A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Hiroshima vs. Mashiko for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hiroshima or Mashiko?

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 Mashiko 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Hiroshima and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Mashiko?

Both Mashiko and Hiroshima have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Hiroshima is better known for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Mashiko is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Mashiko is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making. Hiroshima is well known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hiroshima has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

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

Hiroshima is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hiroshima has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Hiroshima or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Hiroshima or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Mashiko is a town with good options for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Mashiko?

If you're looking to go shopping, Hiroshima and Mashiko both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Mashiko is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Hiroshima or Mashiko Better for Families?

Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is a very family-friendly destination. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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 Mashiko Better for Couples?

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

Mashiko is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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 Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Hiroshima is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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.

Mashiko has a few public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Is Hiroshima or Mashiko a more walkable city?

Hiroshima and Mashiko are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Mashiko is a very walkable city. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Mashiko?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hiroshima than Mashiko 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.

One day in Hiroshima or Mashiko?

In Hiroshima, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mashiko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Mashiko?

In Hiroshima, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hiroshima has to offer.

Mashiko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 Mashiko?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko 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. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hiroshima or Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hiroshima. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mashiko 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Mashiko?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?

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 Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hiroshima is generally around the same temperature as Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 26°C (79°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Hiroshima usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Hiroshima gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. In July, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko and Hiroshima during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

Hiroshima is around the same temperature as Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and Mashiko. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. It's quite cold in Hiroshima in the winter. In the winter, Hiroshima is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hiroshima in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Hiroshima usually receives less sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Mashiko. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Hiroshima is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 14°C (56°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in April than Mashiko. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Hiroshima