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

Should you visit Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Hiroshima can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a park-filled, memorable, and meaningful city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Kanazawa and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
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


Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kanazawa than Hiroshima. While Hiroshima is larger than Kanazawa, Kanazawa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kanazawa is more popular for its historical sights, while Hiroshima is known for its museums. Kanazawa is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. It is also home to Kenroku-en Garden. Hiroshima is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Kanazawa different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

Hiroshima is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kanazawa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.


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

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

Both Kanazawa and Hiroshima offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Kanazawa or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

The vibe at night is good in both Kanazawa and Hiroshima.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

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 Kanazawa or Hiroshima Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Hiroshima does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa is a good destination for visiting its old town. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Hiroshima does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

If you're looking to go shopping, Kanazawa and Hiroshima both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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.

Is Kanazawa or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Kanazawa or Hiroshima.

Kanazawa offers lots of family activities. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

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 Kanazawa or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

Both Kanazawa and Hiroshima are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Kanazawa is a nice destination for couples. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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 Kanazawa or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

For backpackers, both Kanazawa and Hiroshima are good places to visit.

Kanazawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

Is Kanazawa or Hiroshima Better for Students?

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Hiroshima is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

Hiroshima is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Kanazawa has a few public transit options. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.


Is Kanazawa or Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Kanazawa
Hiroshima

Kanazawa and Hiroshima are superb when it comes to walkability.

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kanazawa and Hiroshima. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hiroshima than in Kanazawa. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hiroshima.

Couples should spend more time in Hiroshima than Kanazawa. 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.


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

One day in Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

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

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.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the well-preserved destination of Kanazawa. 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.

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.


Five days in Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the well-preserved city of Kanazawa. 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.

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.

A week in Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

Kanazawa 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 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Kanazawa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanazawa is $104, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $102. 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 Kanazawa and Hiroshima in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Kanazawa or Hiroshima? 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 Kanazawa


Hotels in Hiroshima


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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices and Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kanazawa $9.43
    Hiroshima $9.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa

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

  • Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $322
  • Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $258
  • Private Transfer from Kanazawa Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $132

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

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

  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $494
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $238
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $225
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $225
  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $211
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $60
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima and Kanazawa 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
    Kanazawa $33
    Hiroshima $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Kanazawa Home Cooking Class: $44
  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $59
  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $61
  • Geiko or Geisha Performance with Dinner: $270

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.
    Kanazawa $9.86
    Hiroshima $5.46

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

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

  • “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $81
  • 1 Day Tour from Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen: $233
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $172
  • 4 Hour Unique Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Sakura Private Experience: $219
  • Afternoon Round Trip Tour from Kanazawa: $91
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of Kanazawa Main & Kenrokuen: $77
  • Full Day Tour Eiheiji Buddhist Temple and Fukui City Castle Town: $219
  • Full-Day Tour from Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha: $155
  • Futamata Clay Factory Tour: $297
  • Gokayama/Shirakawago private 1 day tour+Photoshoot by professional photographer : $221
  • Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $58
  • Hidden Gems Of Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $103

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

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

  • Kimono and Calligraphy Experience in Miyajima: $68
  • 4 Hour Hiroshima Miyajima Private Tour: $84
  • An Amazing set of Cultural experience: Kimono, Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy: $101
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $39
  • From Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour: $112
  • From Private Tour to Kure: $212
  • Full Day Bus Tour in Hiroshima and Miyajima: $115
  • Full-Day Private Guided Tour in Hiroshima : $164
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $34
  • Hiroshima & Miyajima Island Private Guided Tour: $162
  • Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide: $165
  • Hiroshima Best Spots 6h Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanazawa $12
    Hiroshima $12


When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Hiroshima, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive? and Is Hiroshima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa or Hiroshima?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hiroshima in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Hiroshima in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during summer. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In July, Kanazawa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hiroshima. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F) 
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

Both Hiroshima and Kanazawa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanazawa in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Hiroshima. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 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 Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in October than Hiroshima. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F) 
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Hiroshima in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Hiroshima. Most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hiroshima can be very cold. Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. In January, Kanazawa is generally cooler than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 3°C (38°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during winter. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F) 
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Kanazawa or Hiroshima in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Hiroshima.

Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Hiroshima in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Kanazawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F) 
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Kanazawa

Kanazawa Hiroshima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in) 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in) 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)