Akisaryo

Somewhere along Hiroshima’s Peace Boulevard is this Michelin-featured restaurant that has played host to distinguished guests, including the US Secretary of State and ambassador. The restaurant's space is stunning with exposed wooden beams, a tokonoma alcove and sliding doors that open onto tatami-matted rooms with sunken kotatsu. The menu is a masterclass of Japanese cuisine and a celebration of Hiroshima’s local bounty. Ingredients are selected not just for their freshness but for their seasonal peak. Fish are mainly sourced from Seto Inland Sea, timed to their seasons and quality like the fugu and winter oysters. Freshness can sometimes be taken quite literally here, too; the entrance features a live fish tank partially hidden behind wooden laths. A standout dish is the charcoal-grilled Wagyu beef from Yamaguchi Prefecture, expertly cooked over binchotan charcoal. This type of charcoal burns cleanly with minimal smoke, allowing it to preserve the natural flavors and moisture of the meat without any charred taste. Opt to watch the chefs skillfully prepare fresh seafood at the counter or enjoy a more private dining experience in one of the secluded rooms. The key is to appreciate each dish and go through the course at a gentle pace.