A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atami vs. Picton for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atami or Picton?

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 Picton 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Atami travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Picton travel costs.

Atami and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Picton. Although Atami and Picton are both popular with visitors, Picton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Picton is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Atami is known for its nightlife. Picton is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to the Queen Charlotte Track. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Atami and Picton.

Atami offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Picton. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

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

Picton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton Better for Nightlife?

Atami is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Atami. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Atami or Picton Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Picton attract visitors from all over. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

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 Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton 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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Picton?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Atami and Picton.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atami. 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.

Many visitors go to Picton to go shopping. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Atami or Picton Better for Families?

Picton 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, Picton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

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

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Picton is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for 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 Picton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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 Picton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Atami or Picton a more walkable city?

Picton 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.

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Atami?

How long in Atami or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atami or Picton to fill your time. In our opinion, Picton has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Picton than Atami. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Atami or Picton?

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

In Picton, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this picturesque destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Atami or Picton?

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 Picton. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Picton?

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.

Picton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Picton. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Atami or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nostalgic 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 shopping around the scenic destination of Picton. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Atami or Picton?

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Atami as well as Picton. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atami is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atami in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atami usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton and Atami are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atami for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Atami is generally a little warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 18°C (64°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. In October, Atami usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atami or Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton and Atami during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Atami is much colder than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

Picton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Atami usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Picton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Picton. Most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Atami is around the same temperature as Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atami in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atami usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Picton and Atami