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

Should you visit Matsue or Byron Bay?

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 Byron Bay 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 quiet, peaceful, and pretty town. The beauty of Matsue is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Matsue travel costs.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a Bohemian, relaxed, and mellow town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of Byron Bay is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Byron Bay travel costs.

Matsue and Byron Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Matsue or Byron Bay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Byron Bay than Matsue, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Byron Bay is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Matsue is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Matsue is well known for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Byron Bay is well known for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. Also, Byron Bay is famous for Cape Byron Lighthouse.

How is Matsue different from Byron Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Matsue is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Matsue and Byron Bay can be an enjoyable experience.

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

Byron Bay has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Matsue or Byron Bay Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Byron Bay know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

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 Byron Bay Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is a great destination for its resorts. However, Matsue is not a resort destination.

In Byron Bay, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Matsue is not a resort destination.

Is Matsue or Byron Bay Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Matsue is not a beach destination.

Byron Bay is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Matsue or Byron Bay Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a town with good options for its old town. However, Byron Bay does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Matsue to see the old town. 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.

Byron Bay does not have a historic old town.

Is Matsue or Byron Bay Better for Hiking?

Byron Bay is a town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Byron Bay. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Byron Bay?

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

Byron Bay is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

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 Byron Bay More Beautiful?

Matsue and Byron Bay are somewhat similar when it comes to the great scenery.

The beauty of Matsue is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

With stunning beauty, Byron Bay attracts visitors from all around. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Is Matsue or Byron Bay Better for Families?

Both Matsue and Byron Bay are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Matsue. 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.

Byron Bay offers lots of family activities. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Matsue or Byron Bay Better for Couples?

Byron Bay is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Byron Bay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Matsue is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Is Matsue or Byron Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Byron Bay is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

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 Byron Bay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Matsue is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Matsue can get you around 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Matsue or Byron Bay a more walkable city?

Matsue is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Byron Bay or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Byron Bay?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay.

One day in Matsue or Byron Bay?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Matsue. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Byron Bay. 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 Byron Bay?

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Matsue. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Byron Bay is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Matsue or Byron Bay?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic town of Matsue. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Byron Bay. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Matsue or Byron Bay?

Matsue is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vegan-friendly destination of Byron Bay. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Matsue or Byron Bay?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Matsue and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Byron Bay. The summer months attract visitors to Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

Matsue is around the same temperature as Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Matsue usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Matsue or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Byron Bay. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Matsue this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Matsue is cooler than Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Matsue in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Byron Bayin April. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Matsue or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. In January, Matsue is generally much colder than Byron Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 4°C (39°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Matsue. In January, Matsue usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Matsue or Byron Bay in the Spring?

Both Byron Bay and Matsue during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Matsue is cooler than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Matsue