The Shinkansen Meitengai shopping area at Hiroshima station’s North exit was renewed and expanded in May 2015 and now offers a variety of souvenir products available only here.

For example, these three bottles labeled with same-design back numbers are from three different Saijo breweries, one of Japan’s three most prominent sake brewing areas. This “ALL STARS” series, each of which is brewed with the same water, rice and rice ratio, are sold only at Sake Show Yamada on the 1st floor! The only difference between them is the people who brew them!

How about comparing the flavors?

Besides Sake Show Yamada, you’ll find a whole line of shops managed directly by various Hiroshima breweries. I find a fun-looking corner bustling with customers!

Located at the Kubota Shuzo shop, a brewery also known for its Hishimasamune brand, it’s a space where visitors can enjoy standing and drinking. Lively and filled with glee, apparently it’s highly popular even with women!

Though Kubota Shuzo sake is hard to find in Hiroshima, you can of course purchase it here.

Hiroshima prefecture is a rare region; its abundant in nature, and you can taste sake created by making the most out of the characteristics of both the sea and the mountains.

Next, we head off to Ippu cafe two stores away. It’s directly managed by Miyake Honten, which is known for its Sempuku brand. At this shop you can enjoy drinks sitting down.

Well known as being the port where Battleship Yamato was built, the Miyake Honten brewery is located in Kure city (Hiroshima prefecture). At Ippu cafe you can enjoy sake from the sea region.

I recommend the tasting set, which allows you to try out three different types of expensive sake types such as junmai dai ginjo as well as the limited edition dai ginjo, among others.
Although served in normal portions, the price is only JPY1000, snacks included! It’s a real bargain.

Hiroshima station’s new shopping area already has a lot of local regulars. It’s a place worth stopping by, especially if you’re a sake lover!!

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Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit Meitengai Shopping area

Location: Connected with Hiroshima station’s shinkansen exit (north), 1-2 Matsubara-cho, Minami ward, Hiroshima city
Tel: 082-263-6110
Business hours of the shops introduced: 8.30-20.00
https://www.westjr.co.jp/life/shopping/shop/hiroshima.html (Japanese)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Yoko Suganami (Rainbow Sake Co., Ltd.)