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

Should you visit Kobe or Hiroshima?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kobe and Hiroshima. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kobe

Kobe is a under-rated, multicultural, and quaint city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a meaningful, park-filled, and memorable city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kobe and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kobe or Hiroshima?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kobe than Hiroshima. Kobe is bigger than Hiroshima, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kobe is better known for its big city activities, while Hiroshima is more popular for its museums. Hiroshima is more touristy than Kobe and is known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. Also, Kobe is famous for Kobe Harborland.

How is Kobe different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hiroshima is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Hiroshima has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kobe and Hiroshima can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Kobe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hiroshima makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Kobe or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Kobe and Hiroshima.

If you're looking for night time activities Kobe has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

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 Kobe or Hiroshima?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kobe and Hiroshima both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

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.

Is Kobe or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Both Kobe and Hiroshima are notable family-friendly destinations.

Kobe offers lots of family activities. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

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 Kobe or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Kobe and Hiroshima both notable destinations for a couple.

Kobe is a good city for couples to visit. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

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.

Is Kobe or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kobe and Hiroshima are notable places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

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

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

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

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.

Kobe has a few public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Kobe or Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Kobe is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Kobe?

How long in Kobe or Hiroshima?

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

Families should spend more time in Hiroshima than Kobe. 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 Kobe. 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 Kobe 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 Kobe or Hiroshima?

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

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.

A weekend in Kobe or Hiroshima?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the multicultural destination of Kobe. 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 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.

Five days in Kobe or Hiroshima?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the subdued city of Kobe. 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.

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

A week in Kobe or Hiroshima?

Kobe 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.

The park-filled 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Kobe or Hiroshima?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Hiroshima. When comparing the sizes of Kobe 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 Kobe 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 Kobe or Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima and Kobe are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kobe is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kobe in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Kobe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima during summer. Kobe gets 183 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 Kobe. In July, Kobe usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Kobe gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kobe or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

Both Hiroshima and Kobe during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

In October, Kobe is generally around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Kobe average around 18°C (65°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Kobe often gets less sunshine than Hiroshima. Kobe gets 159 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 Kobe. Kobe usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hiroshima. Kobe gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kobe or Hiroshima in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hiroshima. Kobe is a little warmer than Hiroshima in the winter. The daily temperature in Kobe averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Kobe usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during winter. Kobe gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kobe usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Kobe gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kobe or Hiroshima in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kobe as well as Hiroshima. Many travelers come to Kobe for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kobe is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kobe in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Kobe often gets less sunshine than Hiroshima. Kobe gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kobe usually gets less rain in April than Hiroshima. Kobe gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Kobe