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

Should you visit Koyasan or Napier?

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 Napier. 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 traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Koyasan is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Koyasan travel costs.

Napier

Napier is a relaxed, character-filled, and coastal town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Napier travel costs.

Koyasan and Napier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Napier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Napier. Although Koyasan and Napier are popular destinations, Napier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Napier is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is famous for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Napier is famous for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. It is also well known for the art deco architecture.

How is Koyasan different from Napier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Napier 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 Napier?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Koyasan and Napier.

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).

Napier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

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

Napier 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 Napier. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

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 Napier Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Napier know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

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 Napier Better for Beaches?

Napier is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Napier offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Napier Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Napier does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Napier does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Napier Better for Hiking?

Napier 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 Napier. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

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 Napier?

Napier is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Napier offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Napier More Beautiful?

Koyasan is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Napier is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koyasan is a gorgeous place to visit. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Napier is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koyasan or Napier Better for Families?

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

Napier is a very kid-friendly town. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

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 Napier Better for Couples?

Koyasan and Napier both high quality 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.

Napier is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

Is Koyasan or Napier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Napier is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Napier is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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

Koyasan is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Koyasan has some public transit options. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

Is Koyasan or Napier a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Napier or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Napier?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Napier 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 Napier.

One day in Koyasan or Napier?

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 Napier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town 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 Napier?

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 Napier, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Napier has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Napier?

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.

Napier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Napier?

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 Napier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Napier. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koyasan and Napier, we can see that Napier 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 Napier 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 Napier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Napier 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 Napier Expensive?.