A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Osaka vs. Picton for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Osaka or Picton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Picton, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Osaka

Osaka is a high energy, colorful, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Osaka travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Picton travel costs.

Osaka and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Picton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Osaka. Although Osaka and Picton are popular destinations, Osaka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Osaka is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Picton attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Osaka is famous for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also well known for Osaka Castle. Picton is famous for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Osaka different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Osaka or Picton?

Osaka is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Osaka on the map. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

Is the Food Better in Osaka or Picton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Osaka is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Osaka, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Osaka or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

Osaka is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Osaka or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Osaka is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Picton. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Osaka or Picton Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Picton does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Osaka. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Picton does not have a historic old town.

Is Osaka or Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Picton?

Osaka is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Osaka is a world class destination for shoppers. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Osaka or Picton Better for Families?

Osaka and Picton are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Osaka. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Picton is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Osaka or Picton Better for Couples?

Osaka and Picton are both great to visit as a couple.

Osaka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

Couples visit Picton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Osaka or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Picton are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

Is Osaka or Picton Better for Students?

Osaka is a well-known place for students. However, Picton is not popular with students.

Many students visit Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

Picton is not popular with students.

Is Osaka or Picton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Osaka is very popular for its public transit. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Osaka has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Osaka or Picton a more walkable city?

Picton is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Picton is a very walkable destination. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

Osaka is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Osaka Worth Visiting? and Is Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Osaka or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Osaka than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Osaka than Picton 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 Osaka.

One day in Osaka or Picton?

Osaka is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Picton, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Osaka or Picton?

Osaka 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Picton. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Osaka or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Picton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Picton. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant big city of Osaka. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Picton. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Picton, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Osaka is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Picton?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 860 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Picton, 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 Osaka or Picton?

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

Should I visit Osaka or Picton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Picton. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Osaka is much warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Osaka is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In October, Osaka usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Picton in the Winter?

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

In January, Osaka is generally much colder than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Picton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Picton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Picton. The spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

Osaka is a little warmer than Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Picton and Osaka