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Hondori Shopping Street is a covered arcade located in the central business district of Hiroshima, Japan.

Visual Characteristics

The street is covered by a translucent, corrugated plastic roof spanning approximately 360 meters. The arcade is lined with multi-story buildings housing retail establishments. Facades are predominantly modern, featuring large glass display windows and illuminated signage. The floor is paved with concrete tiles. Average width of the arcade is approximately 10 meters.

Location & Access Logistics

Hondori Shopping Street is situated in the Naka Ward of Hiroshima. It is located approximately 1.5 kilometers west of Hiroshima Station. Access is directly from the street level. Several parking garages are located within a 500-meter radius, including the Sogo Parking Lot. Public transport access is via the Hiroshima Streetcar (Tram) lines 1, 2, and 6, with the nearest stop being "Hondori."

Historical & Ecological Origin

The street was originally established as a commercial hub in the Meiji era. It was significantly rebuilt and covered following the atomic bombing in 1945, with the current arcade structure largely completed in the post-war period to provide shelter from the elements and facilitate commerce.

Key Highlights & Activities

Shopping for clothing, electronics, and local souvenirs. Dining at various restaurants and cafes. Exploring department stores such as Sogo and Parco. Observing street performers during peak hours.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within department stores and some larger retail outlets. Limited shaded areas are provided by the arcade roof. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the arcade. Numerous food vendors and restaurants are present within the arcade and immediately adjacent streets.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning (before 9:00 AM) offers the best natural light with fewer crowds. For shopping and experiencing the full atmosphere, weekdays between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM are optimal. Weekends can be significantly more crowded.

Facts & Legends

During the post-war reconstruction, the covered nature of Hondori was instrumental in its rapid revival as a commercial center, providing a protected environment for businesses and shoppers. A local anecdote suggests that the original design of the roof was influenced by the need to shield shoppers from both sun and rain, contributing to its enduring popularity.

Nearby Landmarks

• Peace Memorial Park (0.8km East)
• Hiroshima Castle (1.2km North)
• Shukkei-en Garden (1.5km Northeast)
• Hiroshima Museum of Art (0.6km East)