Astana
Kazakhstan
Hiroshima
Japan
Astana
Hiroshima
π° Budget
π‘οΈ Safety
Astana
Astana is generally safe for tourists with low street crime. The biggest danger is the extreme winter cold. The city is modern and well-organized, with a visible police presence.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is extremely safe, reflecting Japan's overall reputation as one of the safest countries for travelers. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent, theft is rare, and the city is well-maintained with excellent infrastructure. The biggest risks are natural disasters (typhoons, earthquakes) and heat exhaustion in summer.
β Ratings
π€οΈ Weather
Astana
Astana has an extreme continental climate. Winters are brutally cold and windy; summers are warm and pleasant. The temperature difference between seasons can exceed 70Β°C.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, winters are mild compared to northern Japan, and spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are spectacular. The rainy season (tsuyu) runs from mid-June to mid-July.
π Getting Around
Astana
Astana is a modern, spread-out city. The new LRT system, buses, and ride-hailing apps are the main transport options. The Left Bank (new city) is where most tourist sights are concentrated.
Walkability: The Left Bank boulevard from Bayterek to Ak Orda is a pleasant walk in summer (~2 km). In winter, the extreme cold and wind make walking impractical for more than short distances.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima has an extensive streetcar (tram) network β the oldest and largest in Japan β supplemented by buses and a good cycling infrastructure. The tram system connects the station to Peace Park, the castle, and the Miyajima ferry terminal. An IC card (ICOCA/Suica) works on all public transport.
Walkability: Hiroshima is very walkable within the central area. Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden are all within a 25-minute walk of each other. The flat river delta terrain and well-maintained sidewalks make walking easy. The Hondori shopping arcade provides covered walking in any weather.
The Verdict
Choose Astana if...
you want Nur-Sultan's space-age skyline β Bayterek tower, Khan Shatyr "tent", Ailand water park, and the Kazakhstan State Museum all on the steppe
Choose Hiroshima if...
you want a profound peace memorial experience, incredible okonomiyaki, and Miyajima Island's floating torii gate
Hiroshima