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

Should you visit Matsue or Perth?

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 Perth 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. Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Matsue travel costs.

Perth

Perth is a easy-going, isolated, and sunny city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Perth travel costs.

Matsue and Perth: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Matsue or Perth?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Perth than Matsue. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Perth is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Matsue attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Matsue is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. It is also well known for the Swan Bell Tower.

How is Matsue different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Matsue
Perth

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

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 Perth. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.


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

Matsue
Perth

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Matsue or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Matsue
Perth

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

Perth has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

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 Perth Better for Beaches?

Matsue
Perth

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

Perth is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Matsue is not a beach destination.


Is Matsue or Perth Better for its Old Town?

Matsue
Perth

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

Matsue is a good destination for visiting its 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.

Perth does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Perth?

Matsue
Perth

Shopping is a popular activity in both Perth 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.

Perth has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Matsue or Perth More Beautiful?

Matsue
Perth

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

Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Matsue or Perth Better for Families?

Matsue
Perth

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

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

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 Perth Better for Couples?

Matsue
Perth

Both Matsue and Perth are nice 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.

Perth is a good town for couples to visit. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Matsue or Perth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Matsue
Perth

Matsue and Perth are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.


Is Matsue or Perth Better for Students?

Matsue
Perth

Perth is a city with good options for students. However, Matsue is not popular with students.

Perth is popular with students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Matsue is not popular with students.

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

Matsue
Perth

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

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.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Is Matsue or Perth a more walkable city?

Matsue
Perth

Matsue is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Perth or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Matsue or Perth. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Perth 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 Perth.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Matsue or Perth? Ideal Length of Stay
    Matsue 2-3 
    Perth 2-4

One day in Matsue or Perth?

In Matsue, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this pretty destination offers. This town 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Perth. 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 Perth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Matsue. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Perth is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Perth?

Matsue is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Matsue. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Perth?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Matsue. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sunny destination of Perth. This 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Perth or Matsue?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Matsue is $88, while the average daily cost in Perth is $158. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Matsue and Perth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Matsue $27
    Perth $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Matsue $54
    Perth $150
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Perth

Looking for a hotel in Matsue or Perth? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Matsue


Hotels in Perth


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Matsue Hotel Prices and Perth Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Matsue $20
    Perth $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

Also for Perth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth, breakfast: $282
  • Departure Transfer: Perth to Perth Airport PER by Business Car: $79
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $61
  • Perth Airport (PER) to Perth city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Perth Departure Transfer by Private Chauffeur: Perth City Center to Airport: $50
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $165
  • PER Airport to Perth City Centre Private Transfer: $34
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $222
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $74
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $74
  • Private Transfer from Perth Airport(PER) to Fremantle Cruise Port: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Perth?

Prices for flights to both Perth and Matsue change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Matsue $49
    Perth $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Perth

For Perth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $69
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise: $99
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise: $101
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $122
  • Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Dinner Experience Small Group Tour: $124
  • Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $149
  • Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour: $167
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Matsue $9.13
    Perth $14

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $104
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
  • Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11

Tours and Activities in Perth

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Perth.

  • Perth Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.72
  • Perth Historic Downtown Smartphone Guided GPS Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Quest Experience in Cottesloe Beach Perth Pirates by the Sea : $12
  • Perth Bell Tower Entry Ticket and Bell Chiming Experience: $12
  • CBD Boom and Bust walking tour: $17
  • The Perth Mint Gold Tour: $17
  • Scitech Discovery Centre All Day Entry Ticket: $17
  • The Premium Anzac Bell Tour at the Bell Tower: $21
  • True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Fremantle's True Crime Tour: $23
  • Optus Stadium Guided Tour: $23
  • The ANZAC Bell Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Matsue $7.10
    Perth $7.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $63
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $69
  • Swan Valley Wine Tour - Half Day Afternoon: $70
  • Swan Valley Half-Day Wine Tour - Small Group Experience: $70
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $70
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $79
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $83
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $99
  • Swan Valley Wine Tour - Full Day: $100
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $109
  • From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $109
  • Swan Valley Boutique Wine Tour: $116


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


Which is Bigger, Matsue or Perth?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Matsue and Perth, 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 Perth?

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

Both Perth 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 Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Matsue is generally around the same temperature as Perthin January. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 25°C (78°F), and Perth fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Matsue. In the summer, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Perthin January. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 331 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in July than Perthin January. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Matsue 25°C (78°F) 
    Perth 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Perth in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Perth. 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 Perth because of the shopping scene.

Matsue is cooler than Perth in the autumn. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Perth fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Perth during autumn. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 219 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Matsue usually receives more rain than Perthin April. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Matsue 17°C (62°F) 
    Perth 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Perth in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Perth. 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 Perth this time of year.

The weather in Matsue can be very cold. In the winter, Matsue is much colder than Perth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Matsue in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Perth averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

In the winter, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Perthin July. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 166 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Perth. Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. Matsue usually gets less rain in January than Perthin July. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Matsue 4°C (39°F) 
    Perth 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Perth in the Spring?

Both Perth 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 Perth for the beaches.

In April, Matsue is generally cooler than Perthin October. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 13°C (55°F), and Perth fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Perth. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Perth during spring. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. In April, Matsue usually receives more rain than Perthin October. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Perth receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Matsue 13°C (55°F) 
    Perth 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Perth and Matsue

Matsue Perth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in) 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)