A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shiretoko National Park vs. Byron Bay for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay, 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. The beauty of Shiretoko National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Shiretoko National Park travel costs.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a carefree, Bohemian, and relaxed town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Byron Bay attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Byron Bay travel costs.

Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options


Is there more to do in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Byron Bay. Although Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay are both popular with visitors, Byron Bay has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Byron Bay is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Shiretoko National Park is known for its hiking. Byron Bay is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. It is also home to Cape Byron Lighthouse. Shiretoko National Park is popular for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Shiretoko National Park different from Byron Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Byron Bay and Shiretoko National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

Byron Bay offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Byron Bay is an experience not to be missed. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay Better for Nightlife?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for nightlife.

Byron Bay offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Shiretoko National Park doesn't offer many options. Peaceful evenings and relaxing in nature are the best way to pass the time here, not socializing in a bar.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay Better for Resorts?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Byron Bay is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay Better for Beaches?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Byron Bay are among the best in the world. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Shiretoko National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Shiretoko National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Byron Bay. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay More Beautiful?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay.

With stunning beauty, Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors from all around. The park is among the most beautiful in Japan. It has a scenic natural setting that is particularly nice during the winter season.

Byron Bay is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay Better for Families?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay are both good destinations for the whole family.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly remote,natural,scenic,pristine. 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 Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Byron Bay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Both Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular remote,natural,scenic,pristine for backpackers and budget travelers. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

Byron Bay is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

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

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park
Byron Bay

Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay both are good when exploring on foot.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable remote,natural,scenic,pristine. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

Byron Bay is somewhat walkable. 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 Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Byron Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Byron Bay or Shiretoko National Park?

How long in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Shiretoko National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Byron Bay.

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

Couples should spend more time in Byron Bay than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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.


  • How many days in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4 
    Byron Bay 3-7

One day in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

You'll find around the remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxed town of Byron Bay. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

You'll find around the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Byron Bay is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Byron Bay is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


A week in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

Shiretoko National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Byron Bay. Most people head to the area for the beaches. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Shiretoko National Park?

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

  • Shiretoko National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
    Byron Bay Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shiretoko National Park $96
    Byron Bay $175

The average daily cost (per person) in Shiretoko National Park is $96, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $175. 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 Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shiretoko National Park $34
    Byron Bay $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shiretoko National Park $68
    Byron Bay $134
Compare Hotels in Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay? 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 Shiretoko National Park


Hotels in Byron Bay


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: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices and Byron Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $27
    Byron Bay $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay and Shiretoko National Park 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
    Shiretoko National Park $45
    Byron Bay $83

Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Byron Bay

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Byron Bay.

  • Bangalow Native Bush Food Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $15
    Byron Bay $36

Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $124
  • Surf Lesson
    $43

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens Entry Ticket: $33
  • Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $33
  • Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $40
  • WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $46
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $47
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Byron Bay Private Bike Tour : $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56
  • Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour in Byron Bay: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $11
    Byron Bay $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $99
  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $104
  • Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $136
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $137


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Shiretoko National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shiretoko National Park Expensive? and Is Byron Bay Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay in the Summer?

Both Byron Bay and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shiretoko National Park is generally cooler than Byron Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around 18°C (64°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. In July, Shiretoko National Park usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin January. Shiretoko National Park gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

Both Byron Bay and Shiretoko National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Byron Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F)in April.

Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Shiretoko National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shiretoko National Park and Byron Bay. Also, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Byron Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in January average around -6°C (20°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 14°C (58°F)in July.

In January, Shiretoko National Park usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Shiretoko National Park gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Byron Bay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shiretoko National Park as well as Byron Bay. Most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during spring. In April, Shiretoko National Park is generally much colder than Byron Bayin October. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around 5°C (40°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Shiretoko National Park gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)


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