Hiroshima City

We’re fast approaching the peak cinema season as the weather chills, the nights draw in and this year’s big winter blockbusters hit our screens. Japan has a rich culture of film-making and its citizens love going to the movies as much as anyone else. The cinema experience in Japan is pretty similar to countries such as the US and UK. You can watch the big releases at multi-screen cinema chains and buy snacks such as popcorn. There are also smaller cinemas and theaters showing more cult and arthouse releases. The good news for those living in Hiroshima is that there are several cinemas to choose from, including some screening more left-field releases. Here is a selection of the best ones. Salon and Hotchoza Cinemas These two are worth mentioning together at they are both owned by Johakyu and sit opposite each other in Hiroshima’s downtown area. More importantly, they are both classic film-houses that serve as a monument to the golden age of cinema. Salon is actually two cinemas (Salon 1 and 2) on the top floor of the Tokyu Hands building. Across the road, Hatchoza sits at the top of the Fukuya Department Store building. Housed in renovated theaters,…