's "lacquerware." Located on Osakikamijima in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, this area has been a lacquerware production center since ancient times. The "Fuchu Lacquerware" tradition spans over 400 years, with local artisans repeatedly applying natural lacquer to wooden bases to create chopsticks, boxes, and decorative pieces. These lacquerware items come in quite a wide price range: from entry-level lacquer chopsticks (around ¥2,000-4,000) to premium wedding gift sets (¥15,000-40,000), depending on craft grade and number of lacquer layers applied. Meanwhile, small workshops like "Woodball Factory" near the city offer wooden coasters or small storage containers starting at just ¥800, making them an approachable option for casual purchases.
Another notable craft is "ash-glazed pottery." Ceramic workshops in the Hamada area of Hiroshima still preserve the traditional hand-throwing technique. Workshop masters typically sign or stamp their work, making these pieces suitable for gifting or personal use. If you're lucky enough to visit during a workshop open house, you can tour the complete pottery-making process—from kneading the clay and throwing to glazing and firing—gaining a rare glimpse into the world behind traditional Japanese ceramics.
This Isn't Tokyo: Adjusting Your Shopping Mindset
At craft markets in Tokyo or Kyoto, you can browse with a spirit of discovery—but in Hiroshima, many workshops aren't located in tourist hotspots. Instead, they're tucked away in residential neighborhoods or small port towns. We recommend treating these workshops as destinations in themselves—plan to spend half a day visiting them specifically, rather than dropping by casually on your way elsewhere.
Additionally, Japanese craft shops typically don't engage in bulk haggling, but if you purchase 3 or more items or pay in cash, you may be able to secure a small discount (5–10%). This insight has also been validated by experience at Hokkaido's handicraft markets: batch purchases or cash payments can often be negotiated for modest discounts, making this a practical tip for budget-conscious travelers.
Recommended Spots (5 Total)
The following five locations in Hiroshima Prefecture offer the opportunity to experience and even purchase handmade crafts. They are categorized into three main types: Traditional Workshops, Creative Studios, and Integrated Experience Spaces. Each location includes specific highlights and recommended visit duration.
Traditional Workshops (2)
01. Osakikamijima Lacquerware Street (Osakikamijima Town)
Take the Gento Islands Ferry from Hiroshima city for approximately 50 minutes to reach Osakikamijima, a small island that has preserved the lacquerware industry dating back to the Warring States period. About 10 lacquerware workshops line up on the island, forming "Lacquerware Street." Each workshop specializes in different techniques: some focus on lacquered chopsticks with "hikioi" (pulled foil) for wedding ceremonies, while others are renowned for "makie" (gold powder painting)技法. Works on display at the workshops can typically be purchased directly, and there are also small exhibition halls showcasing historical developments. The main consideration is that transportation takes more time; chartered buses or self-driving would be more convenient. Approximately 1 hour by car from Hiroshima Station plus 30 minutes by ferry. Ideal for travelers interested in traditional Japanese craftsmanship who are willing to make a dedicated visit.
02. Hamada Ash Glaze Ceramic Gallery (5 min walk from JR San'in Line Hamada Station)
The coastal area of Hamada City is a ceramic town on the Sea of Japan side, where the local "ash glaze" technique uses seaweed ash to formulate glazes, producing ceramics with natural grayish-green hues. It's approximately 2 hours by JR from Hiroshima city (requires transfers), making it suitable for travelers combining it with the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine tour. All pieces are handcrafted in small quantities, making each one unique.
Creative Studios (2)
03. Hiroshima Modern Craft
Located in the alleyways of Fukuro-machi in Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, this studio is operated by a group of young craftspeople in their 30s. They blend traditional lacquerware and woodwork with modern design, offering keychains (from ¥1,200), earrings (from ¥2,500), business card holders, and other lifestyle goods. Unlike traditional workshops, no appointment is needed—visitors can browse and purchase freely like a select shop. Business hours are typically from 11 AM to 7 PM, closed on Wednesdays. Perfect for travelers looking to "quickly acquire quality items."
04. Handmade Washi Paper Experience "bu"
Japanese washi paper is most famous from Echizen and Kaga, but the Fukuyama area of Hiroshima has also preserved the hand-crafted washi paper culture using kozo (paper mulberry) fibers. "bu" is a studio founded by local young paper artisans, offering a 30-minute papermaking experience (approximately ¥2,500 per person). After completion, participants can take their dried work home. While the finished piece cannot compare with professional washi paper, it makes a meaningful travel souvenir as something you created with your own hands. Address: Higashi TECHO-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture (8 min walk from Fukuyama Station).
Integrated Experience Space (1)
05. MAZESTA Hiroshima Creative Complex
Located in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, MAZESTA is a complex space that revitalizes an old textile factory. The first floor features a curated lifestyle杂货选舖 (operated by young craftspeople from various regions), while the second floor houses an open workshop that periodically offers experience courses in weaving, indigo dyeing, pottery, and more. The greatest advantage here is that "short-term experiences can be joined on the spot without prior reservation," making it ideal for travelers with flexible itineraries. Address: Saeki-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture (approximately 25 minutes via Miyajima Ferry from Hiroshima Station).
Basic Information
- **Best Shopping Season**: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer cool weather ideal for visiting workshops in suburban areas; summer brings various craft markets but the heat can affect outdoor mobility.
- **Getting Around**: Hiroshima city center relies mainly on trams (Hiroshima Electric Railway) and JR lines; for visits to suburban workshops, the "Hiroshima Urban Arch Pass" day pass (1,000 yen) is recommended, or consider renting a car.
- **Budget Range**:
- Lightweight items (keychains, earrings, memo clips): 800-3,000 yen
- Mid-range (wooden boxes, lacquered chopsticks): 3,000-8,000 yen
- High-end collectibles (master craft boxes, artistic pottery): 10,000+ yen
- **Business Hours**: Most traditional workshops open 9 AM to 5 PM; creative boutiques usually stay open until 7 PM; most close 1-2 days per week, so calling ahead to confirm is advised.
- **Language**: When dealing with traditional workshops, having a simple English phrase sheet or translation app is recommended; young artisans at creative boutiques can generally communicate in basic English.
Travel Tips
First, most travel guides don't include Hiroshima's workshops on their must-visit lists—but that's precisely what makes exploring these hidden gems so rewarding. If you're passionate about architecture, design, or craftsmanship, these spots definitely deserve a spot in your itinerary. Second, don't miss the chance to engage directly with the artisans—they're usually happy to share the stories behind their work, like the origin of a particular set of lacquered chopsticks or the inspiration behind a piece of pottery. These conversations add far more value than the purchases themselves. Third, consider bringing collapsible protective packaging (such as bubble wrap or soft padding) to safeguard fragile finds. Finally, if your time is limited, prioritize the "Bagamachi" or "MAZESTA" locations—they're the closest to central Hiroshima, making them perfect for a half-day visit.
Hiroshima's craftsmanship is less about "marketplace hustle" and more about "workshop depth." When you hold a pair of handcrafted lacquered chopsticks, or cradle a freshly pulled ash-glazed cup still warm from the kiln, you'll sense it: these objects carry centuries of a city's handcraft memory.
