A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hiroshima vs. Lake Tekapo for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo 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 meaningful, park-filled, and memorable city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Hiroshima and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hiroshima than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hiroshima is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hiroshima is well known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. Also, Hiroshima is famous for Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Hiroshima different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

Hiroshima is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Hiroshima on the map. 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

Hiroshima is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Hiroshima is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

Hiroshima is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Hiroshima has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a great town for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo?

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

Hiroshima is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hiroshima. 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 in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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 Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

Both Hiroshima and Lake Tekapo are notable 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.

Lake Tekapo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.


Is Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

For backpackers, both Hiroshima and Lake Tekapo are notable 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 Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

Hiroshima is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Lake Tekapo

Hiroshima is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.


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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hiroshima than Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hiroshima than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hiroshima 2-3 
    Lake Tekapo 1-2

One day in Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the park-filled city of Hiroshima. Most people visit for the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the town of Lake Tekapo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake Tekapo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the memorable destination of Hiroshima. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find around the basic destination of Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo?

The memorable city of Hiroshima offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the basic town of Lake Tekapo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hiroshima. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lake Tekapo 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, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Tekapo or Hiroshima?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hiroshima is $100, while the average daily cost in Lake Tekapo is $75. 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 Lake Tekapo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $64
    Lake Tekapo $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $128
    Lake Tekapo $118
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Lake Tekapo

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo? 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 Lake Tekapo


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 Lake Tekapo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $9.71
    Lake Tekapo -

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 Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo?

Prices for flights to both Lake Tekapo 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 $29
    Lake Tekapo $13

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.
    Hiroshima $5.39
    Lake Tekapo -

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

Tours and Activities in Lake Tekapo

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

  • Lake Tekapo Tour Scenic 4WD Mountains & Glaciers: $181
  • 45 Minutes Virtual Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo: $43
  • Arthur's Pass and Mount Cook: 2-Day Tour From Christchurch: $1,455
  • Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour: $60
  • Crater Experience at Cowan's Observatory: $85
  • Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience: $31
  • From Tekapo: Mt Cook day tour via Pukaki, Tasman Glacier: $100
  • High Country Farm Tour - Lake Tekapo: $59
  • Lake Tekapo Fishing Tour: $178
  • Lake Tekapo Guided 4WD Tours: $178
  • Lake Tekapo Scenic 4WD Cass Valley Wilderness Tour: $178
  • Alpine Stargazing Experience with a Guide: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Lake Tekapo -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hiroshima and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hiroshima is in Asia and Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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


Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Lake Tekapo?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 3470 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima and Lake Tekapo, 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.