A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kyoto or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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 cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Kyoto is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Kyoto travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Melbourne travel costs.

Kyoto and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Melbourne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Kyoto. Melbourne is bigger than Kyoto, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Kyoto is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Kyoto is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Kyoto different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kyoto are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Kyoto and Melbourne.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kyoto. 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.

Melbourne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Kyoto or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Melbourne know how to have a good time. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Kyoto or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great destination for the beach. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is very popular for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto has a world-famous historical 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Melbourne?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Melbourne and Kyoto.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Kyoto or Melbourne More Beautiful?

Kyoto is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Kyoto is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kyoto or Melbourne Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Melbourne are excellent 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 Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Kyoto or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Kyoto is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Kyoto or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Kyoto or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kyoto and Melbourne.

Public transit in Kyoto can get you to some places easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Kyoto or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Kyoto is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Melbourne?

In either Kyoto or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Kyoto because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

Families should spend more time in Kyoto than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kyoto. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kyoto or Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Kyoto. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kyoto or Melbourne?

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the progressive big city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Melbourne, 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.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto or Melbourne?

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

Should I visit Kyoto or Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Melbourne. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kyoto is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kyoto is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can be very cold during winter. In January, Kyoto is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Melbournein July. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Melbourne. The spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Kyoto