A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Hiroshima vs. Atami for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Hiroshima or Atami?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hiroshima and Atami can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hiroshima and Atami: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Atami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hiroshima. Although Hiroshima and Atami are popular destinations, Hiroshima has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hiroshima is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Atami attracts visitors for its beaches. Hiroshima is more touristy than Atami and is known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. It is also well known for Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Hiroshima different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atami and Hiroshima. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hiroshima or Atami?

Hiroshima
Atami

Hiroshima is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hiroshima are world-renowned. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.


Is the Food Better in Hiroshima or Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hiroshima
Atami

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hiroshima has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Hiroshima or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Atami

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Hiroshima and Atami.

If you're looking for night time activities Hiroshima has a few options to choose from. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Atami. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Hiroshima or Atami Better for Beaches?

Hiroshima
Atami

Atami is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atami. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Atami?

Hiroshima
Atami

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Hiroshima is well-known for its shopping. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Hiroshima or Atami Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Atami

Both Hiroshima and Atami are nice to visit with kids.

Hiroshima offers lots of family activities. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Atami is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Hiroshima or Atami Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Atami

Both Hiroshima and Atami are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hiroshima is a nice destination for couples. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Atami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.


Is Hiroshima or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Atami

For backpackers, both Hiroshima and Atami are nice places to visit.

Hiroshima is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Hiroshima or Atami Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hiroshima
Atami

Hiroshima is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Hiroshima can get you around easily. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Hiroshima or Atami a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Atami

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Hiroshima is a very walkable city. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

Atami is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.


For even more information, also check out Is Hiroshima Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hiroshima or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hiroshima than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hiroshima, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

Families should spend more time in Hiroshima than Atami. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hiroshima, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hiroshima than Atami. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hiroshima that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hiroshima than Atami if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hiroshima.


  • How many days in Hiroshima or Atami? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hiroshima 2-3 
    Atami 1-2

One day in Hiroshima or Atami?

In Hiroshima, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this memorable destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Atami. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atami has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nostalgic destination of Atami. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Atami?

Hiroshima is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hiroshima. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the overlooked town of Atami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Hiroshima or Atami?

You'll find food and shopping around the meaningful destination of Hiroshima. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Atami is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Atami or Hiroshima?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hiroshima is $102, while the average daily cost in Atami is $88. 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 Hiroshima and Atami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $65
    Atami $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $130
    Atami $86
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Atami

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Atami? 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 Hiroshima


Hotels in Atami


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 and Atami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $9.83
    Atami $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

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

  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $60
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $225
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $225
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $238
  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $494
  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $211

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atami

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

  • Narita Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $680
  • Haneda Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $583

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Atami?

Prices for flights to both Atami and Hiroshima 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
    Hiroshima $30
    Atami $24

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: $42
  • Local Favorites Private Night Food Tour: $69
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $83
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $84
  • Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family: $90
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $99
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $160
  • Hiroshima Food Tour with a Local Foodie, 100% Personalised & Private: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hiroshima $5.46
    Atami $7.78

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

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

  • Kimono and Calligraphy Experience in Miyajima: $68
  • 4 Hour Hiroshima Miyajima Private Tour: $84
  • An Amazing set of Cultural experience: Kimono, Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy: $101
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $39
  • From Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour: $112
  • From Private Tour to Kure: $212
  • Full Day Bus Tour in Hiroshima and Miyajima: $115
  • Full-Day Private Guided Tour in Hiroshima : $164
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $34
  • Hiroshima & Miyajima Island Private Guided Tour: $162
  • Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide: $165
  • Hiroshima Best Spots 6h Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $110

Tours and Activities in Atami

For Atami, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • ACAO BEACH: Tent Sauna experience at private resort: $119
  • Hakone one day tour: $162
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $135
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Atami $5.52


When comparing the travel costs between Hiroshima and Atami, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Atami?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima and Atami, 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 Hiroshima or Atami?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Atami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and Atami. The summer months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In the summer, Hiroshima is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hiroshima in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Hiroshima usually receives more sunshine than Atami during summer. Hiroshima gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Atami. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F) 
    Atami 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Atami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Atami. The shopping scene are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the shopping scene.

In October, Hiroshima is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 17°C (63°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Atami. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hiroshima usually gets less rain in October than Atami. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F) 
    Atami 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hiroshima. Hiroshima is cooler than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Hiroshima usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atami during winter. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hiroshima usually receives less rain than Atami. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F) 
    Atami 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Atami in the Spring?

Both Atami and Hiroshima during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Hiroshima is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hiroshima in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Atami. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Atami. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F) 
    Atami 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Atami and Hiroshima

Hiroshima Atami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)