Breakfast in Hiroshima: Andersen, Bakeries and a Bread-Loving City

Quick answer: Hiroshima loves bread — it’s one of Japan’s top cities for bread spending. For breakfast, go to Andersen on Hondori, a famous Hiroshima bakery in a building that survived the atomic bomb: the sandwich stand opens at 7:30, and the 2nd-floor restaurant serves a morning menu from 7:30 on weekends and holidays. On a day trip to Kure, try the giant cream-filled melon pan. Look out for pastries made with Hiroshima lemons, too.

My family is from Hiroshima. I’ve had bread and breakfast at Andersen on Hondori, and I’ve tried the famous melon pan in Kure. Here’s where to start in Hiroshima.

A bread-loving city

According to Japan’s national household survey, Hiroshima City ranks sixth among Japan’s prefectural capitals and major cities for spending on bread (2023–2025 average), above the national average. You’ll find bakeries in the shopping streets, department stores and stations.

Andersen (Hondori)

Andersen is a Hiroshima bakery founded in the city and now known across Japan. Its main Hiroshima shop on Hondori is in a former bank building that survived the atomic bomb — reopened in 2020 after renovation, with part of the original wall preserved. I’ve had bread and breakfast here myself.

• Address: 7-1 Hondori, Naka-ku — in the covered Hondori arcade, a few minutes’ walk from the Peace Park.
• Closed: occasional days (14 October and 18 November in 2026). Check the website before you go.

See Hiroshima Day 2 for more on Hondori.

Kure’s melon pan

On a day trip to Kure, look for Melon Pan, a bakery founded in 1936. Its signature is a large, rugby-ball-shaped melon pan filled with cream. I’ve tried it myself. It can sell out, so go early, and note it’s closed on Sundays. See Kure Day Trip from Hiroshima.

Hiroshima lemons

Hiroshima Prefecture grows about half of Japan’s lemons, mostly on the islands around Kure and Onomichi. Look for lemon cakes, lemon pastries and lemon drinks in bakeries and souvenir shops — especially at Hiroshima Station. See Hiroshima Station Guide.

Other breakfast options

• Hotel breakfasts: most hotels offer a breakfast buffet or set meal. Check whether it’s included when you book. See Where to Stay in Hiroshima.
• Cafés and kissaten: traditional Japanese coffee shops (kissaten) often serve a “morning set” — toast, an egg and coffee — in the morning.
• Convenience stores: open 24 hours, with sandwiches, rice balls and coffee, if you need something before an early train.

A morning plan in Hiroshima

1. 7:30 — breakfast at Andersen (sandwich stand, or the 2nd-floor morning menu at weekends).
2. 8:30 — walk to the Peace Memorial Museum (book an early timed ticket). See Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

FAQ

Where can I have breakfast in central Hiroshima?
Andersen on Hondori: the sandwich stand opens at 7:30, and the restaurant serves a morning menu from 7:30 on weekends and holidays.

Is Andersen open every day?
Almost. It closes on a few days a year — check the website.

What is Kure’s melon pan?
A large, cream-filled melon pan from a bakery founded in 1936. It’s closed on Sundays.

What should I eat for breakfast in Japan if I don’t like Japanese food?
Bakeries are an easy option, and Hiroshima has plenty.

Hours checked on the official Andersen website, and statistics from Japan’s national household survey and Hiroshima Prefecture, on 25 October 2026.

Kaz

Tokushima local with family roots in Hiroshima

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, where I also used to live. I still go back several times a year. The guides here come from places I have actually been. Where I haven't tried something myself, I say so.