Introduction
Okonomiyaki Micchan Sohonten” has been loved as Hiroshima’s soul food by many people since its establishment in 1950. This restaurant is the originator of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and continues to preserve its traditional taste. With branches not only in Hiroshima City but also in Tokyo, the taste of Hiroshima can be enjoyed all over Japan.
The okonomiyaki at Mikchan Sohonten is a hearty dish made with plenty of cabbage, unique sauce, and soba or udon noodles. The dough is made from a secret broth, which gives the okonomiyaki a crispy outside and a fluffy inside. Fresh seafood and meat are used as toppings, and the menu offers a wide variety of toppings.
In 2024, a new restaurant, “Orizuru Tower Branch,” will open, allowing customers to enjoy delicious okonomiyaki right next to the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of Hiroshima’s most famous tourist attractions. At this restaurant, you can also enjoy oysters and kone, Hiroshima’s famous products.
When you visit Hiroshima, be sure to stop by Okonomiyaki Micchan Sohonten and experience its traditional taste. Its delicious taste and history will be a wonderful memory of your trip.
Recommended Menu
Soba and Meat Balls
Soba-niku-tamago, a typical menu item at Micchan Sohonten, is a hearty okonomiyaki filled with Chinese soba noodles, pork belly, egg, and plenty of cabbage and bean sprouts. The special buckwheat noodles have a crispy texture and are loved by many repeat customers. This simple but excellent dish allows you to enjoy the basics of Hiroshima okonomiyaki.
Oyster-stuffed buckwheat noodles with meat and egg
Soba-niku Tamago with Oyster is a sumptuous dish made with Hiroshima’s famous oysters. The addition of fresh oysters to the buckwheat meat and egg gives the dish a delicious seafood flavor. This dish is especially popular among tourists and allows them to fully enjoy the flavors of Hiroshima. The added flavor of the oysters makes this dish even more satisfying.
Special Special
The “Special Special” is recommended for those who prefer a hearty meal. It features gorgeous toppings such as squid tempura, raw squid, raw shrimp, and mochi, making it a satisfying meal. You can choose to add soba or udon noodles to create your own personalized dish. You can enjoy the harmony of multiple ingredients, which is the pride of Micchan Sohonten.
Udon Meat and Egg
Udon Meat and Eggs” is a dish using udon noodles instead of soba noodles. The chewy texture of udon is well-received, making this dish especially satisfying on an empty stomach. The crunchiness of the cabbage and bean sprouts is perfectly intertwined with the flavor of the pork belly, making it an excellent meal.
DX Special
The “DX Special” is an extravagant okonomiyaki with a variety of toppings such as green onions, squid tempura, raw squid, raw shrimp, and mochi. It is a deluxe dish that is exceptionally delicious when tasted with the special sauce. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy a luxurious variation of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
These are all special delicacies that can only be enjoyed at Micchan Sohonten. When you visit Hiroshima, be sure to enjoy authentic okonomiyaki at Micchan Sohonten.
How to experience and enjoy
How to enjoy in the restaurant
When visiting Okonomiyaki Micchan Sohonten, we recommend that you first enjoy your meal inside the restaurant. You can watch the okonomiyaki being cooked right in front of you in the open kitchen, and the savory aroma and sound will whet your appetite. Especially at the counter, you can enjoy watching the skillful cooking of the chefs up close, making your meal even more enjoyable.
Take-out for your enjoyment
During busy sightseeing schedules or when the restaurant is crowded, you can still enjoy the flavors of Micchan Sohonten. One way to enjoy the food is to take advantage of the take-out service and have a leisurely meal at a nearby park or at your lodging. The take-out packages are also ingeniously designed so that you can enjoy delicious okonomiyaki even while traveling.
Enjoy the seasonal menu
At Micchan Sohonten, a limited menu is sometimes offered on a seasonal basis. You can enjoy seasonal flavors such as okonomiyaki made with seasonal vegetables in the spring and refreshing flavors in the summer. Each time you visit, you will discover something new, making you want to come back again and again.
Enjoy the local atmosphere
Micchan Sohonten is loved by the locals, and you will feel the warm atmosphere when you visit. Messages and photos of visiting customers are displayed in the store, giving visitors a taste of local culture. When visiting as a tourist, you will have a more in-depth experience by interacting with the locals and enjoying their food.
Share on social media
Another way to enjoy your meal is to take photos of your meal and share them on social media. The okonomiyaki at Micchan Sohonten is beautiful to look at, and sharing it on Instagram or Facebook is a great way to communicate with your friends and followers. You can also discover new menus and ways to enjoy them by looking at other people’s posts.
The okonomiyaki experience at Micchan Sohonten is more than a meal; it is a wonderful experience using your senses of sight, smell, and touch. Try different ways to enjoy the food and create unforgettable memories.
Manners
Manners in the restaurant
When enjoying a meal at Okonomiyaki Micchan Sohonten, please observe the following manners to ensure a pleasant time with other customers. Conduct your conversation quietly in the restaurant and try not to disturb others. It is especially important to be considerate of each other when sitting at the counter or at a table. Also, when leaving your seat, organize your belongings so that the next customer can use the restaurant comfortably.
Take-out manners
When using take-out, you should also be considerate of your surroundings. When eating your take-out okonomiyaki, follow the rules for public places and accommodations, and be sure to dispose of your trash in designated areas. Also, enjoy your meal while taking care not to disturb others.
Manners while waiting
Because Micchan Sohonten is a popular restaurant, there may be a long line of customers waiting in line. It is important to maintain an appropriate distance from other customers while waiting and to keep your turn. If using a smartphone, keep the volume low or use earphones and be considerate of those around you. It is important to be considerate of each other, especially during busy times.
Basic Manners at Meals
It is also important to respect Japanese food culture and observe basic dining etiquette. When using chopsticks, there are manners unique to Japan, such as not stabbing the food and lifting the bowl. It is also common to say “Gochisoso-sama desu” (“Thank you for the food”) after finishing eating to show your appreciation.
Manners for taking pictures
When taking pictures of your meal, do not use a flash and be careful not to disturb other customers or staff. When your food is brought to you, be sure to finish taking pictures quickly and enjoy your food before it gets cold.
Consideration for waitstaff
Be courteous to waitstaff when ordering and paying. Also, if the waiter seems busy, it is important to be considerate and wait a little longer. It is not customary to tip in Japan, so please keep this in mind as well.
By observing these manners, your dining experience at Micchan Sohonten will be more pleasant and enjoyable. Please enjoy the delicious okonomiyaki to the fullest while respecting Japanese food culture.
Store
Hatchobori Honten
- Location: 1F Tulis Hatchobori, 6-7 Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
- Access: 5 min. walk from Hatchobori Dentei
- Hours: Weekdays 11:30-14:30 (L.O. 14:00) / 17:30-21:00 (L.O. 20:30), Weekends and holidays 11:00-14:30 (L.O. 14:00) / 17:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
- Closed: Tuesday (If Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day)
- Seating: 47 seats (counter seats available)
- Characteristics: Maintains the traditional taste of okonomiyaki, serving more than 800 okonomiyaki a day on a typical day.
Jizo Dori Branch
- Location: 5-6-10 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
- Access: 5 minute walk from Chuden-mae Station
- Business hours: 11:00-22:00
- Closed: No holidays
- Seating: 50 seats
- Features: Spacious restaurant, popular with families.
Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit ekie
- Location: ekie 1F, 1-2 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City
- Access: 1 minute walk from Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit
- Business hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closed: No holidays
- Seating: 60 seats
- Features: Convenient location for Shinkansen users, easy to stop by between trips.
Orizuru Tower
- Location: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima
- Access: A short walk from Hiroshima Electric Railway “Genbaku Dome-mae” station
- Hours: 11:00 – 20:00 (L.O. 19:30)
- Closed: Tuesday (if Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day)
- Seating: 74 seats (40 at tables, 16 at counter, 18 on terrace)
- Features: Enjoy Hiroshima’s famous oysters and kone in an open space overlooking Peace Memorial Park.
gobunno restaurant
- Location: 1-7-21 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
- Access: 4 minute walk from Kamiyacho Nishi stop on the Hiroshima Electric Railway
- Hours: 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:30), 17:30-21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
- Closed: Tuesday (if Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day)
- Seating: 77 seats
- Features: 5 Okonomiyaki restaurants are gathered here, and you can compare the taste of each.
Shinbashi Branch
- Location: EXCEL Shinbashi Bldg. 2F, 2-15-5 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2 minutes walk from Shimbashi Station
- Business hours: 11:00 – 23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: No holidays
- Seating: 56 seats
- Features: A restaurant where you can enjoy the taste of Hiroshima in Tokyo, popular during lunch time because of its location in the business district.
Tokyo Solamachi Store
- Location: Tokyo Solamachi 6F, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1 minute walk from Oshiage Station
- Business hours: 11:00 – 23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: Open daily
- Seating: 70 seats
- Features: Located near Tokyo Skytree, you can enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in between sightseeing tours.
At these restaurants, you can enjoy the traditional okonomiyaki of Micchan Sohonten. Enjoy the different atmosphere and menus at each restaurant and enjoy the charm of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Reservations and queue management
How to make reservations
Okonomiyaki Micchan Sohonten generally does not accept reservations. However, reservations may be possible at some locations depending on the time of day. It is a good idea to inquire with the store in advance, especially if you are with a large group or for a special event.
Measures to Prevent Lines
Micchan Sohonten is extremely popular, and lines often form, especially on weekends and during lunch hours. Take measures to avoid queues by referring to the following points.
Visit early in the day
The easiest way to avoid lines is to visit early, just after opening or before lunch time. The restaurant is often relatively empty, especially during the daytime and in the evening on weekdays.
Weekdays
Weekends and holidays are crowded with tourists, but weekdays are relatively empty. In particular, Monday through Thursday are the best times to avoid lines during the daytime.
Using take-out
If you want to avoid the lines, one option is to use take-out. With take-out, you can shorten the wait time in the restaurant and enjoy your okonomiyaki at your leisure in a nearby park or at your accommodation.
Using off-peak hours
Avoiding peak lunch and dinner hours can reduce waiting time. For example, the restaurant is often relatively empty between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Check real-time information
It is also effective to check information on crowds and wait times in advance on official websites and social media. By checking real-time information, you can visit at the best time.
How to spend a comfortable waiting time
If queues are unavoidable, you can make the most of your waiting time by visiting nearby attractions and cafes. Since there are many sightseeing spots around each of our Hiroshima and Tokyo locations, you can adjust your time while enjoying sightseeing.
Please use these measures to enjoy an enjoyable dining experience at Micchan Sohonten. By planning your visit, you can enjoy delicious okonomiyaki smoothly and comfortably.
Reviews and Ratings
Okonomiyaki Micchan Sohonten is a popular restaurant that has received many high ratings for its great taste and service. Below we introduce the charm of Micchan Sohonten as seen from the evaluations on word-of-mouth sites and SNS.
Evaluation on Taste
The okonomiyaki at Micchan Sohonten is characterized by its “exquisite texture, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside,” and is loved by many repeat customers. In particular, menu items such as “Soba-niku Tamago” and “Soba-niku Tamago with Oyster” are popular. Many customers say, “The generous amount of ingredients makes it very satisfying,” and “The special sauce is exquisite and addictive.”
Evaluation on Service
The staff at Micchan Sohonten is known for being friendly and approachable. Many customers have commented, “They are very attentive to tourists,” and “I’m glad they are so accommodating to people with children. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is warm and welcoming, giving visitors a sense of security.
Evaluation of Lines and Waiting Time
Because Micchan Sohonten is extremely popular, lines often form, especially on weekends and during lunch hours. However, some reviewers say that if you aim for off-peak hours on weekdays, you can enter the restaurant relatively smoothly. There are also positive comments such as, “Even if the waiting time is long, I can kill time at nearby tourist spots or cafes, which is one of the things I look forward to.
Overall Evaluation
Overall, Micchan Sohonten is highly rated for its taste, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant is loved by locals as well as tourists and is definitely worth a stop when visiting Hiroshima or Tokyo. The okonomiyaki experience at Micchan Sohonten will surely enrich your trip.
We hope you enjoy your okonomiyaki experience at Micchan Sohonten based on these evaluations. You will surely have a satisfying meal and wonderful memories.
Summary
Okonomiyaki Micchan Sohonten is a famous restaurant representing the soul food of Hiroshima, and has been loved by many people since its establishment in 1950, and is constantly evolving while preserving the tradition of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Each restaurant offers exquisite okonomiyaki dishes such as soba meat and egg and soba meat and egg with oyster, and their flavors are sure to captivate any visitor.
The warm service and cozy atmosphere at Micchan’s Sohonten are distinctive, allowing even first-time visitors to enjoy their food with ease. And although there is often a line, aiming for off-peak hours on weekdays allows for smooth entry into the restaurant. Take-out is also available, making it easy to enjoy the authentic taste of Hiroshima in between trips.
When you visit Hiroshima or Tokyo, please visit Micchan Sohonten and enjoy authentic okonomiyaki. The taste and history will be a wonderful memory of your trip. The experience at Mikchan Sohonten Okonomiyaki will give you a precious opportunity to experience the charm of Japan through its culinary culture.
