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

Should you visit Hiroshima or Picton?

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 Picton 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hiroshima travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking. See Picton travel costs.

Hiroshima and Picton: 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
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Picton than Hiroshima, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Picton is better known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Hiroshima is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Picton is more touristy than Hiroshima and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. Also, Picton is famous for the Queen Charlotte Track. Hiroshima is well known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima
Picton

Hiroshima is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.


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

Hiroshima
Picton

Dining out at restaurants in both Hiroshima and Picton can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hiroshima. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Hiroshima or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Picton

Hiroshima is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hiroshima. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Hiroshima or Picton Better for Beaches?

Hiroshima
Picton

Picton is a great town for its beaches. However, Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Picton attract visitors from all over. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.


Is Hiroshima or Picton Better for Hiking?

Hiroshima
Picton

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

Many visitors go to Picton for the hiking trails. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Picton?

Hiroshima
Picton

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Hiroshima or Picton Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Picton

Picton 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.

Picton is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Picton

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

Picton is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Picton

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

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

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

Hiroshima
Picton

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

The public transit in Hiroshima can get you to most places 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.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.


Is Hiroshima or Picton a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Picton

Hiroshima and Picton are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Picton is a very walkable city. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Picton or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Picton?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Hiroshima or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hiroshima. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Picton. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Picton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Picton?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Picton. 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 Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing town of Picton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hiroshima or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the memorable destination of Hiroshima. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Picton is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Picton 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 Picton is $101. 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 Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $67
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $134
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Picton? 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 Picton


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 Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $10
    Picton -

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $133
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $121
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton 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
    Picton $34

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Picton

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

  • CRUISE SHIP DAYS - HOP ON HOP OFF - Wine, Beer, Food Tour: $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hiroshima $5.58
    Picton $109

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 Picton

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

  • 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $119
  • 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $66
  • Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour: $95
  • Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $89
  • Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $95
  • Depart Marlborough Sounds Afternoon Seafood Cruise: $90
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour: $178
  • From Havelock to Marlborough Sounds Postie's Day Off Cruise: $84
  • From Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood: $104
  • From Private Wine and Gourmet Tour of Marlborough: $575
  • Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Picton $34

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $39
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $41
  • Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $75
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $77
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $77
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours: $77
  • Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour From Picton: $92
  • Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $95
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $101
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $101


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

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


Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Picton?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima and Picton, 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 Picton?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton 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 Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hiroshima is generally a little warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 26°C (79°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F) 
    Picton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Picton in the Autumn?

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

Hiroshima is a little warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Picton in the Winter?

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

Hiroshima can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hiroshima is much colder than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hiroshima in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Picton. Hiroshima usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Picton in the Spring?

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

In April, Hiroshima is generally around the same temperature as Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 14°C (56°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. In April, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Hiroshima

Hiroshima Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)