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

Should you visit Ise or Newcastle?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ise and Newcastle 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.

Ise

Ise is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and overlooked city. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant, high energy, and trendy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ise and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Ise or Newcastle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newcastle than Ise, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ise is popular for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting. Newcastle is popular for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also home to the Bathers Way.

How is Ise different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Newcastle and Ise. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ise or Newcastle?

Ise
Newcastle

Newcastle is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Newcastle. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.


Is the Food Better in Ise or Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ise
Newcastle

Both Ise and Newcastle offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ise. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Newcastle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Ise or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Ise
Newcastle

Newcastle is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Newcastle is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Ise or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Ise
Newcastle

Newcastle is well known for the beache. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches at Newcastle attract visitors from all over. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Ise offers a nice beach destination. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.


Is Ise or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Ise
Newcastle

Newcastle is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ise or Newcastle?

Ise
Newcastle

Newcastle is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Newcastle is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Ise or Newcastle Better for Families?

Ise
Newcastle

Both Ise and Newcastle are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ise. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Newcastle offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Ise or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Ise
Newcastle

Both Ise and Newcastle are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Ise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Newcastle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Ise or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ise
Newcastle

Ise and Newcastle are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ise is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Plenty of backpackers visit Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Is Ise or Newcastle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ise
Newcastle

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ise and Newcastle.

You'll find some public transit in Ise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

While Newcastle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.


Is Ise or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Ise
Newcastle

Ise and Newcastle both are good when exploring on foot.

Ise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

Newcastle is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ise Worth Visiting? and Is Newcastle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Ise?

How long in Ise or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Ise or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Newcastle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ise, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle than Ise 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 Newcastle.


  • How many days in Ise or Newcastle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ise 1-3 
    Newcastle 2-4

One day in Ise or Newcastle?

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

With nightlife and food around the trendy destination of Newcastle, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ise or Newcastle?

You'll find museums and food around the overlooked destination of Ise. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Newcastle for a weekend. With food and shopping around the coastal city of Newcastle, there's plenty to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Ise or Newcastle?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Ise. 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.

The destination of Newcastle offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Ise or Newcastle?

Ise 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.

Newcastle, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Newcastle or Ise?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ise is $89, while the average daily cost in Newcastle is $91. 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 Ise and Newcastle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ise $42
    Newcastle $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ise $84
    Newcastle $88
Compare Hotels in Ise and Newcastle

Looking for a hotel in Ise or Newcastle? 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 Ise


Hotels in Newcastle


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: Ise Hotel Prices and Newcastle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ise $43
    Newcastle $8.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Bimbadgen Lunch Tour with Helicopter Transfers: $751
  • Tandem Beach Skydive with Optional Transfers: $248
  • Private Transfer - Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney Airport (SYD): $88
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney City Hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle city hotels: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Ise or Newcastle?

Prices for flights to both Newcastle and Ise 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
    Ise $24
    Newcastle $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ise $5.83
    Newcastle $15

Tours and Activities in Ise

Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29
  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $39
  • Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88

Tours and Activities in Newcastle

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

  • Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience in Hunter Valley: $9.91
  • Skip the Line: Handmade Cheese, Fruit Paste & Gourmet Bread & Wafers Lunch: $17
  • True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Newcastle Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $23
  • Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise: $27
  • Family Pass: Fighter World Museum Admission Ticket: $30
  • Architecture, Street Art & Hidden Secrets Walking Tour of Newcastle: $33
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $37
  • Newscastle: Australian Tree Ropes Course Adventure: $42
  • Lake Macquarie Cruise with Lunch: $46
  • Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise: $49
  • Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ise $4.52
    Newcastle $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Broke: $5.32
  • Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $6.60
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting Masterclass: $9.91
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $20
  • 30-Minute Distillery Guided Tour in Carrington : $23
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $26
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $33
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $33
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50
  • Snapshot Half Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $72
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate: $102


When comparing the travel costs between Ise and Newcastle, we can see that Newcastle 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 Ise is in Asia and Newcastle 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 Ise Expensive? and Is Newcastle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ise or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Ise and Newcastle, 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 Ise or Newcastle?

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

Should I visit Ise or Newcastle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Newcastle. Many travelers come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Newcastle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ise is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ise in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Newcastle averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. Ise usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during summer. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Newcastle receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ise usually receives more rain than Newcastlein January. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Ise 26°C (79°F) 
    Newcastle 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Ise or Newcastle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ise as well as Newcastle. Many visitors come to Ise in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Ise is generally cooler than Newcastlein April. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 17°C (63°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Ise often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein April. Ise gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Ise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ise usually gets more rain in October than Newcastlein April. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Ise 17°C (63°F) 
    Newcastle 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Ise or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ise can be very cold during winter. Ise is much colder than Newcastle in the winter. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Newcastle. Ise usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during winter. Ise gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ise usually receives less rain than Newcastlein July. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Ise 5°C (40°F) 
    Newcastle 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Ise or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle and Ise during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In the spring, Ise is cooler than Newcastle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ise in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Newcastle averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Ise often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein October. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. Ise usually gets more rain in April than Newcastlein October. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Ise 13°C (56°F) 
    Newcastle 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Ise

Ise Newcastle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)


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