A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atami vs. Katoomba for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Atami or Katoomba?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Atami and Katoomba 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.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Atami travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Katoomba travel costs.

Atami and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Katoomba. Although Atami and Katoomba are popular destinations, Katoomba has more sights and attractions for tourists. Katoomba is very popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Atami attracts visitors for its beaches. Katoomba is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. It is also well known for Scenic World. Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atami or Katoomba?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Atami and Katoomba.

Atami offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Katoomba. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

Is the Food Better in Atami or Katoomba? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Atami and Katoomba.

Atami has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Katoomba area. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Atami or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Atami and Katoomba.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Atami. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Katoomba has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Atami or Katoomba Better for Beaches?

Atami is a good destination for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Atami or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Katoomba?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Atami and Katoomba.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atami. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Many visitors go to Katoomba to go shopping. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Atami or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Katoomba is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atami or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Atami or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Katoomba is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Atami or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Katoomba is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Atami or Katoomba Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Atami and Katoomba.

Atami has some public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

You'll find some public transit in Katoomba, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Atami or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Atami and Katoomba are nice when it comes to walkability.

Atami is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Atami Worth Visiting? and Is Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Atami?

How long in Atami or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Atami or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Atami, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Katoomba than Atami 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 Katoomba.

One day in Atami or Katoomba?

The town of Atami offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Katoomba is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atami or Katoomba?

Atami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atami, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Katoomba. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Atami or Katoomba?

Atami is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba is a fun place to experience. Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Atami or Katoomba?

Atami is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Katoomba is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atami and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Atami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Atami is in Asia and Katoomba is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Atami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atami 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba than you might in Atami.

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

Which is Bigger, Atami or Katoomba?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Atami and Katoomba, 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 Atami or Katoomba?

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

Should I visit Atami or Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atami as well as Katoomba. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Atami is generally around the same temperature as Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 26°C (78°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the summer, Atami often gets less sunshine than Katoombain January. Atami gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Katoomba. Atami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atami usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba and Atami are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atami for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Atami is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

Atami usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during autumn. Atami gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Atami. In October, Atami usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atami or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba and Atami during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Atami is much colder than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atami in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Atami often gets less sunshine than Katoombain July. Atami gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Atami usually gets more rain in January than Katoombain July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Katoomba. Most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Atami is generally cooler than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 14°C (57°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during spring. Atami gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atami usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Atami