A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hangzhou vs. Hiroshima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hangzhou or Hiroshima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Hiroshima. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Hiroshima?

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Hangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hangzhou and Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $23
    Hiroshima $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $46
    Hiroshima $128
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Hiroshima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hangzhou


Hotels in Hiroshima


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.11
    Hiroshima $9.71
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
  • Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
  • Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
  • Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $171
  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $472
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $228
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $215
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $215
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima and Hangzhou change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hangzhou $18
    Hiroshima $29
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima No1 food!! 'Okonomiyaki'-cooking class: $40
  • Local Favorites Private Night Food Tour: $66
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $73
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $79
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $81
  • Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family: $90
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $94
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Hiroshima $5.39

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
  • All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
  • China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
  • Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
  • Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.32
  • Hiroshima Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Locals: $17
  • Visit World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine by sea & Oyster raft tour: $25
  • Kumano Brush Factory Tour and Brush-Making Experience: $25
  • Mihara Goshushi Tour-Walking around the castle town Mihara-: $26
  • Peace Park Tour VR/Hiroshima: $32
  • Original Amulet Making Experience: $32
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $32
  • Traditional Japanese Archery Experience: $35
  • Japanese Traditional Archery Experience Hiroshima : $36
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $37
  • Tea ceremony experience near Atomic Bomb Dome: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Hiroshima $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima than you might in Hangzhou.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Hiroshima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Hiroshima?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Hiroshima. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Hiroshima, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Hangzhou or Hiroshima?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hangzhou or Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 29°C (85°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Hiroshima. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Hiroshima. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Hiroshima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Hiroshima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Hiroshima. Also, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hiroshima. It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In the winter, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hangzhou in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Hiroshima. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Hiroshima in the Spring?

Both Hiroshima and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Hiroshima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)