A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hiroshima vs. Katoomba for Attractions, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hiroshima or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba 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 park-filled, memorable, and meaningful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hiroshima travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a natural, relaxing, and breathtaking town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Katoomba because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Katoomba travel costs.

Hiroshima and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Katoomba?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Katoomba. Although Hiroshima and Katoomba are both popular with visitors, Katoomba has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Katoomba is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hiroshima is known for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Katoomba is more touristy than Hiroshima and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. It is also home to Scenic World. Hiroshima is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Hiroshima is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Hiroshima that are not to be missed. 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.


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

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hiroshima makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Hiroshima or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Katoomba

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

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 Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Hiroshima or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Katoomba is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Katoomba?

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Hiroshima is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hiroshima is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Hiroshima or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Katoomba is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Katoomba because of it's amazing beauty. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hiroshima or Katoomba Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Katoomba is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.


Is Hiroshima or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Katoomba is a great town for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Katoomba is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Hiroshima or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Katoomba is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Katoomba is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Hiroshima. 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.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.


Is Hiroshima or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Katoomba

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Hiroshima or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hiroshima, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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


  • How many days in Hiroshima or Katoomba? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hiroshima 2-3 
    Katoomba 2-4

One day in Hiroshima or Katoomba?

The city of Hiroshima offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Katoomba is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Katoomba?

Hiroshima is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hiroshima, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Katoomba?

Hiroshima is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hiroshima or Katoomba?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Katoomba is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Hiroshima?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hiroshima is $126, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $148. 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 Katoomba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $67
    Katoomba $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $134
    Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Katoomba

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Katoomba? 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 Katoomba


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 Katoomba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $10
    Katoomba $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

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

  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
  • Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
  • Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Katoomba?

Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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 $52
    Katoomba $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

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

  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
  • Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
  • Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hiroshima $5.58
    Katoomba $54

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

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

  • LAGOON Nightclub Admission Ticket(For Foreign): $6.76
  • Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.76
  • Hiroshima Kagura Performance Entry Ticket: $12
  • HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER Admission Ticket: $16
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
  • Peace Memorial Park Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • Hiroshima Experience: History, Culture & Nature Tour: $23
  • Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour with Expert Guide: $23
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A Guided Tour: $24
  • Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome Tour: $24
  • Hiroshima Path to Peace Group Walking Tour: $27

Tours and Activities in Katoomba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:

  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
  • Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
  • Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
  • Beauty of the Blue Mountains Private Tour: $851
  • Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $251
  • Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
  • Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $98
  • Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour With Bushwalks, Waterfalls & Featherdale: $126
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
  • Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $221
  • Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Katoomba -

Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:

  • Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
  • Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
  • Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hiroshima and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Hiroshima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hiroshima is in Asia and Katoomba is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hiroshima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hiroshima 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba than you might in Hiroshima.

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


Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Katoomba?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hiroshima has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Hiroshima or Katoomba in the Summer?

Both Katoomba and Hiroshima during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hiroshima is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Hiroshima often gets less sunshine than Katoombain January. Hiroshima gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

Katoomba gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F) 
    Katoomba 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and Katoomba. Many travelers come to Hiroshima for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hiroshima is around the same temperature as Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hiroshima in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

Hiroshima usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katoomba during autumn. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Katoomba. Many visitors come to Hiroshima in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hiroshima can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hiroshima is generally much colder than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 4°C (40°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the winter, Hiroshima often gets less sunshine than Katoombain July. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima usually gets more rain in January than Katoombain July. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F) 
    Katoomba 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Hiroshima is cooler than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Hiroshima usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during spring. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. In April, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Hiroshima

Hiroshima Katoomba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)