A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Lake Tekapo for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Lake Tekapo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a fascinating, traditional, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. The famous beauty of Kyoto is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kyoto travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Kyoto and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kyoto. Although Kyoto and Lake Tekapo are both popular with visitors, Kyoto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kyoto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lake Tekapo is known for its hiking and small town charm. Kyoto is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also home to Kinkaku-ji. Lake Tekapo is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Kyoto different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

Kyoto is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kyoto on the map. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kyoto is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Kyoto is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Kyoto is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Kyoto has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Lake Tekapo does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Lake Tekapo does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

Kyoto is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Kyoto is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Kyoto is one of the main draws. It's one of the most historical cities in Japan and it has many beautiful Buddhist temples, gardens, and imperial palaces. It's particularly striking during the cherry blossom season.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Lake Tekapo are very good to visit with kids.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake Tekapo. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Kyoto is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Kyoto is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kyoto is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo Better for Students?

Kyoto is a great destination for students. However, Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kyoto is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Kyoto or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Kyoto is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

For even more information, also check out Is Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kyoto than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto than Lake Tekapo 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 Kyoto.

One day in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lake Tekapo, many people enjoy the that this small destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Kyoto. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

The cultural city of Kyoto offers shopping and museums. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Lake Tekapo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kyoto. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Lake Tekapo?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 4420 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Lake Tekapo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.