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

Should you visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Taupo?

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 Taupo 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 beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Taupo: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Taupo. Although Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Taupo are popular destinations, Taupo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Taupo is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai attracts visitors for its museums & sights and impressive beauty. Taupo is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also well known for the Craters of the Moon reserve. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is famous for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Chichibu-Tama-Kai different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is a must-visit destination for skiing. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Taupo. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a skiing destination.

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

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Taupo is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

People don't go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the nightlife. Soaking up the natural beauty is what brings people here, not the nightlife.

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

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Taupo are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

Many visitors go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails. 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.

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

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

Taupo 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 Taupo. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

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

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

Taupo 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.

Taupo is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its romantic activities.

Taupo is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Taupo is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Taupo 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 Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a 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 Taupo a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable national park. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

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

How long in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Taupo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Taupo?

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, many people enjoy the that this natural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With food and shopping around the destination of Taupo, there's plenty to do. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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.

With shopping and skiing around the stunning town of Taupo, there's plenty to do. 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 Taupo?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the stunning destination of Taupo. 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 Taupo?

You'll find around the natural destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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.

Taupo 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 skiing. 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Taupo, we can see that Taupo 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 Taupo 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 Taupo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive?.