A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atami vs. Rotorua for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Atami or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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 nightlife, food, and beaches. See Atami travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Rotorua travel costs.

Atami and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotorua. Although Atami and Rotorua are both popular with visitors, Rotorua has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotorua is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atami is known for its beaches. Rotorua is more touristy than Atami and is known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also home to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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 Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Rotorua has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Atami and Rotorua.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Atami or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Atami is a town with good options for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atami. 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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Atami or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Rotorua?

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

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 Rotorua to go shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Atami or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atami or Rotorua Better for Families?

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

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

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

Rotorua is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua 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, Rotorua is extremely popular for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

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 Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Atami or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Atami and Rotorua are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Atami?

How long in Atami or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atami and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rotorua than in Atami. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Atami, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

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

One day in Atami or Rotorua?

In Atami, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Rotorua, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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 Rotorua?

In Atami, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atami has to offer.

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

Atami is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Rotorua is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Rotorua. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Atami or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atami. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Atami or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Atami and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

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

Both Rotorua and Atami are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the summer, Atami is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atami in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Atami. In July, Atami usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atami or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Atami during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Atami this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Atami is generally around the same temperature as Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. Atami usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Rotorua. Many travelers come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atami is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

In January, Atami usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atami or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atami as well as Rotorua. Many visitors come to Atami in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Atami is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atami in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atami usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Atami