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

Should you visit Koyasan or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton. 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Koyasan travel costs.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a traditional, charming, and cultural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Koyasan and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Rockhampton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rockhampton. Although Koyasan and Rockhampton are both popular with visitors, Rockhampton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rockhampton is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Koyasan is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Rockhampton is popular for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. It is also home to the Rockhampton Heritage Village.

How is Koyasan different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Koyasan and Rockhampton.

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).

Rockhampton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

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 Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

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

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

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 Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Rockhampton is a good destination for the beach. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Rockhampton offers a nice beach destination. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Rockhampton Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rockhampton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Rockhampton does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

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 Rockhampton?

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

Rockhampton offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Rockhampton More Beautiful?

Koyasan is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koyasan or Rockhampton Better for Families?

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

Rockhampton is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

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 Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Koyasan and Rockhampton both superb 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.

Rockhampton is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

Is Koyasan or Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koyasan and Rockhampton are good 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 Rockhampton. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Koyasan or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Rockhampton is a good destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

Rockhampton is popular with students. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

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

Koyasan is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in 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 Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Koyasan or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Rockhampton is somewhat walkable. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Rockhampton?

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

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

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

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

One day in Koyasan or Rockhampton?

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Rockhampton, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Rockhampton?

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Rockhampton?

Because Koyasan is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Rockhampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rockhampton. 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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

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

When is the best time to visit Koyasan or Rockhampton?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Koyasan is around the same temperature as Rockhampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koyasan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Rockhampton. Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koyasan usually gets more rain in July than Rockhamptonin January. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

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

In October, Koyasan is generally cooler than Rockhamptonin April. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 19°C (65°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In October, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin April. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Koyasan or Rockhampton in the Winter?

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

Koyasan is much colder than Rockhampton in the winter. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.

Koyasan usually gets more rain in January than Rockhamptonin July. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Rockhampton in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Koyasan is much colder than Rockhampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koyasan in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in October.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin October. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Koyasan