A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanazawa vs. Coffs Harbour for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour?

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 Coffs Harbour can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a relaxing, fun, and nature-filled vacation town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kanazawa and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour than Kanazawa. While Kanazawa is larger than Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is known for its museums and historical sights. Kanazawa is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Coffs Harbour is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also home to the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

How is Kanazawa different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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

Both Kanazawa and Coffs Harbour offer superb 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 Coffs Harbour. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Is Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is great for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Coffs Harbour for the nightlife scene. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Coffs Harbour. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Coffs Harbour is a very popular vacation destination. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Coffs Harbour does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Coffs Harbour does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kanazawa and Coffs Harbour both offer plenty of superb 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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Is Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour is one of the most popular family destinations. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

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

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Coffs Harbour is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for 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 Coffs Harbour Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

Is Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour 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, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Kanazawa has some public transit options. 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 Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable city. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour?

Both Kanazawa and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Kanazawa. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour.

One day in Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

The vacation town of Coffs Harbour offers museums and nightlife. 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 Coffs Harbour?

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.

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour?

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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

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.

Coffs Harbour is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Coffs Harbour has to offer. This vacation 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kanazawa Expensive? and Is Coffs Harbour Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Coffs Harbour. Many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kanazawa is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during summer. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun in the summer.

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin January. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Coffs Harbour. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Kanazawa is cooler than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanazawa in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In the autumn, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbourin April. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanazawa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Coffs Harbourin April. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

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

Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. In January, Kanazawa is generally much colder than Coffs Harbourin July. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 3°C (38°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during winter. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin July. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour and Kanazawa during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

Kanazawa is much colder than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbourin October. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Coffs Harbourin October. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Kanazawa