A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hiroshima vs. Rotorua for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hiroshima or Rotorua?

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

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

Hiroshima

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

Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-renowned, diverse, and cultural town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Rotorua travel costs.

Hiroshima and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Rotorua?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rotorua than Hiroshima. While Hiroshima is larger than Rotorua, Rotorua has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rotorua is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Hiroshima is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Rotorua is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Also, Rotorua is famous for Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Hiroshima is well known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hiroshima is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Rotorua 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Hiroshima and Rotorua can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Rotorua. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Hiroshima or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Hiroshima and Rotorua.

If you're looking for night time activities Hiroshima has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Hiroshima or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua is a great town for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Rotorua for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Rotorua?

Hiroshima is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Hiroshima or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hiroshima or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Hiroshima or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Rotorua is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Hiroshima or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

Hiroshima is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Hiroshima or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hiroshima and Rotorua. In our opinion, Rotorua has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rotorua than Hiroshima. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Rotorua than Hiroshima. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rotorua, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.

One day in Hiroshima or Rotorua?

In Hiroshima, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Rotorua. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Hiroshima or Rotorua?

In Hiroshima, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hiroshima has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the world-renowned destination of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Hiroshima or Rotorua?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the world-renowned town of Rotorua. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hiroshima or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hiroshima. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Rotorua is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Hiroshima and Rotorua, 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. Even though Hiroshima is in Asia and Rotorua is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Rotorua?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima and Rotorua, 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 Hiroshima or Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hiroshima has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Hiroshima or Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and Rotorua. The summer months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In July, Hiroshima is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 26°C (79°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Rotorua. The shopping scene are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hiroshima is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hiroshima. In the winter, Hiroshima is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hiroshima in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

In January, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Hiroshima during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hiroshima is generally cooler than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 14°C (56°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Hiroshima