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

Should you visit Hiroshima or Sado?

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 Sado 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.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Hiroshima and Sado: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hiroshima. Although Hiroshima and Sado are both popular with visitors, Hiroshima has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hiroshima is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Sado is known for its hiking. Hiroshima is more touristy than Sado and is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. It is also home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Hiroshima different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima
Sado

Hiroshima is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Many visitors head to Sado specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.


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

Hiroshima
Sado

Dining out at restaurants in both Hiroshima and Sado 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 Sado. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Hiroshima or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Sado

Hiroshima is a popular place for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Hiroshima or Sado Better for Hiking?

Hiroshima
Sado

Sado is a great island for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sado for the hiking trails. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Sado?

Hiroshima
Sado

Hiroshima is notable for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Hiroshima or Sado Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Sado

Both Hiroshima and Sado are good 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.

Sado is a family-friendly place to visit. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Hiroshima or Sado Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Sado

Both Hiroshima and Sado are good 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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.


Is Hiroshima or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Sado

For backpackers, both Hiroshima and Sado are good 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 Sado. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Hiroshima
Sado

Hiroshima is notable for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Hiroshima can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Hiroshima or Sado a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Sado

Hiroshima is notable for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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

Sado is not a very walkable city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.


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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Sado?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hiroshima and Sado. In our opinion, Hiroshima has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hiroshima than Sado. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hiroshima than Sado. 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 Sado. 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 Sado 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 Sado? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hiroshima 2-3 
    Sado 2-3

One day in Hiroshima or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hiroshima. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and museums around the island of Sado. 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 Sado?

Hiroshima is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and food around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Sado. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Sado?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Hiroshima. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the traditional island of Sado. 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 Sado?

The memorable city of Hiroshima offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Sado 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 Cultural Tours in Japan, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sado 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 Sado is $63. 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 Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $65
    Sado $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $130
    Sado $60
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Sado

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Sado? 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 Sado


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 Sado Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $9.83
    Sado $14

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
  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $211
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Sado?

Prices for flights to both Sado 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
    Sado $23

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
    Sado $8.53

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

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

  • 1, 2 or 3 Day Tourist Travel Card: $6.60
  • Kumano Brush Factory Tour and Brush-Making Experience: $26
  • Mihara Goshushi Tour-Walking around the castle town Mihara-: $27
  • Peace Park Tour VR/Hiroshima: $33
  • Original Amulet Making Experience: $34
  • Sunset Walking Tour at Peace Park in Hiroshima: $34
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $34
  • Traditional Japanese Archery Experience: $36
  • Japanese Traditional Archery Experience Hiroshima : $37
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $39
  • Private Miyajima Rickshaw Tour Including Itsukushima Shrine: $41
  • City Reconstruction History E-Bike Tour: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Sado $67


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

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



When is the best time to visit Hiroshima or Sado?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado and Hiroshima during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sado in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hiroshima is a little warmer than Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Hiroshima often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sado. Hiroshima gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun.

Sado 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 Sado. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F) 
    Sado 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Sado in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and Sado. Many visitors come to Hiroshima in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sado for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hiroshima is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hiroshima in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Hiroshima usually receives more sunshine than Sado during autumn. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hiroshima usually receives less rain than Sado. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F) 
    Sado 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Sado in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Sado. Most visitors come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Sado because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sado can be very cold. Hiroshima can be very cold during winter. In January, Hiroshima is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 4°C (40°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Sado. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Hiroshima usually gets less rain in January than Sado. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F) 
    Sado 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Sado in the Spring?

Both Sado and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Hiroshima is a little warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Hiroshima usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sado during spring. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. In April, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Sado. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F) 
    Sado 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sado and Hiroshima

Hiroshima Sado
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (78°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in) 16°C (60°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)