Okonomimura

Each stall sets its own hours and closing days, and no building-wide opening time is published. Some stalls open from late morning, others only in the evening. The evening has the most stalls open; if you are going for a particular counter, check its own hours.

Prices are set by each stall and posted on its menu. A standard okonomiyaki is a full meal on its own; extra noodles, toppings and drinks add to the price.

A layered version of okonomiyaki: thin batter, then cabbage, bean sprouts and pork, then noodles and an egg, finished with sauce. Osaka-style okonomiyaki mixes the ingredients into the batter instead and usually has no noodles.

About two dozen independent counters across the 2nd to 4th floors. The number changes over time as stalls open and close.

Walk the floors first. Compare the menus and prices posted at each counter, look for free seats together if you are in a group, and pick by what you want to eat, such as udon instead of soba or a particular topping.

Many have picture menus or English menus, but it varies by stall. Pointing at the menu works at almost every counter.

Standard okonomiyaki contains pork. Some stalls can leave it out or make a meat-free version, but it depends on the stall, so ask before ordering.

Yes, as a casual meal. Counters are hot and seats are close together, so keep young children back from the griddle, and expect noise and cooking smoke at busy times.

It is the easiest place to compare many counters in one building, close to the Peace Memorial area. Many well-known okonomiyaki restaurants are elsewhere in the city, so it is a good choice rather than the only one.