What's Hiroshima Andersen

The memorial plaque in front of Hiroshima Andersen

This is one inspiring story of a former bank building transformed into Hiroshima's popular bakery and restaurant located in the shopping arcade called Hon Dori (meaning "main street").


The building, originally built in 1925 as a bank in the center of the city and only 360 meters away from Ground Zero, looked dismal right after the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945 but still stood and housed the same bank again in 1950 after being repaired for operation. Later other banks possessed the property until the ownership was handed to a bakery which is now called Hiroshima Andersen.  


The owner, Mr. Takaki, traveled in Europe for two months to expand the knowledge useful for his business in 1959. When in Copenhagen, Denmark, he, for the first time, ate Danish Pastry at breakfast. He loved it so much that he got determined to sell it in Japan. Later in 1962, the first pastry in Japan was made and sold by him. Which made his bakery famous and successful. 


In 1967, Mr. and Mrs. Takaki went to Europe while wondering if the former bank building they purchased should be used or rebuilt. In Rome, they got an inspiration: they witnessed an old grand historical building refurbished and used by a leading confectioner. The archaic building, infused with modern ideas, looked lively. They made up their mind that their old estate be used and made into a store with North European ambiance.


The Hon Dori shopping arcade is where you will feel everyday Hiroshima. Locals come here for shopping and dining. Try Hon Dori and experience the city.

Calla at Shukkeien Japanese garden

Calla: They grow near the water.

This is a lovely garden. Though small in area, it feels much larger than it really is due to clever techniques of Japanese garden making. Different flowers are in bloom in different times of the year, giving you a chance to sense seasonal transitions. You will feel life goes on as seasons come around. 


In May this year, not many flowers are seen but the ones in the photo looked pretty and unassuming. According to a fellow guide who loves plants, they seem to be called Calla belonging to Araceae.


The garden sometimes hosts tea ceremonies. The one especially enjoyable is held at the beginning of May every year. Young girl students are in charge of picking new tea leaves growing at a small tea field in the garden. The leaves are steamed, kneaded and made into tea. 


Once something similar was conducted by the Asano family who governed Hiroshima during the Edo period when the Tokugawa Shoguns were the central authorities. 


Some years back, the practice was restored and appreciated by garden visitors and photographers.