A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Canberra vs. Yakushima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Canberra or Yakushima?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Yakushima? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Canberra or Yakushima?

Canberra

There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."

Yakushima

Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, and The Best Luxury Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Yakushima or Canberra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $159, while the average daily cost in Yakushima is $141. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Canberra and Yakushima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Canberra $83
    Yakushima $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Canberra $166
    Yakushima $122
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Yakushima

Looking for a hotel in Canberra or Yakushima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Canberra


Hotels in Yakushima


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Canberra Hotel Prices and Yakushima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Canberra $24
    Yakushima $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Yakushima?

Prices for flights to both Yakushima and Canberra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Canberra $60
    Yakushima $50
Typical Food Prices in Canberra

For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Canberra $17
    Yakushima $21

Tours and Activities in Canberra

For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
  • Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
  • Ultimate Museum Experience | Tour + Dine + Shop (10am daily): $42
  • Ultimate Museum Experience | Dine + Tour + Shop (1pm daily): $42
  • Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $43
  • The Women Behind Inspiring Tour with Local Guide: $43
  • Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $46
  • Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79

Tours and Activities in Yakushima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yakushima are as follows:

  • Private Guided Tour: $336

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Canberra $16
    Yakushima $6.61
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.16

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
  • Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
  • 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $161
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
  • 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181


When comparing the travel costs between Canberra and Yakushima, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra is in Pacific and Yakushima is in Asia, 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 Canberra Expensive? and Is Yakushima Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Canberra or Yakushima?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Yakushima in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Yakushima. The summer months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Canberra is cooler than Yakushima in the summer. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Canberra usually gets less rain in January than Yakushimain July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Canberra 20°C (68°F) 
    Yakushima 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Yakushima in the Autumn?

Both Yakushima and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In the autumn, Canberra is cooler than Yakushima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Canberra in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Yakushima averages at about 22°C (71°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. It's quite rainy in Canberra. In April, Canberra usually receives less rain than Yakushimain October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Canberra 17°C (63°F) 
    Yakushima 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Yakushima in the Winter?

Both Yakushima and Canberra during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Canberra is generally around the same temperature as Yakushimain January. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 11°C (52°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Canberra usually gets less rain in July than Yakushimain January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Canberra 11°C (52°F) 
    Yakushima 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Yakushima in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Yakushima. Many visitors come to Canberra in the spring for the activities around the city.

Canberra is cooler than Yakushima in the spring. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.

Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Canberra usually receives less rain than Yakushimain April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Canberra 15°C (60°F) 
    Yakushima 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Yakushima and Canberra

Canberra Yakushima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 288 mm (11.3 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 352 mm (13.9 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Aug 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 253 mm (10 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)


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