Welcome to the ‘Sakura’ Hiroshima Okonomiyaki restaurant. This restaurant was first established in 2008 by the Asakura’s who decided to share their Hiroshima style of Okonomiyaki to the many visitors to Madarao Village, from Japan and around the world.

During this time the restaurant quickly built a reputation of not only serving delicious Okonomiyaki but also a warm and friendly place which welcomed guests with a happy smile. Their time in Madarao has seen them become an essential part of the community and friends to many. Having worked so tirelessly for over 17 years the Asakura’s eventually decided it was time to return to Hiroshima to spend more time with their family.

I visited the restaurant in 2017 during my first stay in Japan, and while I had never tasted Okonomiyaki before I soon found myself visiting the restaurant several times a week and would sit at the counter, amazed at how this wonderful traditional Japanese dish was made so skilfully by a true master. Like most regulars to the restaurant and longstanding members of the community, I was sad to hear the news the Asakura’s had decided to leave Madarao. One evening, to my surprise, the Asakura’s asked me if I would like to continue the tradition of serving their style of Hiroshima Okonomiyaki. After agreeing to accept this truly great honour, I completed my training under their guidance and was privileged to learn their technique of Okonomiyaki.  I hope to carry on where they left-off by providing a friendly place where all are welcome and the chance to enjoy delicious, traditional Japanese cuisine.