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

Should you visit Matsue or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba 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 peaceful, pretty, and serene town. Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Matsue travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a relaxing, breathtaking , and stunning town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of Katoomba is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Katoomba travel costs.

Matsue and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Matsue or Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Katoomba. Although Matsue and Katoomba are popular destinations, Katoomba has more sights and attractions for tourists. Katoomba is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Matsue attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. Matsue is famous for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Katoomba is famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. It is also well known for Scenic World.

How is Matsue different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Matsue is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Matsue is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Matsue makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Matsue or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Katoomba is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Katoomba has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

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 Katoomba Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Katoomba does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Matsue to see the historical 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.

Katoomba does not have a historic old town.

Is Matsue or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Katoomba?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Katoomba and Matsue.

Matsue offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Katoomba has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Matsue or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Katoomba is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Katoomba is one of the main draws. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

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

Is Matsue or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Katoomba frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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 Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Katoomba is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Matsue is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Matsue. 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.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Matsue or Katoomba a more walkable city?

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

Matsue is very walkable. 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.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Matsue or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Matsue, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

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

One day in Matsue or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Matsue or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba 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. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Matsue or Katoomba?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Matsue and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Katoomba. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Matsue this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Matsue is generally around the same temperature as Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 25°C (78°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Matsue, it's very sunny this time of the year. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Katoomba 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 Katoombain January. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Matsue or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Katoomba. Many travelers come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Matsue is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

In the autumn, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Katoombain April. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Matsue or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Matsue in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Matsue can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Matsue is much colder than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Matsue in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. In January, Matsue usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Matsue or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Matsue during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Matsue for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Matsue is generally cooler than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 13°C (55°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Matsue