Hiroshima oysters at the Kanawa restaurant

The Kanawa restaurant is a unique experience in Hiroshima: a boat permanently moored on the Motoyasu river, a few steps from the Peace Memorial Park, specialising in the famous oysters of the prefecture. Hiroshima produces around 60% of all the oysters farmed in Japan, and Kanawa's specimens come directly from the beds of Miyajima and the bay. The oysters are offered in many ways: steamed, grilled, in miso soup, gratinated with cheese or raw on the half shell. A full menu is around 3.000-4.500 ¥. It opens at midday and in the evening; the best months are from October to May, when the oysters are at their peak. Booking is essential for dinner, especially at the weekend. The boat is moored next to the Motoyasu Bridge, visible from the Memorial Park. The night view of the Genbaku Dome from the boat's deck is one of the most special moments in Hiroshima.