A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yokohama vs. Katoomba for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yokohama or Katoomba?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama 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.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a diverse, bright, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Yokohama travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a stunning, peaceful, and serene town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of Katoomba is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Katoomba travel costs.

Yokohama and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Yokohama or Katoomba?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama. Although Yokohama and Katoomba are both popular with visitors, Yokohama has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yokohama is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Katoomba is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Yokohama is popular for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also home to the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Yokohama different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Yokohama 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 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.

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 Yokohama or Katoomba? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Yokohama 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, Yokohama makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

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 Yokohama or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Yokohama is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Yokohama offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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.

Is Yokohama or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Katoomba is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

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.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Katoomba?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Yokohama is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Yokohama or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Katoomba is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Katoomba is one of the main draws. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yokohama or Katoomba Better for Families?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Yokohama and Katoomba are both world-class destinations for the whole family.

Yokohama is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Katoomba is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.


Is Yokohama or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Yokohama
Katoomba

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

Couples visit Yokohama frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Katoomba is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Yokohama or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Katoomba is well known for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Is Yokohama or Katoomba Better for Students?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Yokohama is a good destination for students. However, Katoomba is not popular with students.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Katoomba is not popular with students.


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

Yokohama
Katoomba

Yokohama is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Yokohama. 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.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Yokohama or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Yokohama
Katoomba

Yokohama is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Yokohama is very walkable. 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Yokohama 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 Yokohama, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

Families should spend more time in Yokohama than Katoomba. 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 Katoomba. 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 Katoomba 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.


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

One day in Yokohama or Katoomba?

Yokohama is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 Katoomba?

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

Katoomba 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Katoomba, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Katoomba?

Yokohama 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 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 Katoomba?

Yokohama 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 city offers something for everyone.

Katoomba 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 town 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama is $156, 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 Yokohama and Katoomba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yokohama $72
    Katoomba $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yokohama $144
    Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Yokohama and Katoomba

Looking for a hotel in Yokohama 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 Yokohama


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: Yokohama Hotel Prices and Katoomba Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yokohama

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yokohama:

  • Tokyo: Haneda Airport(HND) Private Transfer to/from Yokohama: $52
  • Yokohama Private Transfer: Tokyo City, Narita and Haneda Airport: $65
  • Tokyo: Private Transfer to/from Yokohama Port: $84
  • Narita Airport: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Yokohama: $93
  • Yokohama Port to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Private Transfer : $120
  • Shuttle Van Transfer, Yokohama(Port)⇒Tokyo, Narita, Haneda, TDR: $127
  • Yokohama ⇆ Tokyo, Narita & Haneda Airport Private Transfer: $127
  • Yokohama City: Private transfer to/from Haneda Airport: $128
  • Shuttle Van Transfer, Haneda, Narita and Tokyo⇒Yokohama City: $132
  • Yokohama Cruise Port to Narita Airport NRT - Private Transfer : $147
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Cruise Port to Tokyo: $147
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport Vice Versa: $194

Is it cheaper to fly into Yokohama or Katoomba?

Prices for flights to both Katoomba and Yokohama 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
    Yokohama $66
    Katoomba $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yokohama

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

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Local Eats, Street Food Tour & Culture Walk: $25
  • Private Local Food Tour in Ginza and Shinbashi: $62
  • DIY Sushi Cooking Class at Izakaya in Yokohama: $68
  • Yokohama Manga Art & Japanese Cooking Experience: $81
  • Sushi & Gyoza Cooking with Matcha Experience: $81
  • Miso Ramen Gyoza and Matcha Cooking Class Professional Teacher: $100
  • Sakuragicho/Noge Walking & Local Food Tour: $134
  • Tokyo: Best Ginza Food Tour at 3 Local Eateries: $150
  • Traditional Japanese Home Cooking from a Chef in Shibuya: $171
  • Tokyo Allstar Food Tour: $231

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yokohama $31
    Katoomba $54

Tours and Activities in Yokohama

Here are a few actual costs in Yokohama for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tokyo Shinjuku: WARP Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.94
  • Marine Tower Observation Floor Ticket: $8.11
  • Yokohama Fantasy GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Local kawaii craft Tour: $14
  • Ginza Tokyo : Easy Matcha Green Tea Experience: $14
  • Tokyo City View Observation Deck Adventure Ticket: $19
  • Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Observatory Deck Admission Ticket: $20
  • Tokyo Walking Tour with Licensed Guide Shinjuku: $21
  • Find Yokohama's Hidden Gem: Walking Tour with Local Guide: $24
  • Matcha experience in Ginza (Includes sushi toy & Japanese sweets): $26
  • Japanese Calligraphy Experience at Yokohama: $27
  • Izakaya Hopping Night Tour in nostalgic area: $28

Tours and Activities in Katoomba

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

  • Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
  • Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
  • Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73
  • Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $99
  • Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
  • Blue Mountains Tour with Scenic World, Zoo&Bilingual Driver: $100
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
  • Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
  • Blue Mountains: Spectacular Half Day Abseiling Adventure: $116
  • Half-Day Abseiling Adventure in Blue Mountains National Park: $117
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
  • Small Group Blue Mountains Wildlife & Bushwalk Tour From Sydney: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yokohama $18
    Katoomba -

Sample the Local Flavors in Yokohama

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Yokohama:

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $26
  • Tantra Tokyo Burlesque Show Club: $83


When comparing the travel costs between Yokohama and Katoomba, we can see that Yokohama 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 Yokohama is in Asia and Katoomba 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 Yokohama Expensive? and Is Katoomba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Katoomba?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama 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 Yokohama 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 Yokohama has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Yokohama or Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Katoomba. Many travelers come to Yokohama for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Katoomba in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Yokohama is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Yokohama gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Katoomba receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Yokohama 25°C (78°F) 
    Katoomba 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Yokohama or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Katoomba. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, 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 the autumn, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yokohama in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

In the autumn, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Katoombain April. Yokohama gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Yokohama 18°C (64°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Yokohama or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Yokohama is generally much colder than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 6°C (42°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Yokohama usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Yokohama gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Yokohama or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Yokohama during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

Yokohama is cooler than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Yokohama often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Yokohama gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Yokohama 14°C (58°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Yokohama

Yokohama Katoomba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 153 mm (6 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)