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Ghent vs Hiroshima

Which destination is right for your next trip?

Ghent

Ghent

Belgium

Hiroshima

Hiroshima

Japan

Ghent

Safety: 85/100Pop: 265,000Europe/Brussels

Hiroshima

Safety: 95/100Pop: 1.2M (city)Asia/Tokyo

💰 Budget

budget
Ghent: $65-95Hiroshima: $60-90
mid-range
Ghent: $140-210Hiroshima: $120-180
luxury
Ghent: $320+Hiroshima: $300+

🛡️ Safety

Ghent85/100Safety Score95/100Hiroshima

Ghent

Ghent is a very safe city with a strong community feel. The large student population means the city is lively but not rough. Violent crime is extremely rare, and petty theft is less common than in Brussels or Antwerp. The city feels safe to walk at all hours.

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.

Ratings

Ghent4/5English Friendly2/5Hiroshima
Ghent5/5Walkability4/5Hiroshima
Ghent4/5Public Transit4/5Hiroshima
Ghent4/5Food Scene4/5Hiroshima
Ghent4/5Nightlife2/5Hiroshima
Ghent4/5Cultural Sites5/5Hiroshima
Ghent2/5Nature Access4/5Hiroshima
Ghent5/5WiFi Reliability5/5Hiroshima

🌤️ Weather

Ghent

Ghent shares Bruges' maritime climate — mild year-round but frequently wet. Summers are pleasantly warm without extreme heat, winters are damp and cool. Rain is possible in every season, making layers and waterproofs essential. The city is beautiful in every weather.

Spring (March - May)5-17°C
Summer (June - August)12-23°C
Autumn (September - November)6-18°C
Winter (December - February)1-7°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.

Spring (March - May)6-22°C
Summer (June - August)20-33°C
Autumn (September - November)10-26°C
Winter (December - February)2-10°C

🚇 Getting Around

Ghent

Ghent's historic center is very walkable, and the city has an excellent tram and bus network operated by De Lijn. Cycling is deeply embedded in Ghent's culture — it's the most common way locals get around. The car-free zone in the city center makes walking and cycling even more pleasant.

Walkability: Ghent's center has one of Belgium's largest car-free zones, making it exceptionally walkable. Sint-Baafsplein to Gravensteen is a 10-minute stroll. The entire medieval core is compact and easily covered on foot. Cobblestones are charming but tough on thin-soled shoes.

De Lijn Trams€2.50 onboard; €1.80 with prepaid Lijnkaart; free with a Ghent City Card
De Lijn Buses€2.50 onboard; €1.80 with prepaid Lijnkaart
Donkey Republic / Blue-bike€1/trip Blue-bike (subscription needed); €6-12/day Donkey Republic

Hiroshima

Hiroshima has an extensive streetcar (tram) network — the oldest and largest in Japan — 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.

Hiroden Streetcar (Tram)¥190 (~$1.27) flat fare within the city; ¥270 (~$1.80) to Miyajima-guchi
JR Miyajima Ferry¥180 (~$1.20) one-way; free with JR Pass
Peacecle Bike Share¥165 (~$1.10) per 30 min; ¥1,100 (~$7.35) day pass

The Verdict

Choose Ghent if...

you want medieval canals and castles with a student-city vibe, plus all of Belgium's beer and chocolate without Bruges crowds

Choose Hiroshima if...

you want a profound peace memorial experience, incredible okonomiyaki, and Miyajima Island's floating torii gate