Okonomi-Damashii Goku: Hiroshima Okonomiyaki in Hatchobori
日本語版はこちら → https://ao-happy.net/okonomiyaki-goku-hatchobori-hiroshima-ja/
If you ask us where to eat okonomiyaki in Hiroshima, this is the place we name: Okonomi-Damashii Goku (おこのみ魂 悟空) in Hatchobori, right in the city center. They cook your okonomiyaki on the big iron griddle in front of you, the noodles are extra thin, and there is an English menu. Here is what we like about it, what to order, and how to get there from our two guesthouses.
Hiroshima okonomiyaki in one minute
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is built in layers rather than mixed: a thin crepe-like batter, a big pile of cabbage, pork, noodles and egg, all pressed together on the griddle and finished with sauce. Goku’s own website explains its roots: it grew out of issen yoshoku, a simple pre-war snack, and after the atomic bombing people made it again on iron plates with relief flour. As the city recovered, cabbage, egg, pork and noodles were added, which is why locals still order by name, like niku-tama-soba (pork, egg and noodles).
What makes Goku different
Extra-thin fresh noodles
Goku specializes in niku-tama-soba made with extra-thin fresh noodles. Their menu says the noodles come from Masuman Food, and their website notes that they serve okonomiyaki with soba only (no udon or yakisoba).
Cooked right in front of you
The cook builds every okonomiyaki on the griddle in front of the counter, step by step: the thin crepe first, then a mountain of cabbage and pork left to steam, the noodles on the side, and finally the flip that brings it all together. For us, watching it come together is half the fun, and the wait goes by quickly.
When it’s done, you can eat straight off the hot griddle or move it onto a plate. Both are fine. Use the little metal spatula (hera) to cut a piece and eat from it, the way many locals do.
What to order
Grilled Cheese Special (aburi cheese-yaki)
If you love cheese, this is our pick. It’s niku-tama-soba topped with a layer of cheese, which the cook torches right on the griddle until it browns. If you only order one thing, make it this.
Other okonomiyaki and toppings
The standard niku-tama-soba is a good first choice. Their menu also lists a calamari-tempura-and-spring-onion version, Goku Yaki with spicy noodles (spicy or extra spicy), and seafood specials. You can add toppings freely, from extra egg and spring onion to cheese, squid, shrimp, spicy cod roe and Hiroshima oysters, and choose a bigger portion of noodles. The English menu has photos, so pointing works too.
Don’t skip the torched potato salad
One small surprise: the cream cheese potato salad also gets the blowtorch. It comes out browned on top, an easy side to share while your okonomiyaki cooks.
Goku also cooks teppanyaki dishes on the same griddle. Their website mentions Hiroshima oysters and wagyu dishes such as horumon and koune, and the English menu lists them under “Hiroshima specialty”. They’re a nice way to try local flavors before the main event.
Drinks and the weekday happy hour
The drink menu is in English too, with Suntory draft beer, highballs, lemon sours, sake and soft drinks. On our visit in October 2026, there was a weekday happy hour from 2 pm to 5 pm with beer, highballs and lemon sours at a special price, and snacks discounted as well. Details can change, so check on the day.
Where to sit
We recommend the counter, right in front of the griddle, so you can watch your okonomiyaki being made. Goku is not a big restaurant: the counter fits about seven people at most, and that’s when no one else is there. Small groups and solo travelers are fine; for a bigger group, consider booking ahead (their website links to an online reservation page). Their website also says only the counter is open from 1 pm to 5:30 pm.
Shop information
| Okonomi-Damashii Goku (おこのみ魂 悟空) | |
|---|---|
| Address | 8-7 Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0013 |
| Hours | 11:00–22:00 (last order 21:00). Counter seats only from 13:00 to 17:30. |
| Closed | New Year holidays |
| Nearest stops | Tatemachi tram stop (about 3 min walk), Hatchobori tram stop (about 4 min walk) |
| English menu | Yes (food and drinks) |
| Official | go-kuu.info / Instagram @okonomiyaki_goku |
Hours are as listed on the official website; some listings show different hours, so check the website or Instagram before you go.
Getting there from our guesthouses
Times below are rough estimates: walking time to the stop, plus the ride, plus the walk to the shop. Waiting time is not included.
| From | Route | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Ao’s Retreat Base (Ushita) | Walk to Hakushima tram stop (22 min) → Hiroden Line 9 to Hatchobori (about 7 min) → walk (about 4 min) | about 35 min |
| Ao’s Skyview Base (Koi) | Walk to Hiroden Nishi-Hiroshima (6 min) → Hiroden Line 2 toward Hiroshima Station, get off at Tatemachi (about 25 min) → walk (about 3 min) | about 35 min |
| Hiroshima Station | Hiroden tram to Hatchobori (about 12 min) → walk (about 4 min) | about 15–20 min |
Coming from Hiroshima Station? If you have a sweet tooth, you can pick up Hiroshima’s classic sweet on the way: see our post on Nishikido Main Store and momiji manju near Hiroshima Station.
Our tip
Grab a seat at the counter, order a Grilled Cheese Special and enjoy the show. If you’re staying with us, just ask and we’ll be happy to help you find the way.
