20 Years in Nagarekawa: The Story of a Bar Raised by Hiroshima’s Nights
2026.10.05
In short: Bar Little Happiness is a quiet whisky and rum bar in Nagarekawa, Hiroshima, open since 2006 — over 1,000 bottles, no cover charge, all prices shown, English menu, solo guests welcome, about 4 minutes’ walk from Hatchobori tram stop. Owner Mika Tanimoto especially recommends local Hiroshima whisky from Sakurao Distillery.
Where will you drink tonight in Hiroshima?
Just off the main street of Nagarekawa, on the ground floor, there is a bar that has been open for 20 years.
Bar Little Happiness.
Quiet, relaxed, and easy to visit on your own.
Hiroshima’s night has a place like that.
What kind of bar is it?
It is a bar where you can drink quietly.
The bar is centred on the counter, with no seats behind it. There is also a private room.
It isn’t a place for loud parties, so it suits people stopping by alone after work, visitors ending a day of sightseeing, and anyone who wants a slow conversation.
There is no cover charge.
The menu shows a photo, description and price for everything.
If you don’t know what to order, just ask. We’ll choose together.
We have menus in several languages, including English and Korean.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I need a reservation?
You can come without a reservation. Booking in advance via our official LINE account or an Instagram DM guarantees a seat.
Q. Can I come on my own?
Yes. Many of our guests come alone.
Q. Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code. Come as you are, mid-sightseeing or straight from work.
Q. Is there a cover charge?
There is no cover charge. Every item has its price clearly shown.
Q. What drinks do you have?
More than 1,000 bottles, mainly whisky and rum.
We also have a few cocktails for companions who don’t drink whisky or rum.
Getting to Nagarekawa, Hiroshima
About 4 minutes’ walk from the Hatchobori tram stop (Hiroden).
About 7 minutes by taxi from Hiroshima Station.
It is in the Nagarekawa nightlife area, within walking distance after dinner.
In Hiroshima? Drink Hiroshima whisky
If you have read this far, just a little more.
Little Happiness has a large selection of Hiroshima whisky.
Sakurao Distillery, in Sakurao, Hatsukaichi, across the water from Miyajima.
Whisky born where the sea breeze of the Seto Inland Sea meets the cool air from the mountains.
Distillery-exclusive bottles you can’t buy in supermarkets or chain stores, and bottles that hardly ever reach the market, are here at this counter.
“I came to Hiroshima, so I drank Hiroshima whisky.”
I have always wanted to be a place where you can make travel memories like that.
You don’t need any whisky knowledge. If you’ve “heard the name,” that’s more than enough.
20 years in Nagarekawa
I opened the bar in 2006, when I was 22.
I could hardly drink at all, but meeting whisky changed my life.
Ever since, I haven’t been able to stop going to meet the makers.
Scotland, New Zealand, Martinique, Laos… and of course all over Japan.
Every time I open a distillery door, I am overwhelmed by the passion of the people there.
The 1,000 bottles on the back bar are the sum of those journeys.
When someone visiting Hiroshima drops in at night and leaves saying, “I’m glad I came here,”
that is my happiest moment in 20 years.
Please come and end your night in Hiroshima with us.
Every encounter is meant to be. Welcome to the world of Rum & Whisky.
Mika Tanimoto, Bar Little Happiness
[About the author]
Mika Tanimoto
CEO, Little.m Inc. / Owner-bartender
Since 2006, I have run Bar Little Happiness, a whisky and rum bar in Nagarekawa, Hiroshima. I visit distilleries in Japan and around the world and write about the people who make the spirits. Recipient of the Hiroshima City Excellent Skilled Worker Award.
“Whisky and rum taste even better when you know the hearts of the people who make them.”
[Visit the bar] 📍 Bar Little Happiness
Rolling Nagarekawa 1F, 5-14 Nagarekawa-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Mon–Sat 7:00 pm – 12:30 am / Sun 7:00 pm – 12:00 am (closed when I travel to visit distilleries)
No cover charge, no reservation needed
