45 bis Awa: Yakitori & Overflowing Sparkling in Hiroshima
日本語版はこちら → https://ao-happy.net/45-bis-awa-yakitori-sparkling-hiroshima-ja/
In October 2026 it was Rieko’s birthday, so we went looking for somewhere a little special in central Hiroshima. One street over from Hondori, the city’s main covered shopping street, we found a glass-fronted corner shop with strings of lights outside. From the street it looked like a stylish bar. Inside, it turned out to be a yakitori restaurant – a bar and a yakitori shop in one.
The place is called 45 bis Awa (pronounced roughly “kah-rahnt-sank bees ah-wa”). The name sounds unusual, but it is easy to unpack. “45” (quarante-cinq) is French for forty-five and is the name of its sister wine bistro in the same building. In French addresses, “bis” is added to a number for the next-door unit – a bit like “45A”. Awa means “bubbles” in Japanese, and that part fits too: the specialty here is sparkling wine with skewers grilled over charcoal. Here is what we ate and drank, where to sit, and how to get there from our two guesthouses.
What kind of place is 45 bis Awa?
45 bis Awa is a casual yakitori bistro in Fukuromachi, in the middle of downtown Hiroshima. According to the official page, it pairs charcoal-grilled yakitori with sparkling wine and other bubbly drinks, with a standing and counter area on the first floor and table seating on the second floor.
It is run by the same group as “45” (Quarante-cinq), a wine bistro at the same address. If you see the name “45” on the building, you are in the right place.
Kobore sparkling: poured until it overflows
The drink to order first is kobore sparkling. Kobore means “spilling over”. The glass sits in a small dish, and the staff keep pouring until the sparkling wine runs over the rim and into the dish below.
This is a familiar way to serve sake in Japan. At standing bars, sake is often poured into a glass set inside a wooden box or saucer and filled until it overflows. The style is called mokkiri, and the generous pour is a small gesture of hospitality from the person pouring. At 45 bis Awa they do the same thing with sparkling wine, which made it a perfect birthday toast.
Charcoal yakitori, grilled in front of you
The skewers are grilled on the spot over charcoal, right by the counter. Hand-painted wooden boards above the bar list some of the skewers, including sasami (chicken tenderloin), buta-bara (pork belly), hatsu (chicken heart), bonjiri (chicken tail), nasu (eggplant) and oyadori (mature hen).
Our favorite: tsukune
We ordered leek, negima (chicken and leek) and tsukune (chicken meatballs). If we had to pick one skewer to recommend, it would be the tsukune.
The melty cheese skewer
We also had the cheese skewer. It came off the grill soft and melting, and it was delicious.
Where to sit
The counter along the front window is a great seat. You look straight out at the street, and when the glass doors are opened, the counter becomes an open terrace. On colder days the doors can be closed.
We sat at the corner seat closest to the alley. In October the weather was neither hot nor cold, which made it the perfect season for drinks with the doors open.
There are also a few high tables outside on the street. On a mild evening they look like a lovely place for a drink.
Good to know before you go
- Reservations: we walked in without a reservation and got seats. It may be busier on some days, and you can book online through the official page.
- Table charge: a small table charge (otoshi) is added during dinner service. It is not charged when you book a course.
- Payment: credit cards, IC transit cards and several QR payment apps are accepted, according to the official page.
- Good for: we would recommend it for birthdays and anniversaries.
Shop information
| 45 bis Awa | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-18 Fukuromachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 16:00–23:00 Sat, Sun & holidays 15:00–23:00 (last orders: food 22:00, drinks 22:30) |
| Closed | No regular closing day listed. Hours may change around New Year and holidays. |
| Nearest stops | Hiroden tram “Tatemachi” stop, about 1–4 min walk (about 300 m) Astram Line “Hondori” Station, about 5 min walk |
| Seating | Counter and standing area on 1F, tables on 2F, a few outdoor tables |
| Specialties | Charcoal-grilled yakitori, kobore (overflowing) sparkling wine |
| Official page | DD Group shop page (Japanese) |
Opening hours can change, so please check the official page before you go.
Getting there from Ao Base
Fukuromachi is right in the center of the city, so it is an easy evening out from both of our guesthouses. Times below are rough estimates, including walking.
| From | Route | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Ao’s Retreat Base (Ushita) | Walk 6 min to Ushita-minami bus stop → Hiroden Bus Route 6 to Hatchobori (about 15–20 min) → walk about 10 min | About 35–40 min |
| Ao’s Retreat Base (Ushita), by tram | Walk 28 min to JR Hiroshima Station → Hiroden tram Line 2 to Tatemachi (about 9 min) → walk 1–4 min | About 40–45 min |
| Ao’s Skyview Base (Koi) | Walk 6 min to Hiroden Nishi-Hiroshima stop → Hiroden tram Line 2 toward Hiroshima Station, to Tatemachi (about 25–30 min) → walk 1–4 min | About 35–40 min |
If you are in the area earlier in the day and want Hiroshima’s other signature dish, our guide to Okonomi-Damashii Goku in Hatchobori covers an okonomiyaki spot a short walk away.
Whether you stay with us in quiet Ushita or up the hill in Koi, a glass of overflowing bubbles and a few skewers in Fukuromachi makes a lovely evening in Hiroshima. Kanpai!
