In March 2025, a brand-new station building, “minamoa”, opened at Hiroshima Station, quickly becoming a popular spot among both locals and tourists.
The building is packed with things to see, including the opening of the "Ekimae Ohashi Route" which, for the first time in Japan, allows streetcars to enter the second floor of the station building via an elevated track, a symbolic grand staircase, and "Gyarados Plaza", a collaboration spot with Pokémon Center Hiroshima. The "minamoa DINING" area, which features a collection of local Hiroshima food, and the "MOVIX Hiroshima Station" cinema complex with its state-of-the-art facilities are also must-sees.
In this article, we’ll introduce all the exciting features of “minamoa,” which people of all ages can enjoy.
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What is minamoa?
From the first basement floor to the ninth floor, minamoa is a commercial complex with approximately 220 stores, including shopping, dining, a movie theater, and a hotel.
The name “minamoa”(ミナモア) is a coined word that combines several meanings: “Minamo” (水面,meaning water surface in Japanese), representing the sparkle of Hiroshima’s rivers and sea; “Mina,”(ミナ) meaning “everyone”; and “More,”(モア) expressing the idea of “even more.” The name was chosen through workshops with local citizens, with the hope that the new station building would be embraced as "our station building."
Japan's First! Hiroshima Electric Railway Streetcars Enter the Station Building Via an Elevated Track
With the opening of the "Ekimae Ohashi Route" in August 2025, the Hiroshima Electric Railway's trams now run directly into the second floor of the station building via an elevated track, which is the first time in Japan. The sight of a tram stopping inside a building creates a new, unprecedented urban landscape, making it a new landmark in Hiroshima that people can't help but want to visit.
On the 2nd floor, where the tram stop is located, the ticket gates for JR lines and the Shinkansen are directly connected. This makes transfers seamless and dramatically improves convenience.
The Adjoining Hotel "Granvia Hiroshima South Gate"
"Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate", which opened on the same day as "minamoa", is based on the concept of being "the gateway to the Seto Inland Sea." It's conveniently accessible directly from the tram stop on the 2nd floor, with elevators that go straight to the front lobby, making it easy to get around.
On the top floor's "Concept Floor," the panoramic view from the large windows and Seto Inland Sea-inspired art with wood-grain accents create an extraordinary atmosphere. The hotel's restaurants serve dishes made with the rich ingredients of the Seto Inland Sea, from breakfast to dinner, offering a special stay where the accommodation itself becomes a purpose of your trip.
About 220 Shops Gathered! From Shopping to Dining to Entertainment
"minamoa" is home to around 220 shops, offering everything from shopping and dining to entertainment. You'll find famous restaurants like "Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Koteju," which represents Hiroshima's soul food, and local favorites like "Taiko Udon" and "you-ichi." There are also many trendy shops, such as "miobyDoTS," which uses an abundance of Seto Inland Sea ingredients, "THE CITY BAKERY," a popular bakery from New York making its Hiroshima debut, and the global fashion brand fragrance shop "Maison Margiela REPLICA." The diverse range of shops and restaurants will attract both locals and tourists alike.
Taiko Udon
Founded in 1985, this udon restaurant has been loved by locals in Hiroshima for many years. Their specialty is "Ojiya Udon," served in a hot iron pot. The udon and ojiya (rice porridge) are combined from the start, and the rice soaked in the delicious broth is exquisite!
In addition to classics like "Oroshi" (grated daikon radish) and "Toriten" (chicken tempura), they also offer creative udon dishes popular with women, such as "Avocado and Camembert Cheese" and "Shrimp and Fried Rice Cakes." They have English menus and vegan options, making them popular with international tourists as well.
In the evening, the restaurant transforms into an "udon izakaya" style, where you can enjoy local Hiroshima sake and a la carte dishes. The atmosphere is different from lunch, allowing for a more relaxed time.
miobyDoTS
With the theme of "Get to know the Seto Inland Sea and love it even more," this is a must-visit spot that integrates a restaurant and a shop.
In the restaurant, the lunch plates, which express the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea through "taste," are popular. You can enjoy the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea in a bistro style, with options like "Shimanami" for seafood and "Yamanami" for meat.
They also offer vegan options, catering to diverse dietary styles.
Additionally, the "Sagotani Farm Gelato," which uses the deliciousness of fresh milk, is available for takeout.
The shop features stylish goods and souvenirs from Hiroshima, perfect for commemorating your trip or finding a gift. Here, you can fully experience the charm of the Seto Inland Sea through both dining and shopping.
you-ichi
Based in Hiroshima, this sweets brand is full of design and playful spirit.
Their signature product, "TOY JAM," is a colorful jam based on the theme of "toys to play with at the dinner table." It's popular not only for its taste but also for its cute packaging and unique concept, making it a great gift.
The" JAM Poke" is a minamoa-exclusive item that encloses this jam within baked sweets. It’s a perfect souvenir or gift.
The attached sweets salon, "fill," is a quiet, reservation-only space where you can enjoy special sweets found nowhere else.
Plenty of Entertainment! Enjoy a Movie at "MOVIX Hiroshima Station"
On the 7th floor, the cinema complex "MOVIX Hiroshima Station" has opened, equipped with the latest audio and visual technology. It screens a wide range of films, from popular new releases to art house films, starting early in the morning, so you can enjoy a full day of fun by combining it with shopping and dining.
The spacious lobby and waiting areas, along with its direct connection to the station, are also a major draw. You can easily experience the "extraordinary" of a movie even during a short break while traveling.
An Open, City-Connecting Feeling! Take a Break on the Grand Staircase
The symbolic "Grand Staircase", connecting the 7th and 8th floors of "minamoa," is not just a passage but a relaxing spot that connects the city and its people. The steps are designed to be sat on, making it a popular place to take a breather between shopping or moving around.
The space feels open, with a straight view of the station street below, making you want to take a picture. At night, the illuminated cityscape is beautiful, and you'll often see people taking photos with their smartphones.
Pokémon Gyarados Appears on the Rooftop "Soramoa Plaza"!
On the 9th floor, the "Soramoa Plaza" rooftop offers a lush lawn, a wooden deck, and a multi-purpose sports court, allowing visitors to spend their time as they please.
The "Gyarados Plaza," in collaboration with Pokémon Center Hiroshima, has also been created. Centered around a giant Gyarados monument, the area features a design inspired by a waterside and play equipment for children, making it very popular with families. The liberating and playful atmosphere of the rooftop brings smiles to visitors' faces.
Seamless Access to the "Omiyage Kan" Which Opens from 8 AM
"minamoa" is seamlessly connected to the adjacent commercial facility, "ekie." The ekie "Omiyage Kan" on the 2nd floor, in particular, offers a wide variety of Hiroshima souvenirs, including Momiji Manju, sweets made with Hiroshima lemons, local sake, and other specialty products. Since it opens at 8 a.m., it's a great place to stop by for a quick shop before you depart.
Read related article👉10 Hiroshima Souvenirs You Can Buy from 8 AM at Hiroshima Station! Directly Connected to "minamoa" and "ekie"
Hiroshima's New Gateway, "minamoa"!
In addition to its convenience, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and a hotel stay all at once, minamoa's spaces that evoke the spirit of Hiroshima are appealing to both tourists and locals. Hiroshima Castle, Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium, and Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima are all within walking distance, making it a perfect base for sightseeing or attending games. Access to popular areas like Miyajima, Shimanami Kaido, and Saijo is also excellent.
If you're visiting Hiroshima, why not start your trip with a stop at "minamoa"?
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Spot Information
minamoa
Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM *Some stores may have different hours. Restaurant floor is from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM at the latest.
- Address: 2-37 Matsubara-cho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima
- Access: Directly connected to Hiroshima Station
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