A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Yamaguchi for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali or Yamaguchi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Yamaguchi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. Bali is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Bali travel costs.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a serene, tranquil, and scenic town. The beauty of Yamaguchi is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food. See Yamaguchi travel costs.

Bali and Yamaguchi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Yamaguchi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali than Yamaguchi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Yamaguchi is known for its museums and attractions. Bali is more touristy than Yamaguchi and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang. Yamaguchi is popular for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways.

How is Bali different from Yamaguchi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Yamaguchi?

Yamaguchi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Yamaguchi specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Yamaguchi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yamaguchi makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a long-running farming and fishing industry, so you can be assured fresh ingredients at every meal. Dishes are still deeply rooted in the area's culinary traditions, and perhaps the most famous local delicacy is the Fugu fish, otherwise known as blowfish. It's become famous among westerners as the fish can be poisonous if not prepared correctly.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Yamaguchi is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Yamaguchi is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some pubs and local bars, but most of the area is peaceful and tranquil, especially at night.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi Better for Resorts?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Yamaguchi is not a resort destination.

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Yamaguchi is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yamaguchi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Yamaguchi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi Better for Beaches?

Bali is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Bali are among the best in the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi Better for Hiking?

Bali is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Yamaguchi. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the prefecture so that you can energy the natural setting.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Yamaguchi?

Bali is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi More Beautiful?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Bali is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Yamaguchi is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The area is famed for its serene setting and natural beauty. There are many historic temples and pagodas in the area.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi Better for Families?

Bali is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bali. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yamaguchi. The city offers beautiful temples and a glimpse into Japanese culture that kids and adults alike will enjoy. There are also beautiful gardens and nearby natural scenery.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi Better for Couples?

Bali is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Couples visit Yamaguchi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its historic temples, natural beauty, and nice green space, this is a lovely city to explore as a couple.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bali, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Yamaguchi is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and budget-friendly accommodation options in the area.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bali and Yamaguchi offer good public transit options.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Yamaguchi has some public transit options. There are buses through the city and prefecture.

Is Bali or Yamaguchi a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Yamaguchi is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walking trails in the area.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Yamaguchi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yamaguchi or Bali?

How long in Bali or Yamaguchi?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bali or Yamaguchi to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Yamaguchi because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 1-2 days is enough time in Yamaguchi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Yamaguchi 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Yamaguchi?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Bali. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Yamaguchi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bali or Yamaguchi?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the stunning destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Yamaguchi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Yamaguchi?

You'll find nightlife and food around the stunning island of Bali. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums and food around the tranquil destination of Yamaguchi. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Yamaguchi?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bali, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The traditional town of Yamaguchi offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Yamaguchi, we can see that Yamaguchi is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Yamaguchi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yamaguchi than you might in Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Yamaguchi?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Yamaguchi. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Yamaguchi, 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 Bali or Yamaguchi?

Yamaguchi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Yamaguchi in the Summer?

Both Yamaguchi and Bali during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bali is around the same temperature as Yamaguchi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Yamaguchi averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Yamaguchi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Yamaguchi. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Yamaguchi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Yamaguchi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bali is generally a little warmer than Yamaguchi. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Yamaguchi. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Yamaguchi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bali as well as Yamaguchi. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Bali is much warmer than Yamaguchi in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Yamaguchi. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Yamaguchi in the Spring?

Both Yamaguchi and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bali is much warmer than Yamaguchi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Yamaguchi averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yamaguchi. In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Yamaguchi. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Typical Weather for Yamaguchi and Bali