Shimaji Coffee Lab

A specialty coffee roastery in Kyobashicho, the second location of the Shimaji Coffee brand, a short tram ride or walk from Hiroshima Station. The roastery occupies a long, narrow building set back from the main road. The entrance is not street-facing and easy to miss. Once inside, the space opens up into bench seating along the walls, sofa tables, and a display case of housemade cakes and puddings near the counter.

This is a place to drink, not to work. Laptops and devices are not permitted, and a one-hour seating limit is in effect. Multiple reviews mention a sign at the entrance noting the time policy. Come here to reset, not to grind through a task list. The atmosphere is quiet and calm. One reviewer described it as "a stylish, quiet space where time passes slowly." Tables are low bench-style, and the room holds roughly 15 to 20 people across sofas, bench rows, and small tables.

Coffee is the main event. Single-origin pour-overs are the specialty, with a rotating selection of beans from Ethiopia, Peru, Colombia, Indonesia, and Brazil. Light roasts dominate, though a few medium options are usually available. Staff will explain the beans and help you choose based on your preference. The menu and bean descriptions are available in English. Espresso and latte drinks are also on offer, alongside matcha latte, hojicha latte, and chai latte. Note that the chai latte contains no coffee base, which has surprised a few reviewers. Prices run around ¥600 for eat-in coffee and ¥550 for takeout.

Oat milk is available as a non-dairy substitute for an extra ¥100. Decaf beans are also stocked. Housemade desserts include seasonal puddings (Earl Grey, matcha, pumpkin), tarts, cheesecake, and pound cake. Some baked goods are available to take away but not to eat in. Everyone at the table is required to order a drink. No vegan or gluten-free food options have been mentioned in reviews.

The crowd skews toward foreign tourists and local women. One reviewer put the tourist share at around 80% on a recent visit. Weekends are noticeably busier, with Sunday early afternoon being the peak window. Weekday mornings after opening tend to be quieter. Service is generally praised as warm and knowledgeable, though a small number of reviews note inconsistency in staff attitude.