Hiroshima: Night Bar Hopping Food Tour & Okonomiyaki Tasting

Summary

Hiroshima izakaya crawl with okonomiyaki sake & stories from locals

You’ll dive straight into Hiroshima’s backstreet bar scene, starting with sizzling okonomiyaki cooked right at your table before hopping between cozy izakayas for sake tastings and local snacks—all guided by someone who knows every shortcut and secret menu item. Expect laughter, new friends, and flavors you’ll think about long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sizzle — that sharp, almost hypnotic sound of okonomiyaki batter hitting the hot iron. We’d barely sat down in this tucked-away spot in Hiroshima when our guide, Yuki, grinned and handed us the menu. I tried to read it (my Japanese is… not great), but honestly, I just let her order. The air smelled like sweet cabbage and grilled pork. Someone at the next table laughed so hard they almost knocked over their beer. It felt good to be somewhere that didn’t care if you were a regular or just passing through.

After demolishing my first-ever Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (messy, delicious—how do they flip those things?), we wandered out into Naka’s narrow alleys. There was this low hum everywhere: neon signs buzzing, snippets of conversation floating past, the clink of glasses from half-hidden bars. Yuki led us into a tiny izakaya where the walls were plastered with baseball posters. She ordered sake—three kinds, all brewed nearby—and showed us how to pair them with these salty little snacks I still can’t pronounce. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it.

By the third stop, my chopstick skills had improved (a bit), and we’d picked up a couple of local phrases from Yuki that I’m sure I’ll forget by morning. There’s something about sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers who are suddenly less strange after a few drinks. The night air was cool but not cold; someone passed around photos from earlier in the tour and we all looked way happier than we probably realized at the time. So yeah—if you’re looking for some polished “foodie” experience, this isn’t it. But if you want to eat what locals eat and maybe laugh at yourself along the way… well.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiroshima bar hopping and food tasting

• Meet local guide
• Visit Okonomiyaki restaurant
• Eat Okonomiyaki with Japanese drink
• Bar hop two izakaya in Naka area
• Taste different Hiroshima sake flavors

Top questions

How many bars do you visit on this Hiroshima food tour?

The tour includes stops at three places: an okonomiyaki restaurant plus two izakaya bars in Hiroshima’s Naka area.

Is sake tasting included on this Hiroshima bar hopping tour?

Yes, sake tasting is included—you’ll try different types of locally brewed sake during the tour.

What food is served on the Hiroshima bar hopping tour?

You get an okonomiyaki plate plus two additional food plates chosen by your guide at local izakayas.

Are drinks included in the price of this Hiroshima night food tour?

Yes, three drinks are included; you can choose from each menu at the stops.

Does this Hiroshima izakaya tour include a local guide?

Yes, a local guide leads the group throughout the evening and helps order food and drinks.

Can vegetarians join this Hiroshima food tour?

Vegetarian options are limited as most venues are not fully equipped for special diets.

Is hotel pickup included for this Hiroshima bar hopping experience?

No hotel pickup is offered; you meet your guide at a central location in Hiroshima.

What age do you need to be for this night food tour in Japan?

You must be 20 or older to join due to Japan’s drinking laws.

What’s included

Your evening includes meeting up with your local guide in central Hiroshima before heading out for three drinks (your choice from each menu), a full plate of freshly made okonomiyaki cooked tableside, two more shared plates at neighborhood izakayas, plus group photos along the way—all wrapped up before midnight so you can catch public transport home if needed.