A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koyasan vs. Sydney for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koyasan or Sydney?

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 Sydney. 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 peaceful, serene, and spiritual town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking. See Koyasan travel costs.

Sydney

Sydney is a energetic, outdoorsy, and adventurous city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Sydney travel costs.

Koyasan and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Sydney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sydney. Although Koyasan and Sydney are both popular with visitors, Sydney has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sydney is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Sydney is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House.

How is Koyasan different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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).

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

Sydney 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 Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

People head to Sydney just to party. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koyasan or Sydney Better for Beaches?

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

Sydney offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Sydney Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney does not have a historic old town.

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

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Sydney Better for Hiking?

Sydney 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 Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

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 Sydney?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Sydney More Beautiful?

Sydney is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

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

Is Koyasan or Sydney Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sydney is very family-friendly. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Sydney is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Koyasan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Koyasan or Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney is a world-class destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular place to visit for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Sydney can get you around easily. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Koyasan or Sydney a more walkable city?

Koyasan and Sydney both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Sydney?

Both Koyasan and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Koyasan. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Koyasan, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sydney.

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

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

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

One day in Koyasan or Sydney?

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.

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Sydney?

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.

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koyasan or Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Sydney?

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 Sydney. Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

When is the best time to visit Koyasan or Sydney?

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

Both Sydney and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Koyasan is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koyasan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during summer. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In July, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Sydneyin January. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koyasan or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Koyasan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sydney because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koyasan is generally around the same temperature as Sydneyin April. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 19°C (65°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin April. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Sydney. The winter months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Koyasan is much colder than Sydney in the winter. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during winter. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koyasan usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koyasan or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Sydney. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Koyasan is cooler than Sydney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koyasan in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Sydney averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In the spring, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin October. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koyasan usually gets more rain in April than Sydneyin October. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Koyasan