CINEMA
h i ros h i m a C it y C i n e m a by Benjamin Soar
I n d e p e n d e n ts Local company Johakyu is taking on the multiplexes and bucking worldwide trends by opening independent cinemas in the heart of the city center.
HATCHOZA Map p.30
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Beautifully refurbished cinema, slap bang in the city center at the top of Fukuya department store, that makes going to the movies special again. Hatchoza has 2 screens; The larger can host 3D films and seats 170 people, the smaller seats 70. There’s a cafe-bar in the foyer offering beer, wine and snacks okay to take into the theatre. There aren’t any children’s films here, making Hatchoza perfect for adults. Amazingly luxurious seats - armchairs with loads of legroom - and gorgeous decor, make a visit to Hatchoza feel more like going to the opera, not just a film. The toilet labels are in beautiful (hard to read) Kanji characters just remember, red for women and black for the men.
CINETWIN HONDORI Map p.30
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Smaller cinema in a basement just off Hondori. Shows independent films usually about 5 years after they’ve been released overseas. Lovely seats again, but the screen is about half the size of Hatchoza screen 1.
SALON CINEMA Map p.30
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Hatchoza Cinema
There are two screens and comfortable armchair style seats at this cinema, located about a 10 minute walk from Peace Park. A nice feature at Salon and Cinetwin is that you can take in your own snacks and drinks. Discounts ← FOR ALL Hatchoza, Salon and Cinetwin theaters Films starting after 18:00 ¥1000 Mens Day Monday ¥1000 (for men) Ladies Day Friday ¥1000 (for women) First of the month ¥1000 Couples Day is on the 22nd of every month ¥2000 (for any two people going in together) Local 広島人 tip
TIPS
Johakyu’s monthly booklet “Endmark” has schedules and news about upcoming films. It’s all in Japanese, but there are pictures and English titles. Pay for subscription, or pick one up around town in shop & dept store free flyer areas. Show it when you buy your ticket to get ¥300 off tickets (up to 3 tickets).
Mu lti p l e xes WALD 11 CINEMAS
C i n e p h i l es c h e c k! THE CINEMATOGRAPHIC AND AUDIOVISUAL LIBRARY The Cinematographic and Audio-Visual Library is a treasure trove of classic Japanese cinema. All in Japanese, but only ¥100 for 90 min of viewing. Regular screenings of Japanese and international film classics for ¥500.
U ltr a- i n d i e YOKOGAWA CINEMA Seldom-seen art films, documentaries and occasional live music events on a narrow side street near Yokogawa Station. Yokogawa Cinema is a bit run down and English language films a rarity, but worth keeping an eye on our listings.
Standard multiplex located in the Aeon Shopping Mall in Fuchu. Overpriced snacks and they don’t allow free seating- choose your seat when buying a ticket. Quality sound and large screens, including several 3D screens. The “Daddy” here is theater number 10, which seats 402 people. The mall is a short walk from Tenjingawa JR Station, or take a free shuttle bus from the shinkansen side of Hiroshima Station. Discounts Late shows (after 20:30) ¥1200 First of every month ¥1000 Ladies Day every Wednesday ¥1000 Couples Day 22nd of every month ¥2000 a couple
Hatchoza Cinema
AEON CINEMA (FORMERLY WARNER MYCAL CINEMAS) On the 6th floor of a department store, 15 minutes walk from Peace Park, through Hijiyama Tunnel. Shows mostly Japanese films, 6 small theatres and 1 giant one. Discounts Ladies day- Mondays ¥1000 Couples day- Wednesdays 2 people for ¥2000
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Hatchoza Cinema