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

Should you visit Kanazawa or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a cultural, well-preserved, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Melbourne travel costs.

Kanazawa and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Melbourne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne than Kanazawa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Melbourne is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Kanazawa attracts visitors for its historical sights. Kanazawa is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Kanazawa different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Kanazawa or Melbourne.

Many visitors head to Kanazawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Melbourne can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

Both Kanazawa and Melbourne 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 Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Kanazawa or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Melbourne for the nightlife scene. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is great for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kanazawa. 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Melbourne?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kanazawa and Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Kanazawa or Melbourne Better for Families?

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

Melbourne is a very family-friendly destination. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Both Kanazawa and Melbourne are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Kanazawa is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Kanazawa or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kanazawa and Melbourne are nice places to visit.

Kanazawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

It's common for backpackers to visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Kanazawa or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Kanazawa is a good city to visit for students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

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

Melbourne is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Melbourne is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Kanazawa has a few 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.

Is Kanazawa or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Kanazawa and Melbourne are great when it comes to 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Melbourne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanazawa or Melbourne?

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

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Kanazawa. 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.

Melbourne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Kanazawa. 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.

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Kanazawa 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.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Melbourne. Most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kanazawa is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanazawa in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Melbourne. The autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In October, Kanazawa is generally around the same temperature as Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 17°C (62°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Melbournein April. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. Kanazawa is much colder than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.

Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Melbournein July. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Kanazawa during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kanazawa is cooler than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanazawa in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Melbournein October. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Kanazawa