A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yaeyama Islands vs. Canberra for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Yaeyama Islands and Canberra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a pristine, luxurious, and serene archipelago. Yaeyama Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Yaeyama Islands travel costs.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Canberra travel costs.

Yaeyama Islands and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Canberra. Although Yaeyama Islands and Canberra are popular destinations, Canberra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Canberra is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Yaeyama Islands attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Canberra and is popular for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also well known for the Australian War Memorial.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

Canberra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Yaeyama Islands or Canberra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Canberra is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Canberra makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Canberra are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Yaeyama Islands is a great choice. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for the beach. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Yaeyama Islands. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

Canberra is a good destination for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Canberra is a great destination for shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Yaeyama Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Canberra are superb family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Yaeyama Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Canberra is a good archipelago for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra is a well-known place for students. However, Yaeyama Islands is not popular with students.

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Yaeyama Islands is not popular with students.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Canberra is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Canberra has a few public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Canberra a more walkable city?

Canberra is a good destination for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

Canberra is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yaeyama Islands and Canberra. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than in Canberra. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Canberra.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Canberra than Yaeyama Islands 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 Canberra.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

The beautiful archipelago of Yaeyama Islands offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

The diverse destination of Canberra offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

Yaeyama Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Canberra offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

Yaeyama Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yaeyama Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Canberra is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yaeyama Islands and Canberra, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Yaeyama Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yaeyama Islands is in Asia and Canberra 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 Yaeyama Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yaeyama Islands 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra than you might in Yaeyama Islands.

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

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands or Canberra?

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

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra and Yaeyama Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yaeyama Islands is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Canberra averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Canberra. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Yaeyama Islands is generally much warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 26°C (78°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Canberrain April. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Canberra. Many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Canberra in the winter. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in January than Canberrain July. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In April, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Canberrain October. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Yaeyama Islands is May to June.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Yaeyama Islands