A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atami vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Atami or Cairns?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Atami and Cairns can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Atami

Atami is a authentic, overlooked, and nostalgic town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Atami and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Cairns?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cairns. Although Atami and Cairns are both popular with visitors, Cairns has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cairns is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Atami is known for its museums and attractions. Cairns is more touristy than Atami and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atami or Cairns?

Atami is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

Is the Food Better in Atami or Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cairns is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cairns has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Atami or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Cairns is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Atami or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Atami is not a resort destination.

In Cairns, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Atami is not a resort destination.

Is Atami or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cairns is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atami or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is renowned for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Cairns is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Atami or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Around Cairns visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Cairns?

Cairns is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Cairns is well-known for its shopping. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Atami or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cairns is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Atami or Cairns Better for Couples?

Cairns is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Cairns makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Atami or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Cairns is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Atami or Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Atami and Cairns.

Atami has some public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

You'll find some public transit in Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Atami or Cairns a more walkable city?

Atami is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

Atami is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Atami Worth Visiting? and Is Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Atami?

How long in Atami or Cairns?

In either Atami or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Atami because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Atami, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns than Atami 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 Cairns.

One day in Atami or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Atami. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Cairns, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this outdoorsy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city 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.

A weekend in Atami or Cairns?

Atami is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. 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.

Five days in Atami or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns is a fun place to experience. In Cairns, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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.

A week in Atami or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the overlooked destination of Atami. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tropical destination of Cairns. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Atami or Cairns?

Cairns has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Atami and Cairns, 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 Atami or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Atami or Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns and Atami are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cairns in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atami is cooler than Cairns. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atami in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Cairns averages at about 29°C (84°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Atami. In July, Atami usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Atami or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns and Atami during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atami in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Atami is generally much colder than Cairnsin April. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 18°C (64°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. Atami usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Atami or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Cairns. Most visitors come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cairns because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atami is much colder than Cairns in the winter. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

In January, Atami usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atami or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atami as well as Cairns. The spring months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

In the spring, Atami is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atami in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atami usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Atami