A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yokohama vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook, 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.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a diverse, bright, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Yokohama travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a scenic, dramatic, and breathtaking mountain. The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Yokohama and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yokohama than Aoraki Mount Cook, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yokohama is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Aoraki Mount Cook is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Yokohama is well known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. Also, Yokohama is famous for the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Yokohama different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Yokohama is great for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Yokohama. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yokohama is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Yokohama has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is great for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Yokohama for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Aoraki Mount Cook draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Yokohama is great for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Yokohama. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Yokohama is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Yokohama is very family-friendly. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is terrific for romance. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Aoraki Mount Cook has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

Yokohama is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

Is Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Aoraki Mount Cook are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a good city to visit for backpackers. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Students?

Yokohama is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not popular with students.

Is Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yokohama is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

Yokohama offers a very effecient public transportation network. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Yokohama is great for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

Yokohama is a very walkable destination. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Yokohama Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yokohama than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Yokohama.

One day in Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Yokohama, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook offers . 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.

A weekend in Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook?

When visiting Yokohama, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aoraki Mount Cook, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bright big city of Yokohama. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

A week in Yokohama or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Yokohama is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking 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 mountain offers something for everyone.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

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