A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yamaguchi vs. Hiroshima for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Hiroshima?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Hiroshima, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a traditional, serene, and tranquil town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Hiroshima

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

Yamaguchi and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Hiroshima?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hiroshima than Yamaguchi. Hiroshima is bigger than Yamaguchi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hiroshima is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Yamaguchi is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Yamaguchi is well known for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways. Hiroshima is well known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. Also, Hiroshima is famous for Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

How is Yamaguchi different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hiroshima is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Yamaguchi. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.

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

Both Yamaguchi and Hiroshima offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Yamaguchi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a long-running farming and fishing industry, so you can be assured fresh ingredients at every meal. Dishes are still deeply rooted in the area's culinary traditions, and perhaps the most famous local delicacy is the Fugu fish, otherwise known as blowfish. It's become famous among westerners as the fish can be poisonous if not prepared correctly.

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 Yamaguchi or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Yamaguchi is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Yamaguchi is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some pubs and local bars, but most of the area is peaceful and tranquil, especially at night.

Is Yamaguchi or Hiroshima Better for Hiking?

Yamaguchi is a town with good options for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Yamaguchi. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the prefecture so that you can energy the natural setting.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yamaguchi or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Yamaguchi and Hiroshima are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Yamaguchi is a family-friendly town. The city offers beautiful temples and a glimpse into Japanese culture that kids and adults alike will enjoy. There are also beautiful gardens and nearby natural scenery.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hiroshima. 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 Yamaguchi or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Yamaguchi is a great town for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Yamaguchi is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. With its historic temples, natural beauty, and nice green space, this is a lovely city to explore as a couple.

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 Yamaguchi or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yamaguchi and Hiroshima are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yamaguchi. There are a couple of hostels and budget-friendly accommodation options in the area.

Hiroshima is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

Is Yamaguchi or Hiroshima 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, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Hiroshima can get you to most places easily. 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 Yamaguchi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the city and prefecture.

Is Yamaguchi or Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Yamaguchi is somewhat walkable. There are a number of walking trails in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Hiroshima?

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

Families should spend more time in Hiroshima than Yamaguchi. 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.

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Hiroshima. 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 Yamaguchi or Hiroshima?

You'll find museums and food around the tranquil destination of Yamaguchi. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the memorable destination of Hiroshima. 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 Yamaguchi or Hiroshima?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the traditional town of Yamaguchi. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the park-filled city of Hiroshima. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Yamaguchi or Hiroshima?

Yamaguchi 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 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yamaguchi or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Yamaguchi. When comparing the sizes of Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi or Hiroshima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yamaguchi and Hiroshima. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences.

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

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yamaguchi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Yamaguchi gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yamaguchi as well as Hiroshima. Many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Hiroshima in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Yamaguchi is generally around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 19°C (65°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Yamaguchi usually gets less rain in October than Hiroshima. Yamaguchi gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Hiroshima in the Winter?

Both Hiroshima and Yamaguchi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hiroshima can be very cold during winter. Yamaguchi is a little warmer than Hiroshima in the winter. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Yamaguchi gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Hiroshima in the Spring?

Both Hiroshima and Yamaguchi during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Yamaguchi is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yamaguchi in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hiroshima. Yamaguchi gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Yamaguchi