A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yaeyama Islands vs. Taupo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Taupo?

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 Taupo. 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. The famous beauty of Yaeyama Islands is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Yaeyama Islands travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Taupo travel costs.

Yaeyama Islands and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Taupo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yaeyama Islands. Although Yaeyama Islands and Taupo are popular destinations, Yaeyama Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yaeyama Islands is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Taupo attracts visitors for its skiing, food, shopping, and small town charm. Yaeyama Islands is famous for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. It is also well known for Nishihama Beach. Taupo is famous for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Yaeyama Islands or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is terrific for snow skiing. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Yaeyama Islands is not a skiing destination.

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

Yaeyama Islands is a archipelago with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Yaeyama Islands offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo 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, Taupo makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Taupo 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 Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Taupo Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

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

Yaeyama Islands is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Yaeyama Islands and Taupo, and they are superb.

Yaeyama Islands is a popular spot for hiking. 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 visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Taupo?

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

Taupo is a great destination for shopping. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Taupo More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Yaeyama Islands is one of the main draws. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Taupo is very family-friendly. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Yaeyama Islands is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Taupo Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands and Taupo both amazing destinations for a couple.

Yaeyama Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is terrific for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Taupo is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Taupo 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.

Taupo has a few public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Taupo a more walkable city?

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

Taupo is somewhat walkable. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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 Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Taupo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Taupo?

In Yaeyama Islands, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this tropical destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This archipelago 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.

The otherworldly destination of Taupo offers skiing and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The town of Taupo offers nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Taupo?

Yaeyama Islands is a fun place to experience. In Yaeyama Islands, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Taupo is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Taupo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical destination of Yaeyama Islands. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands and Taupo, we can see that Taupo 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 Yaeyama Islands is in Asia and Taupo 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive? and Is Taupo Expensive?.