The Nagarekawa entertainment district in Hiroshima city is the largest in western Japan, and, with literally hundreds of tiny bars tucked away in multi-story buildings, knowing where to start can be quite intimidating. You could just take a stab at choosing the place with the most intriguing name, but the customers at many of these bars is made up of a limited number of loyal regulars. New customers come by way of introduction , and drop-ins, called ichigensan in Japanese, are frowned upon.
Thanks to Ofuku’s Tanaka-san, who has been tending her small, but exclusive bar on the edge of Nagarekawa for almost 40 years, however, visitors can now enjoy a slice of authentic Hiroshima nightlife. As well as the luxuriously bright red counter and interior that blends traditional Japanese motifs such as shoji paper doors with Showa modern and western design elements, guests can dress in some of Tanaka-san’s huge collection of vintage and antique kimono and enjoy some of Japan’s very best sake.
On arrival, Tanaka-san will fit guests (male and female) in one of the many kimono she keeps at the bar, and depending on your size, you could end up in a rare vintage gem. Tanaka-san has a great eye and ably guides guests in selecting a kimono and obi waist band that suits them. Fittings take about 15 minutes per person, and, as you will be sitting at the bar counter, the kimono can be fit to be relaxed and comfortable.
As vintage kimono were made for people small in stature, ladies that are up to about 165cm in height will have the widest choice from Tanaka’s older collection, but more modern garments are available for taller guests. Once dressed, take a seat at the counter for drinks. As well as sake, Ofuku also serves beer, cocktails and soft drinks. Your drinks come with a small plate of delicacies that pair well with sake, but, if you are hungry, you can order a range of light, but beautifully presented Japanese dishes.
Reservations are not required, but if you send your height and shoe size ahead of time you can be sure that the best selection of kimono will be available.
Email: kimonosakenight@gethiroshima.com
Prices
Kimono, sake and food: ¥3500
Simple kimono fitting, one serving of premium sake and a small plate of appetizers.
Sake and food: ¥1500
Additional drinks
Sake, beer, shochu, cola, oolong tea ¥500
Japanese wine, Japanese whiskey and Setoda Lemon Sour ¥800
Ofuku
Address: 2F Kura Building, 2-24 Nagarekawa-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ofuku.kimono.sake/
Phone: +81-82-240-8787( Japanese language only. Messaging through the English Facebook Page recommended.)
Cost: 3500yen~
Information about transport passes:
Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass
http://www.hiroden.co.jp/en/e-vhtp.html
JR-WEST RAIL PASS
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/
*Information is correct as of January 2019.
Vintage Kimono and Premium Sake Nightlife Experience
Address: 2, Nagarekawa-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi
Website: not available
Phone: not available
