A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanazawa vs. Alice Springs for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Alice Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a outdoorsy, charming, and friendly town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Alice Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alice Springs travel costs.

Kanazawa and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kanazawa than Alice Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kanazawa is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Alice Springs is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Also, Kanazawa is famous for Kenroku-en Garden. Alice Springs is well known for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Kanazawa different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

Kanazawa is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kanazawa. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Is the Food Better in Kanazawa or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kanazawa is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kanazawa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Kanazawa and Alice Springs.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Alice Springs does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Alice Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is very popular for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

Kanazawa is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs More Beautiful?

Alice Springs is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Alice Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful landscapes and dramatic views.

Kanazawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Alice Springs is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Alice Springs is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Alice Springs is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Alice Springs is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alice Springs is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Alice Springs is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Alice Springs is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Alice Springs is not popular with students.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

While Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Kanazawa or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Kanazawa is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanazawa than Alice Springs 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 Kanazawa.

One day in Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Kanazawa. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Alice Springs is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Alice Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Kanazawa. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Alice Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

A week in Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Kanazawa. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Alice Springs, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa is in Asia and Alice Springs 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 Kanazawa Expensive? and Is Alice Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Alice Springs?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Alice Springs, 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.