A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanazawa vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Families, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Kanazawa or Cairns?

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 Cairns 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a adventure-filled, tropical, and idyllic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cairns travel costs.

Kanazawa and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Cairns?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cairns than Kanazawa. While Kanazawa is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cairns is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Kanazawa is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Cairns is more touristy than Kanazawa and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. Also, Cairns is famous for the Great Barrier Reef. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Kanazawa different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Kanazawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Both Kanazawa and Cairns offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cairns. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Kanazawa or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Cairns is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Kanazawa or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cairns. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Kanazawa or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cairns is not to be missed. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanazawa or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Cairns is a very popular vacation destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Cairns Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cairns 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.

Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Cairns Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Cairns specifically for its hiking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Cairns?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kanazawa and Cairns both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Cairns is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Kanazawa or Cairns Better for Families?

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

Cairns is one of the most popular family destinations. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Cairns Better for Couples?

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

Cairns is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Cairns. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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 Cairns Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairns is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Cairns is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa and Cairns both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Cairns has a few public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Kanazawa or Cairns a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options 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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Cairns?

In either Kanazawa or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Kanazawa because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Kanazawa or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kanazawa. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Cairns offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Cairns?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cairns is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cairns, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kanazawa or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the well-preserved destination of Kanazawa. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns 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 city 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Cairns, 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 Cairns 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 Cairns Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Cairns?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Cairns, 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 Kanazawa or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Kanazawa or Cairns in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Cairns. Most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kanazawa is generally cooler than Cairnsin January. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 26°C (78°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kanazawa usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Cairns. The autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Kanazawa is much colder than Cairns in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanazawa usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. In the winter, Kanazawa is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanazawa in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cairns averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns and Kanazawa during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairns in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Kanazawa is generally much colder than Cairnsin October. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 12°C (54°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Kanazawa