A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Matsue vs. Brisbane for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Matsue or Brisbane?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Brisbane 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.

Matsue

Matsue is a serene, historic, and quiet town. With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Matsue travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Brisbane travel costs.

Matsue and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Matsue or Brisbane?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brisbane than Matsue, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brisbane is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Matsue is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Matsue is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.

How is Matsue different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Matsue or Brisbane?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Matsue and Brisbane.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Matsue. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Is the Food Better in Matsue or Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Matsue is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Matsue has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Brisbane know how to have a good time. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is a great destination for the beach. However, Matsue is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Brisbane attract visitors from all over. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Matsue has an old town worth visiting. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Brisbane?

Brisbane is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Brisbane is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Matsue has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Is Matsue or Brisbane More Beautiful?

Matsue is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for Families?

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

Brisbane is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Both Matsue and Brisbane are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Matsue makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

Brisbane is a good town for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Plenty of backpackers visit Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for Students?

Brisbane is a great destination for students. However, Matsue is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Matsue is not popular with students.

Is Matsue or Brisbane Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Matsue is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

The public transit in Matsue can get you to most places easily. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Matsue or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Matsue and Brisbane both are superb when exploring on foot.

Matsue is a very walkable town. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Matsue Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Brisbane?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Matsue and Brisbane. In our opinion, Brisbane has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Brisbane than Matsue. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Matsue 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 Brisbane.

One day in Matsue or Brisbane?

The beautiful town of Matsue offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Brisbane. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Matsue or Brisbane?

Matsue is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Matsue, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brisbane 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.

Five days in Matsue or Brisbane?

Matsue is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A week in Matsue or Brisbane?

Matsue is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed destination of Brisbane. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Matsue or Brisbane?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Matsue and Brisbane, 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 Matsue or Brisbane?

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

Should I visit Matsue or Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Matsue during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Matsue in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Matsue is around the same temperature as Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Matsue in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Matsue. In the summer, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein January. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in July than Brisbanein January. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Matsue or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Brisbane. Most visitors come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Matsue is generally cooler than Brisbanein April. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 17°C (62°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during autumn. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Matsue usually receives more rain than Brisbanein April. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Matsue or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Brisbane. The winter months attract visitors to Matsue because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

The weather in Matsue can be very cold. Matsue is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the winter, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein July. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. Matsue usually gets more rain in January than Brisbanein July. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Matsue or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Matsue this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Matsue is much colder than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Matsue in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during spring. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. In April, Matsue usually receives more rain than Brisbanein October. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Matsue