It’s January. Suddenly, western Japan is a great deal colder than you imagined it would be. You want to go out but don’t want to deal with the cold. What can you do? Whatever the weather, you can always enjoy a cup of hot coffee.

Like the rest of Japan, Hiroshima has experienced a rise in café culture over the last twenty years. Naturally, the chains have descended in full force — there’s even a Starbucks on Miyajima now. Big-name brands are easy to find (if that’s what you like), but other potentially more exciting options are also available.

Obscura Coffee Roasters

Obscura Coffee Roasters is one café that’s received much attention. The founders (three caffeine addicts from Hiroshima) made their mark at their Sangenjaya location in Tokyo before bringing their alchemical expertise back home: first to their Fukuromachi café and then (in August 2018) to a second shop, one block north of the Hondori shopping arcade.

With beans from Indonesia, Rwanda, Honduras, and elsewhere — roasted to perfection on site and transformed into what many people say is the best coffee they’ve had in Japan — this is the place to go if you’re ready for a serious latte. Obscura is non-smoking, allowing you to enjoy the aroma of coffee fully. Unfortunately, the food menu is limited — think pastries. This is a place for world-class coffee, not lunch.

Fukuromachi

Address: 3-28 Fukuromachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0036
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Telephone: 082-249-7543

Hondori

Address: 3-1 Hondori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0035
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Telephone: 082-258-4110
Website: https://obscura-coffee.com/

Sarasvati

You’ll find many coffee shops while visiting Miyajima — each, no doubt, with its own charms. However, the best on the island are arguably the Itsuki Coffee shops. There are a few locations, but the most convenient might be their Sarasvati shop, situated at the bottom of one of the stone stairways that leads to Toyokuni Shrine (also called the Thousand Mat Hall) and not far from the entrance of Itsukushima Shrine itself. If you ask, the staff at Saravasti can give directions to the Tenshinkaku location. Its hours are limited, and it’s not the easiest-to-find spot on the island, but you’ll be able to enjoy a truly excellent cup of coffee with some of the best views around.

Like at Obscura, all the Itsuki Coffee locations roast beans on-site, making them almost dizzyingly redolent of fresh coffee at times. The bakeries serve excellent (although small) sandwich and scone sets, as well as pasta and a changing menu of cakes.

Address: 407 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Telephone: 082-944-2266
Website: https://itsuki-miyajima.com/shop/sarasvati/

Cafe Lente

One more top option for coffee on Miyajima is Cafe Lente. This may be a better option if you also want a more substantial meal to pair with your coffee. However, the highlight of this café is its location right on the waterfront overlooking the floating torii gate, meaning you can admire the views without needing to venture outdoors into the winter cold. You could even book accommodation upstairs if just a coffee and a meal aren’t enough.

Address: 1167-3 Kitaonishicho, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (closed Wednesdays)
Telephone: 0829-44-1204
Website: https://www.lente-miyajima.com/

Akam Coffee Works

Situated close to Higashisenda Park in the Kokutaiji neighborhood, this delightful artisanal coffee shop and café is away from the hustle and bustle but worth the trek. It’s one for the coffee enthusiasts, with two roasters, a range of espressos and drip coffees, and a menu including dosage and roasting date. You can buy beans roasted in-house and even sign up for a workshop if you want to learn more about the craft. Desserts on offer include cakes, gelato, and crème brulee.

Address: 1F, 1-9-7 Kokataijicho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0042
Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (closes at 6:00 p.m. on the weekend, closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Telephone: 082-258-5547
Website: https://akamcoffee.theshop.jp/

Hachidori-sha Social Book Café

If you like to combine a nice cup of coffee with an engrossing read then the Social Book Café is the place for you. Located at Hummingbird House close to Hiroshima Peace Park, this second floor store combines coffee and literature. You will find shelves stacked with books and free wifi to go with your brew. The shop is run by peace activist Erika Yasuhiko, who regularly runs events on site, including talks with A-bomb survivors. In addition to coffee and other soft drinks, the café serves up a range of organic meals and light snacks.

Address: 2F, 2-4-3 Dohashicho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0854
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (opens at 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays, closed on Wednesdays and Fridays)
Telephone: 082-576-4368
Website: http://hachidorisha.com/home/

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