A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atami vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Atami or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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 nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Atami and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Atami or Melbourne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Melbourne is more touristy than Atami and is known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atami
Melbourne

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atami
Melbourne

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

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Atami
Melbourne

Melbourne is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Atami
Melbourne

Melbourne is a very popular place for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

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 the Shopping Better in Atami or Melbourne?

Atami
Melbourne

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

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne Better for Families?

Atami
Melbourne

Melbourne is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Atami
Melbourne

Both Atami and Melbourne are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Atami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good town for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.


Is Atami or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atami
Melbourne

Atami and Melbourne are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Atami is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Atami or Melbourne Better for Students?

Atami
Melbourne

Melbourne is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Atami is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Atami is not popular with students.

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

Atami
Melbourne

Melbourne 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 Melbourne can get you around easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne a more walkable city?

Atami
Melbourne

Melbourne is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Atami?

How long in Atami or Melbourne?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.


  • How many days in Atami or Melbourne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atami 1-2 
    Melbourne 2-5

One day in Atami or Melbourne?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Atami. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atami has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the overlooked destination of Atami. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Atami or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic town of Atami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Atami or Melbourne?

Atami is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Atami?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Atami is $86, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $176. 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 Atami and Melbourne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atami $43
    Melbourne $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atami $86
    Melbourne $236
Compare Hotels in Atami and Melbourne

Looking for a hotel in Atami or Melbourne? 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 Atami


Hotels in Melbourne


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: Atami Hotel Prices and Melbourne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atami $35
    Melbourne $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atami

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

  • Narita Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $650
  • Haneda Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $557

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:


  • Airport Bus
    $10
  • Tram Ride
    $2.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne

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

  • Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $372
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne HTL-APT (MEL): $99
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne APT-HTL (MEL): $99
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne hotels to Melbourne Cruise Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Port to Melbourne Airport (MEL): $52
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne Port: $52
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Melbourne Airports: $86
  • Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $79
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Melbourne Airports to Hotel: $86
  • Private Airport Transfer in Melbourne: $99
  • Mt Buller 1 Day Snow Tour (Direct Transfer To Mt Buller Village From Melbourne): $89
  • Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $198

Is it cheaper to fly into Atami or Melbourne?

Prices for flights to both Melbourne and Atami 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
    Atami $24
    Melbourne $30

Typical Food Prices in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $2.60
  • Pizza
    $4.54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne

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

  • Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
  • Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $53
  • Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $78
  • Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $79
  • Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
  • Pizza Making Party: $89
  • Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $97
  • Secret Food Tour: $109
  • Chinese Cooking Class Master: $118
  • Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $122
  • Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $129
  • Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atami $7.68
    Melbourne $27

Tours and Activities in Atami

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

  • ACAO BEACH: Tent Sauna experience at private resort: $114
  • "Explore Atami's Culinary Culture" Walking Tour: $44
  • Exclusive Geisha Experience: $114
  • Hakone one day tour: $157
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $131
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $104

Tours and Activities in Melbourne

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

  • 1 Day Penguin Island Tour from Melbourne Penguins express: $79
  • 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $125
  • 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Eco Tour with lunch from Melbourne: $109
  • 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $800
  • 2-Hour Farm Experience in Gateway Yarra Valley: $66
  • 2024 Mt Buller, Melbourne Snow and Sightseeing Day Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour Rainforest Walking Tour in Badger Creek: $40
  • 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour: $1,486
  • 3.5 Hours Group tour Melbourne trouble-makers tour: $44
  • 3/4 Day Sports Lovers Bus Tour of Melbourne with Tour Options: $178
  • 4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City: $40
  • African Cat Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo - excl. entry: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atami $5.45
    Melbourne $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $5.03

Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne

Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Melbourne Pub Crawl: $17
  • Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $19
  • Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $25
  • Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $33
  • Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour :Wine,Gin,Cider+more: $86
  • Yarra Valley Day Trip with Local Wine Tastings from Melbourne: $102
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $116
  • Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $127
  • Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne : $139
  • Wine Tour Yarra Valley, Vic - inc. 2 course lunch + glass of wine: $165
  • Mornington Peninsula Premium Tour with Wine Tasting at Yabby Lake : $172
  • Yarra Valley Premium Tour Lunch and Sparkling Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon: $178


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

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


Which is Bigger, Atami or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Atami and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

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

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Atami is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Atami gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atami. In July, Atami usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Atami 26°C (78°F) 
    Melbourne 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Atami or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Atami during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atami in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Atami is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atami in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

In the autumn, Atami often gets less sunshine than Melbournein April. Atami gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. Atami usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Atami 18°C (64°F) 
    Melbourne 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Atami or Melbourne in the Winter?

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

In January, Atami is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 5°C (42°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Atami usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Atami gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atami usually receives more rain than Melbournein July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Atami 5°C (42°F) 
    Melbourne 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Atami or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atami as well as Melbourne. 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 Melbourne this time of year.

Atami is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. In the spring, Atami often gets less sunshine than Melbournein October. Atami gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atami usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Atami 14°C (57°F) 
    Melbourne 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Atami

Atami Melbourne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in) 19°C (65°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in) 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)