A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Hiroshima vs. Shiretoko National Park for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Hiroshima and Shiretoko National Park: 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 museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hiroshima than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hiroshima is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Hiroshima is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. Also, Hiroshima is famous for Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Hiroshima different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Hiroshima is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Hiroshima is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Around Shiretoko National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park?

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Both Hiroshima and Shiretoko National Park are notable 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a great remote,natural,scenic,pristine for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Shiretoko National Park is a great remote,natural,scenic,pristine if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a great remote,natural,scenic,pristine for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Shiretoko National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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

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

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Shiretoko National Park

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its walkability.

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

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.


For even more information, also check out Is Hiroshima Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hiroshima, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

Families should spend more time in Hiroshima than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hiroshima 2-3 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the park-filled city of Hiroshima. Most people head to the area for the museums. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Hiroshima is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find around the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the museums. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Most people head to the area for the museums. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shiretoko National Park 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, Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $64
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $128
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park


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 Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $9.71
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $53
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $53
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $59
  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $175
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $220
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $220
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $233
  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $484

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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
    Shiretoko National Park $25

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: $41
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $75
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $81
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $83
  • Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family: $90
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $97
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hiroshima $5.39
    Shiretoko National Park $15

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: $6.47
  • Visit World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine by sea & Oyster raft tour: $25
  • Kumano Brush Factory Tour and Brush-Making Experience: $26
  • Mihara Goshushi Tour-Walking around the castle town Mihara-: $26
  • Peace Park Tour VR/Hiroshima: $32
  • Original Amulet Making Experience: $33
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $33
  • Sunset Walking Tour at Peace Park in Hiroshima: $33
  • Traditional Japanese Archery Experience: $36
  • Japanese Traditional Archery Experience Hiroshima : $36
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $38
  • Private Miyajima Rickshaw Tour Including Itsukushima Shrine: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Shiretoko National Park $10


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

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



When is the best time to visit Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Hiroshima during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In the summer, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Hiroshima gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and Shiretoko National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

Hiroshima is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Hiroshima usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Shiretoko National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. It's quite cold in Hiroshima in the winter. In the winter, Hiroshima is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hiroshima in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about -6°C (20°F).

In the winter, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Hiroshima is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 14°C (56°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Hiroshima usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during spring. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. In April, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Hiroshima

Hiroshima Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)