#Japan #Hiroshima #Monjayaki #Kuuya

Kuuya Opens Its Doors in Hiroshima

On August 8, 2026, Kuuya, a popular monjayaki restaurant that originated in the lively Tsukishima area of Tokyo, will unveil its first location in Hiroshima's renowned Hondori Shopping Arcade. With its flagship store located in Tsukishima, Kuuya has garnered fame not just locally but also in places like Shibuya and Tokyo Station, where long lines often form outside. The new Hiroshima branch marks a pivotal expansion into the Chugoku region, where the Hondori Shopping Arcade stands as a prominent shopping hub, affectionately known as “Hondori” by locals.

A Collaborative Design by Leading Architects

The architectural design for Kuuya Hiroshima is spearheaded by SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE, led by celebrated architects Makoto Tanjiri and Ai Yoshida. This firm is known for its innovative approach which redefines architecture as “a free space without boundaries,” leading to awe-inspiring ideas and innovative spatial designs that seamlessly combine indoor and outdoor experiences. The design for Kuuya reflects historical elements from the Edo period, incorporating deep indigo hues reminiscent of traditional norens (shop curtains), paired with the rich, vibrant blues of the Seto Inland Sea. This design aims to create a harmonious representation of both Tokyo and Hiroshima in one space.

Iconic Counter and Unique Dining Experience

The restaurant features an interior with distinct depth, highlighted by its unique “uneven counter.” This striking feature not only serves as the restaurant's focal point but also aims to add value to the Hondori Shopping Arcade. The uneven counter, along with blue tiles, creates a visual treat that's both inviting and playful, signifying the unique culinary journey that awaits.

Culinary Delights: Fresh and Flavorful Monjayaki

At Kuuya, diners can expect a menu rich in flavor, showcasing fresh seafood sourced directly from Toyosu Market, a lineage from the restaurant's founder who established a seafood business in 1871. The restaurant's specialty, the homemade dashi, blends fish, chicken bones, and aromatic vegetables to create an indulgent base that elevates the dining experience. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the “Mentaiko Mochi Monjayaki,” which features a whole, generously sized mentaiko (spicy cod roe) sourced directly from Toyosu Market. This vibrant dish combines the umami of the homemade dashi with the richness of mentaiko, establishing it as a must-try signature item.

Kuuya offers an interactive dining experience, where skilled chefs prepare each dish right before the diners on the teppan (iron plate). This not only enhances the flavor but also provides a sense of reassurance for first-time diners. The most popular dish, the Mentaiko Mochi Monjayaki, can be enhanced with a delicious cheese topping, perfectly complementing the flavors of both the mentaiko and mochi.

In addition to monjayaki, the menu includes a selection of seasonal fresh seafood handpicked from Toyosu Market, grilled fish expertly prepared, and various other teppan dishes that ensure a rich culinary experience. A highlight is the “Grilled Squid with Liver Soy Sauce,” which features fresh squid grilled to perfection with a luxurious liver and butter soy sauce blend.

Location and Operational Details

Kuuya Hiroshima Branch

• - Opening Date: August 8, 2026, 11:00 AM
• - Address: 4-8 Hondori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0035, Japan
• - Access: 1-minute walk from Hondori station on the Hiroshima Electric Railway
• - Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• - Closed: Open year-round
• - Phone: 093-383-5595
• - Contact Person: Daiki Sekimizu
• - PR Phone: 03-6264-3747
• - Fax: 03-6264-3748
• - Email: [email protected]

Kuuya's introduction to Hiroshima is not merely an opening of a restaurant but a celebration of culinary heritage and community, bridging the vibrant cultures of both cities through the art of monjayaki.