When rainy season finally ends and the nights are hot and steamy, there is nothing better to do on a summer’s night than to sit outside. If you combine this with the great company of your friends, good food, and drinks aplenty, you are guaranteed to make some wonderful summer memories.

Luckily, Hiroshima has all of the above in one convenient location. Where am I talking about? Beer gardens!

Yes, beer gardens can be found in every major Japanese city, and Hiroshima is no exception. Most are located downtown or around Hiroshima Station and have rooftop locations for a fantastic view over the city. Here is a small selection of the best locations.

Hotel Granvia – BBQ Beer Garden in the Sky

On the north side of Hiroshima Station, Hotel Granvia’s beer garden is on the 22nd floor and is very popular due to the fantastic views over the city. The all-you-can-eat and drink menu is buffet style and features predominantly Mediterranean-style food, including many seafood dishes. Open daily from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., it can get mighty busy and reservations are recommended.

Website: https://www.hgh.co.jp/english/

Fukuya Ekimae Panorama Beer Garden

Also close to Hiroshima Station, this is not as fancy as Hotel Granvia and the food definitely has more emphasis on the easy-to-cook-and-serve (I’m talking the fried variety here). But the view is definitely a winner and it’s more open.

If it does rain, there’s also a lot more indoor seating (around 500). Asahi beer is on tap and the prices are reasonable. Operating hours are 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m..

Address: 9-1 Matsubaracho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima 732-0822

Mitsukoshi Lion Beer Garden

This is another popular rooftop beer garden combined with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Both food and drinks are included in the buffet option, and you can choose from Genghis Khan and Sapporo beers on tap. Dishes available include Japanese teppan and Mediterranean cuisine, with prices a little over 3,000 yen per person for adults.

Address: 5-1 Ebisucho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-8545

SOGO Beer Garden

If you’re looking for something a little different, why not head to this summer beer garden set in the outside area of a department store in the city. There are over 500 seats – making it the biggest beer garden in Hiroshima – plus 100 Kirin drafts on offer. Food-wise, you can choose from a selection of roast meats, pizza, seafood, and sushi dishes.

Website: https://www.sogo-seibu.jp/hiroshima/topics/page/2025-beergarden.html

Yogowaka Beer Garden

Located close to Yogokawa Station, this is a lesser-known beer garden but well worth a visit. It’s a pop-up summer beer garden on the rooftop of the Nishimoto building in the Nishi ward. Aside from the all-you-can-eat BBQ food and drinks menu, one of the main draws here is the children’s area that includes a candy corner. Be careful not to let them over-indulge if you’re coming for a family meal!

Address: 3-3-5 Yogakawa-cho, Nishi Ward, Hiroshima 733-0011

This list is by no means exclusive; there are a number more, but these are the most popular ones. Check out one or all of them and make up your own mind which is your favourite.

Keep c(k)ool and kampai!

Photo: flickr.com “Asahi Beer” by Dave (CC BY-SA 2.0)