A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yamaguchi vs. Katoomba for Hiking, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Katoomba, 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.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a serene, tranquil, and scenic town. Yamaguchi is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums. See Yamaguchi travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a breathtaking , stunning, and peaceful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Katoomba travel costs.

Yamaguchi and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less hiking options
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Katoomba than Yamaguchi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Katoomba is better known for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Yamaguchi is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Katoomba is more touristy than Yamaguchi and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Also, Katoomba is famous for Scenic World. Yamaguchi is well known for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways.

How is Yamaguchi different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Yamaguchi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Yamaguchi. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.


Is the Food Better in Yamaguchi or Katoomba? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Yamaguchi is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yamaguchi makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a long-running farming and fishing industry, so you can be assured fresh ingredients at every meal. Dishes are still deeply rooted in the area's culinary traditions, and perhaps the most famous local delicacy is the Fugu fish, otherwise known as blowfish. It's become famous among westerners as the fish can be poisonous if not prepared correctly.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Yamaguchi or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Katoomba is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Yamaguchi is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Yamaguchi is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some pubs and local bars, but most of the area is peaceful and tranquil, especially at night.

Is Yamaguchi or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Katoomba draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Yamaguchi. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the prefecture so that you can energy the natural setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Katoomba is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Katoomba has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Yamaguchi is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The area is famed for its serene setting and natural beauty. There are many historic temples and pagodas in the area.

Is Yamaguchi or Katoomba Better for Families?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yamaguchi. The city offers beautiful temples and a glimpse into Japanese culture that kids and adults alike will enjoy. There are also beautiful gardens and nearby natural scenery.


Is Yamaguchi or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Yamaguchi and Katoomba are both great to visit as a couple.

Yamaguchi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its historic temples, natural beauty, and nice green space, this is a lovely city to explore as a couple.

Couples visit Katoomba frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Is Yamaguchi or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Katoomba is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Yamaguchi is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and budget-friendly accommodation options in the area.

Is Yamaguchi or Katoomba Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Yamaguchi and Katoomba.

Yamaguchi has some public transit options. There are buses through the city and prefecture.

You'll find some public transit in Katoomba, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.


Is Yamaguchi or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi
Katoomba

Yamaguchi and Katoomba are notable when it comes to walkability.

Yamaguchi is a somewhat walkable town. There are a number of walking trails in the area.

Katoomba is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Yamaguchi Worth Visiting? and Is Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Yamaguchi or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yamaguchi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Katoomba than Yamaguchi 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 Katoomba.


  • How many days in Yamaguchi or Katoomba? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yamaguchi 1-2 
    Katoomba 2-4

One day in Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

The beautiful town of Yamaguchi offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Katoomba is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

Yamaguchi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yamaguchi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

Yamaguchi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

A week in Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

Yamaguchi is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Katoomba 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Yamaguchi?

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 Yamaguchi is $100, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $148. 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 Yamaguchi and Katoomba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yamaguchi $47
    Katoomba $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yamaguchi $94
    Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Yamaguchi and Katoomba

Looking for a hotel in Yamaguchi or Katoomba? 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 Yamaguchi


Hotels in Katoomba


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: Yamaguchi Hotel Prices and Katoomba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yamaguchi $21
    Katoomba $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yamaguchi

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

  • Yamaguchi Ube Airport To/From Yamaguch City Private Transfer: $399

Is it cheaper to fly into Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

Prices for flights to both Katoomba and Yamaguchi 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
    Yamaguchi $40
    Katoomba $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yamaguchi

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

  • Yamaguchi ;Healthy tea drinking ; dinner: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yamaguchi $8.69
    Katoomba $54

Tours and Activities in Yamaguchi

For Yamaguchi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kiku Plan - Wagashi making and tea ceremony experience -: $24
  • Fuji Plan - Kimono Experience and City Walk -: $37

Tours and Activities in Katoomba

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

  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
  • Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
  • Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
  • Beauty of the Blue Mountains Private Tour: $853
  • Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $251
  • Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
  • Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $99
  • Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour With Bushwalks, Waterfalls & Featherdale: $126
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
  • Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $221
  • Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yamaguchi $8.21
    Katoomba -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

Yamaguchi has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Yamaguchi and Katoomba, 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 Yamaguchi or Katoomba?

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

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Yamaguchi as well as Katoomba. Many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Katoomba in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yamaguchi is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yamaguchi in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Katoomba averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Katoomba. Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Yamaguchi gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F) 
    Katoomba 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba and Yamaguchi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Yamaguchi is generally around the same temperature as Katoombain April. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 19°C (65°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In October, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Yamaguchi gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Katoomba in the Winter?

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

Yamaguchi is much colder than Katoomba in the winter. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in July.

Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in January than Katoombain July. Yamaguchi gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F) 
    Katoomba 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yamaguchi and Katoomba. The spring months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

In the spring, Yamaguchi is cooler than Katoomba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yamaguchi in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

Yamaguchi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Yamaguchi gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Katoomba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)