A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hiroshima vs. San Jose for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hiroshima or San Jose?

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 San Jose 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Hiroshima travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a traditional, colorful, and bustling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See San Jose travel costs.

Hiroshima and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hiroshima or San Jose?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Jose than Hiroshima. While Hiroshima is larger than San Jose, San Jose has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Jose is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Hiroshima is known for its museums and attractions and food. Hiroshima is more touristy than San Jose and is known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. San Jose is popular for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. It is also home to The National Museum of Costa Rica.

How is Hiroshima different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hiroshima is very popular for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Hiroshima from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

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

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is Hiroshima or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is a great city for nightlife. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in San Jose has something for everybody. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or San Jose?

If you're looking to go shopping, Hiroshima and San Jose 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.

San Jose is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Is Hiroshima or San Jose Better for Families?

Hiroshima is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly city. 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.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is Hiroshima or San Jose Better for Couples?

Hiroshima is a nice place to visit for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is Hiroshima or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Jose is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

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

Is Hiroshima or San Jose Better for Students?

San Jose is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Hiroshima is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit San Jose. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Hiroshima is not popular with students.

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

Hiroshima is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Hiroshima is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

You'll find some public transit in San Jose, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Hiroshima or San Jose a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or San Jose?

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

Families should spend more time in Hiroshima than San Jose. 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 San Jose. 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 San Jose 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 San Jose.

One day in Hiroshima or San Jose?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of San Jose. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Jose has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or San Jose?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of San Jose. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or San Jose?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling city of San Jose. 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 San Jose?

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.

San Jose 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 Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or San Jose?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima and San Jose, 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 San Jose?

Hiroshima has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hiroshima or San Jose in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and San Jose. Most visitors come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences during these months. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hiroshima is around the same temperature as San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Hiroshima usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Hiroshima gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than San Jose. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hiroshima or San Jose in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as San Jose. The autumn months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

In the autumn, Hiroshima is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hiroshima in October average around 17°C (63°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Jose. Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hiroshima usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.

Should I visit Hiroshima or San Jose in the Winter?

Both San Jose and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Hiroshima in the winter. In January, Hiroshima is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 4°C (40°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in San Jose. Hiroshima usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than San Jose. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hiroshima or San Jose in the Spring?

Both San Jose and Hiroshima during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

Hiroshima is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Hiroshima often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Hiroshima