A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chichibu-Tama-Kai vs. Katoomba for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Katoomba 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a relaxing, natural, and beautiful national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a natural, relaxing, and breathtaking town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Katoomba. Although Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Katoomba are both popular with visitors, Katoomba has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Katoomba is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. It is also home to Scenic World. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is popular for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Chichibu-Tama-Kai different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Katoomba and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Katoomba is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Katoomba is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.


Is the Food Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Katoomba is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Katoomba. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Katoomba is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Katoomba has a few options to choose from. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.


Is the Shopping Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Katoomba is a town with good options for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very kid-friendly national park. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Katoomba are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Katoomba is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.


Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Katoomba is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Katoomba is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Katoomba is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Katoomba offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Katoomba

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very walkable. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.


For even more information, also check out Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting? and Is Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

How long in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chichibu-Tama-Kai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Katoomba than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Katoomba.


  • How many days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 1-2 
    Katoomba 2-4

One day in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

The beautiful national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Katoomba is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

Katoomba is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chichibu-Tama-Kai is $69, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $134. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Katoomba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $34
    Katoomba $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $68
    Katoomba $154
Compare Hotels in Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Katoomba

Looking for a hotel in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba? 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai


Hotels in Katoomba


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: Katoomba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $20
    Katoomba $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

Prices for flights to both Katoomba and Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $24
    Katoomba $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $7.13
    Katoomba $53

Tours and Activities in Katoomba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:

  • 4Hrs at Wolgan Valley Birdwatching Experience: $129
  • Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $98
  • Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
  • Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $248
  • Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $107
  • Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $97
  • Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
  • Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience: $37
  • Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $192
  • Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $32
  • Blue Mountains Private Tour From Sydney, & Featherdale Aussie Animal Park Option: $248
  • Blue Mountains: Private Scenic Tour with Optional Stops: $245

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $8.30
    Katoomba -


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive? and Is Katoomba Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba?

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

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba in the Summer?

Both Katoomba and Chichibu-Tama-Kai during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

Katoomba gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 25°C (78°F) 
    Katoomba 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Katoomba. Many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is around the same temperature as Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 17°C (62°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chichibu-Tama-Kai as well as Katoomba. Many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is generally much colder than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai average around 4°C (39°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets less rain in January than Katoombain July. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 4°C (39°F) 
    Katoomba 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is cooler than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

In April, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 13°C (56°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai Katoomba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 25 mm (1 in) 24°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 177 mm (7 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)