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

Should you visit Atami or Gold Coast?

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 Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a glamourous, vibrant, and colorful coastline. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Atami and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Gold Coast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gold Coast. Although Atami and Gold Coast are both popular with visitors, Gold Coast has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gold Coast is more touristy than Atami and is known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. It is also home to the long sandy beaches. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Gold Coast is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Gold Coast. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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.

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

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

Gold Coast has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

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 Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

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

Gold Coast is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

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 Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Atami is not a resort destination.

Gold Coast is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Atami is not a resort destination.

Is Atami or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atami or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

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

Gold Coast is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

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 Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Gold Coast?

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

Gold Coast is well-known for its shopping. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

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 Gold Coast Better for Families?

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

Gold Coast is an extremely popular coastline to visit for families. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

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 Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Gold Coast is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Gold Coast is a great coastline for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

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 Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast 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, Gold Coast is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

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 Gold Coast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Gold Coast can get you around easily. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Atami or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Atami and Gold Coast are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Gold Coast is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Atami?

How long in Atami or Gold Coast?

Both Atami and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gold Coast than in Atami. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Atami, and 3-7 days is enough time in Gold Coast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Atami or Gold Coast?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic town of Atami, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atami, one day is sufficent for most.

In Gold Coast, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this glamourous destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastline 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 Gold Coast?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atami, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gold Coast. 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 Gold Coast?

Atami, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gold Coast is a fun place to experience. In Gold Coast, many people enjoy the shopping and museums 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 Gold Coast?

Atami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Gold Coast, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this colorful destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Atami and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atami or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Atami and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Gold Coast. Many travelers come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atami is around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atami in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Atami gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atami usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atami or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atami as well as Gold Coast. Many visitors come to Atami in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Atami is generally cooler than Gold Coastin April. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 18°C (64°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the autumn, Atami often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin April. Atami gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Atami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Atami usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Gold Coast in the Winter?

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

Atami is much colder than Gold Coast in the winter. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Atami gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atami usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gold Coastin July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atami or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Atami during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

In the spring, Atami is cooler than Gold Coast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atami in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Atami often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin October. Atami gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. Atami usually gets more rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Atami