A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanazawa vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kanazawa or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include skiing and hiking.

Kanazawa and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kanazawa than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kanazawa is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kanazawa is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Also, Kanazawa is famous for Kenroku-en Garden. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Kanazawa different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kanazawa or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanazawa or Milford Sound?

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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).

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Kanazawa or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kanazawa or Milford Sound Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Milford Sound?

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kanazawa or Milford Sound Better for Families?

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

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly destination. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Milford Sound is a great fiord if you're traveling as a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kanazawa and Milford Sound are notable 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 Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Kanazawa or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Kanazawa or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Milford Sound?

Kanazawa and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kanazawa than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the well-preserved 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 beautiful fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. 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 Milford Sound?

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.

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

Five days in Kanazawa or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the well-preserved 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.

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

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.

Milford Sound 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 fiord 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 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Milford Sound?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 1060 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Milford Sound, 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.