Shopping in Hiroshima
Discover 8 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Hiroshima, Japan. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Fukuya (Ekimae)
Aside from upscale boutiques like Chanel, Armani, and Dior, Fukuya has a good bookstore, Junkudo, on the 10th floor. Junkudo has two aisles of English language fiction and non-fiction, a few shelves of travel books, some interesting Japanese art and photography books directly facing the elevator, and a nice set of writing-oriented souvenirs toward the back — distinctly Japanese cards, stationary, pens, and the like. It's across the street from the south exit of JR Hiroshima Station, and the underground walkway leads directly into it.
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SOGO
This concrete behemoth is on the other side of the street from the Peace Park, and the Hiroshima Bus Center is on its third floor. There are groceries and coin lockers in the basement, and a food court on the 10th floor. If you make it past all of the toys on the 6th floor, you'll find a Kinokuniya bookstore, with foreign titles (not just English) and a good selection of Japanese language study books.
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Tokyu Hands
Mostly Japanese home goods and appliances, but the first floor is full of travel and camping supplies, and the second floor has some fun party supplies (along with a great selection of Halloween gear, when in season). If you scout around on the upper floors, you'll find some reasonably-priced traditional souvenirs like miniature ''sake'' barrels and tea sets.
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PARCO
For the latest in Japanese teen fashion, this is the place to look, with eight floors of clothes boutiques, and beauty supplies in the basement. There are also several music shops for a J-pop fix, and a good shop for soccer fans on the ninth floor. The concrete shape-jumble square behind the store is a popular hang-out space.
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SunMall
Another teen fashion favorite, with five floors of boutiques and a great secondhand shop on the top floor. Of note for travelers will be the Uniqlo on the 2nd floor, which has good, cheap clothing at foreigner-friendly sizes.
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ED ON (formerly DeoDeo)
This is the headquarters of the Hiroshima-based electronics giant, with an appropriately huge selection of computer and camera equipment, music and DVDs, and — somewhat incongruously — imported designer watches.
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Best Denki
A serene megastore chock full of Japanese video games, digital cameras, manga/anime videos and toys, and electronics in general. Just follow the river east from JR Hiroshima Station.
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ED ON (formerly DeoDeo Neverland)
This branch focuses on the important things in life, such as video games, giant fighting robots, and spaceships from the future.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Hiroshima: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Hiroshima is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Hiroshima's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 8 shopping spots in Hiroshima sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Hiroshima
Hiroshima's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Hiroshima often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Hiroshima sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Hiroshima
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Hiroshima's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Hiroshima prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Hiroshima close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Hiroshima, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Hiroshima.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Hiroshima light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Hiroshima
The most meaningful souvenirs from Hiroshima are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Hiroshima
Like most cities, Hiroshima's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Hiroshima
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Hiroshima — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Hiroshima
Where to shop in Hiroshima?
Hiroshima has 8 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Hiroshima.
What souvenirs to buy in Hiroshima?
The best souvenirs from Hiroshima are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Hiroshima?
Yes, Hiroshima has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Hiroshima?
Hiroshima has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Hiroshima?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Hiroshima. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Hiroshima as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Hiroshima is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Hiroshima.
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