Hiroshima’s first whiskey bar guide
2026.6.18
Your First Whisky Bar in Hiroshima — A Friendly Guide If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to visit a whisky bar in Hiroshima,” but weren’t sure where to go, you’re not alone — many people feel that way, especially in an unfamiliar place. Bar Little Happiness is a whisky bar in central Hiroshima. We keep over 1,000 whiskies and rums, every price is clearly listed (tax included), and there is no cover charge.
That’s exactly why first-time bar-goers and travelers from overseas can feel at ease here. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. When I started this place, the thing I cared about most was creating somewhere you can quietly enjoy a single glass.
Rather than the standard bottles you’d find in any big store, I wanted you to meet a special glass you can only find here.
That’s the spirit in which I’ve gathered every bottle, one by one. Below, I’ve answered the questions people often have about visiting a bar for the first time.
Q. Can I come alone, even without company?
Yes. Many of our guests come on their own, and being without company is no problem at all. The atmosphere is perfect for quietly enjoying a glass by yourself. Please don’t hesitate to open the door, even alone.
Q. Is it okay if I don’t know anything about whisky?
Absolutely. No knowledge is needed at all. “I’m not really sure, but I’d like to try” — that feeling alone is more than enough. I’d be delighted to share the joy of discovering whisky together with you. Please feel free to ask me anything.
Q. Isn’t it hard to walk in when it’s full of regulars?
Not at all. We welcome many travelers and first-time guests. There is absolutely no “regulars only” atmosphere here, so please open the door with confidence. I want this to be a place everyone can enjoy on equal footing.
Q. Do I need a reservation?
No reservation is needed. You’re welcome to just drop by — on your way through sightseeing, after work, or whenever the mood strikes. (For larger groups, or if you’d like to be sure of a seat, a little advance notice is appreciated.)
Q. Can I order just one drink?
Of course. Guests who want to “just try one glass” are truly welcome. With no cover charge and every price clearly listed, you can relax. (One gentle note: because there’s no cover charge, we kindly ask that you not stay for a very long time on a single drink.)
Q. Will you push expensive bottles on me?
Please don’t worry. I never pressure anyone into something expensive. Every bottle is clearly priced, so you can choose with confidence according to your budget. Just tell me “something within this range,” and I’ll suggest options from there.
Q. Are there any hidden fees or extra charges?
None. There’s no charge simply for taking a seat, and no service fee — nothing of the kind. You pay only for the drinks you order. Every bottle is marked with its tax-included price, so you’ll never be left wondering what the final bill will be.
Q. Do travelers pay the same price as regulars?
Yes — exactly the same. First-time visitors and longtime regulars order at the same prices, always. Every bottle is clearly priced because I want this to be a place where everyone can relax and enjoy, on equal terms.
Q. Do you only take cash, or can I use a card?
Both cash and credit cards are accepted, so guests from overseas can pay with ease.
Q. I’m not sure how to order.
It’s easy, even your first time. We have a digital menu, so you can choose intuitively.
* Every item has a photo, a description, and a clear price.
* You can order even if you feel shy about speaking up.
* If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly fine to just say, “Something you’d recommend.” (In that case, tell me your taste preferences, how you’d like to drink it, and your budget. With such a wide range of bottles, you can choose with confidence.)
And there’s no need to worry about language. Our menu is available in eight languages, so even if you’re not confident in Japanese, you can enjoy yourself naturally.
Q. I’m not a strong drinker — can I still enjoy it?
Yes, you certainly can. You can taste in small amounts, and we also offer chocolate developed to pair with the drinks, so there are ways to enjoy beyond the alcohol itself. Please relax and go at your own pace.
Q. What should I wear? Are there manners I should know?
There’s no special dress code. You’re welcome to stop by just as you are — after work, or mid-sightseeing.
That said, a few small things help everyone enjoy a whisky bar:
* Go easy on perfume or cologne (aroma matters a great deal here).
* Be mindful of those around you when talking (especially at the counter).
* Handle the glassware gently.
That’s really all there is to it.
Q. Is there an age limit?
Guests must be 20 or older (in Japan, the legal drinking age is 20). We kindly ask that children not enter. This is a quiet space for adults to enjoy a glass at their leisure.
Q. Can I smoke?
Heated tobacco (e.g. IQOS) may be used inside. For cigarettes, we ask that you step outside. We’re on the ground floor, so outside is just a step away.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available.
Q. May I take photos of the bar or the drinks?
Yes, please do. Feel free to capture your favorite glass, or the atmosphere of the bar, as a memory. I’d be happy if you shared them on social media.
Q. Where is the bar? Can I visit while sightseeing?
We’re in central Hiroshima, close to the Peace Memorial Park. It’s an easy place to stop by while you’re sightseeing in the city.
Q. Is there anything to eat alongside the drinks?
Our “bar-exclusive chocolate” is very popular — about 70% of our guests order it. It’s specially commissioned from a chocolatier in Tokyo, crafted to pair with the drinks, and not sold in any store. You can only taste it here.
What I’d especially recommend is pairing Hiroshima whisky with our “kombu (kelp) chocolate” or “miso chocolate.” Please come and experience these surprising, uniquely Japanese encounters.
Q. Can I drink Japanese whisky here?
Yes — about half of our lineup is Japanese whisky, likely the widest selection in Hiroshima. From legendary names like Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Nikka, to craft distilleries across Japan, to Hiroshima’s own “Sakurao,” we keep a broad range.
And above all, there are many bottles here that you can only drink at this bar. Over the years, I’ve personally visited distilleries all across Japan and built direct relationships with the people who make these spirits. It’s those connections that allow me to keep so many rare bottles and limited releases. If you love whisky or rum, wherever in the world you’ve come from, I think you’ll be amazed.
Q. Will younger people feel out of place?
Not at all. More and more young guests come to us after discovering whisky on YouTube or social media, wanting to try a proper glass. Rather than the standard bottles from a big store, I’d love to share with you a special “first whisky” that you can only meet here.
Q. Where’s a good place to drink whisky in Hiroshima?
If you’re visiting Hiroshima for sightseeing or business, Bar Little Happiness is a wonderful choice. You can choose from a collection of over 1,000 bottles, with a system designed to put you at ease. At our quiet counter, you can take your time over a glass that’s all your own. Starting with Hiroshima’s own whisky, “Sakurao,” I’m sure you’ll find a glass you can experience nowhere else.
Q. Can I take a bottle home if I find one I love?
Yes, you can. At the bar, you can take your favorite dram home in a small bottle (sold by the measure). Even rare bottles that would be hard to buy as a full bottle become easy to try this way — and they make a wonderful souvenir or memory of your trip. You can enjoy “that one glass” again at home, or as your journey continues.
In Closing
If you’ve been thinking, “A whisky bar feels a little intimidating for a first visit…” — at Bar Little Happiness, please feel at ease. For anyone who’d like to discover a proper glass of whisky, I hope this can be the best possible doorway in.
Whether you’re sightseeing or stopping by after work, please come and experience your first special glass at our counter in Hiroshima.
You can see the latest from the bar, and newly arrived bottles, on Instagram (@littlehappiness7). If you’d like to get a feel for the place before visiting, please take a look.
And finally — everything I’ve written here comes, in the end, from one simple thing: I simply love whisky. If even a little of that love reaches you, and helps give someone the courage to take a first step, nothing would make me happier.
Every encounter is meant to be. Welcome to the world of Rum & Whisky.
Slàinte from Nagarekawa-cho.
Mika Tanimoto, Bar Little Happiness
