A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koyasan vs. Hobart for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koyasan or Hobart?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koyasan and Hobart. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Koyasan travel costs.

Hobart

Hobart is a charming, fascinating, and quaint city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Hobart travel costs.

Koyasan and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Hobart?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hobart than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hobart is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Koyasan is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Hobart is well known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Also, Hobart is famous for Battery Point.

How is Koyasan different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koyasan or Hobart?

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Koyasan and Hobart.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Hobart offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

Is the Food Better in Koyasan or Hobart? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hobart is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hobart. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Koyasan or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Hobart is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Hobart has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Koyasan or Hobart Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is great for its old town. However, Hobart does not have a historic old town.

Koyasan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Hobart does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Hobart is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hobart. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Hobart?

Hobart is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hobart is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Hobart More Beautiful?

Koyasan is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koyasan or Hobart Better for Families?

Hobart is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hobart is a very kid-friendly city. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Koyasan or Hobart Better for Couples?

Koyasan and Hobart both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Koyasan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Hobart is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Is Koyasan or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koyasan and Hobart are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Koyasan or Hobart Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koyasan and Hobart.

You'll find some public transit in Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

While Hobart offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Is Koyasan or Hobart a more walkable city?

Koyasan and Hobart both are very good when exploring on foot.

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Hobart is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Hobart?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koyasan and Hobart. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hobart than in Koyasan. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Koyasan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hobart.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hobart than Koyasan 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 Hobart.

One day in Koyasan or Hobart?

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Hobart, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Koyasan or Hobart?

Koyasan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Hobart, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hobart has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hobart is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Hobart?

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hobart. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Koyasan or Hobart?

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

Should I visit Koyasan or Hobart in the Summer?

Both Hobart and Koyasan during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hobart because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Koyasan is much warmer than Hobart in the summer. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in January.

In Hobart, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Hobartin January. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets more rain in July than Hobartin January. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Hobart in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Hobart. The autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.

In the autumn, Koyasan is a little warmer than Hobart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koyasan in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Hobart averages at about 14°C (57°F)in April.

Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during autumn. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Hobartin April. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koyasan or Hobart in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Hobart. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hobart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koyasan is generally much colder than Hobartin July. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 6°C (42°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the winter, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Hobartin July. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun.

Koyasan usually gets less rain in January than Hobartin July. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Hobart in the Spring?

Both Hobart and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Koyasan is a little warmer than Hobart in the spring. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Hobart. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during spring. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In April, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Hobartin October. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hobart and Koyasan