A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Hiroshima for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Hiroshima? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a youthful, cultural, and historical city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Hiroshima travel costs.

Yogyakarta 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
  • Home to Borobudur Temple
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park


Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Yogyakarta than Hiroshima. While Hiroshima is larger than Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also well known for Borobudur Temple. Hiroshima is famous for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Yogyakarta different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Yogyakarta and Hiroshima.

The museums and tourist attractions in Yogyakarta are world-renowned. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

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.


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

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Hiroshima.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

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.

Is Yogyakarta or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

Yogyakarta is a great city for nightlife. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Yogyakarta has something for everybody. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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 Yogyakarta or Hiroshima Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

Yogyakarta is a great city for its historic old town. However, Hiroshima does not have a historic old town.

Yogyakarta is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Hiroshima does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

Yogyakarta is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Yogyakarta. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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 Yogyakarta or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Hiroshima.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

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 Yogyakarta or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

With fun activities for couples, both Yogyakarta and Hiroshima make for a nice place to visit.

Yogyakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

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 Yogyakarta or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

Yogyakarta is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Yogyakarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

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

Is Yogyakarta or Hiroshima Better for Students?

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Hiroshima is not popular with students.

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

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.


Is Yogyakarta or Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta
Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yogyakarta and Hiroshima. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta than in Hiroshima. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hiroshima.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Hiroshima 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 Yogyakarta.


  • How many days in Yogyakarta or Hiroshima? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yogyakarta 2-4 
    Hiroshima 2-3

One day in Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the park-filled city of Hiroshima, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Hiroshima, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful city of Yogyakarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hiroshima, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

Yogyakarta is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Yogyakarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $64, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $126. 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 Yogyakarta and Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $35
    Hiroshima $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $70
    Hiroshima $134
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta


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: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices and Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.28
    Hiroshima $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

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

  • Private Transfer from Kembanglimus to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $88
  • Private Transfer from Wanurejo to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $87
  • Private Transfer from Borobudur to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $81
  • Private Transfer from Borobudur Temple to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $81
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Borobudur: $75
  • Private Transfer from Banyuraden to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $71
  • Private Transfer from Maguwoharjo to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $71
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Sinduadi: $71
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Condong Catur: $71
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Banyuraden: $71
  • Private Transfer from Donoharjo to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $71
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Tridadi: $71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

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

  • Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128
  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
  • Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
  • Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima and Yogyakarta 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
    Yogyakarta $19
    Hiroshima $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

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

  • Kotagede Night Food Tour: $27
  • Yogyakarta Historical Walking and Food Tour: $29
  • Yogyakarta Evening Walking and Food Tour: $30
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class and Market Tour : $35
  • Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta: $36
  • Yogyakarta Night Food Tour: $48
  • Yogyakarta Day Food Tour: $48
  • Prambanan Sunset and Ramayana Ballet with Dinner: $65
  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class: $71
  • Private Ramayana Ballet Performance Tour at Prambanan with Dinner: $104
  • Prambanan Temple and Ramayana Ballet Show (VIP Seat with dinner): $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

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

  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
  • Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
  • Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $15
    Hiroshima $5.58

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Beautiful Sunrise and Exotic Jomblang Cave Tour: $67
  • 1 Day Yogyakarta tour ( Borobudur temple, Merapi Lava Tour, Prambanan Temple): $76
  • 1 day Yogyakarta Tour Jomblang cave and Pindul Cave tubing: $72
  • 1 day tour borobudur temple,prambanan temple,plaosan temple: $40
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Javanese Culture - PRIVATE TOUR with GUIDE: $198
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Borobudur - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $183
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Pengger Heha - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $140
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Prambanan Breksi Ijo Temple - PRIVATE Tour with Guide: $184
  • 1Day Borobudur (Upper Level) and Prambanan Private Guided Tour: $149
  • 3 Days Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater Tour from Yogyakarta : $181
  • 3-Hour Yogyakarta Hidden Food Walking or Cycling Guided Tour: $70
  • ATV Adventure Borobudur - Admission Ticket: $35

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

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

  • 1 Day Tour Onomichi Temples Exploration and Saijo Sake Tasting: $175
  • 1-Day Miyajima Sightseeing Tour: $186
  • 1-Day Tour: Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights: $161
  • 2 Hour Private Morning Tour Highlights in Peace Memorial Park: $103
  • 2-Hour Private Hiroshima Morning Tour: $103
  • 3 Hour Nanaura Tour around Miyajima with Lunch Box: $264
  • 30 Minutes One Way Cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima: $119
  • 4 Hour Private Hiroshima City Walking Tour: $95
  • 7 hours Private Customizable Walking Tour in Hiroshima: $300
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
  • Amazing Private City Tour with a Local Guide: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $4.74
    Hiroshima $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:

  • Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
  • Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
  • Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200


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

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


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.