A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Ise vs. Hiroshima for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ise or Hiroshima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ise and Hiroshima 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.

Ise

Ise is a off-the-beaten-path, overlooked, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ise and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ise or Hiroshima?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hiroshima than Ise. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hiroshima is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Ise attracts visitors for its beaches. Ise is famous for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting. Hiroshima is famous for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. It is also well known for Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

How is Ise different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hiroshima and Ise. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ise or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hiroshima are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

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

Both Ise and Hiroshima offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ise. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

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.

Is Ise or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Hiroshima has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Ise or Hiroshima Better for Beaches?

Ise is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ise. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ise or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Hiroshima is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Ise or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Both Ise and Hiroshima are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ise. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

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.

Is Ise or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Both Ise and Hiroshima are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Ise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Hiroshima is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Ise or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ise and Hiroshima are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ise is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

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

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

Hiroshima is well known for its public transit. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Hiroshima has some very good public transit options. 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.

While Ise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Ise or Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Ise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Ise?

How long in Ise or Hiroshima?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ise and Hiroshima. In our opinion, Hiroshima has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hiroshima than Ise. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ise, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hiroshima.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hiroshima than Ise 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 Ise or Hiroshima?

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

With nightlife and food around the meaningful destination of Hiroshima, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ise or Hiroshima?

You'll find museums and food around the overlooked destination of Ise. 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.

Many people visit Hiroshima for a weekend. With food and shopping around the park-filled city of Hiroshima, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ise or Hiroshima?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Ise. 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.

The destination of Hiroshima offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is 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.

A week in Ise or Hiroshima?

Ise 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.

Hiroshima, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Japan, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ise and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ise or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Ise and Hiroshima, 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 Ise or Hiroshima?

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 Ise or Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima and Ise during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

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

In the summer, Ise often gets less sunshine than Hiroshima. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. Ise usually gets less rain in July than Hiroshima. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ise or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Hiroshima. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the shopping scene.

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

Ise usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during autumn. Ise gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ise usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ise or Hiroshima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ise as well as Hiroshima. Many travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Hiroshima in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hiroshima can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. In the winter, Ise is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ise in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Ise often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Ise gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun.

Ise usually gets less rain in January than Hiroshima. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ise or Hiroshima in the Spring?

Both Hiroshima and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.

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

Ise usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during spring. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Ise. In April, Ise usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Ise