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

Should you visit Kanazawa or Tauranga?

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

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a coastal, laid back, and relaxing town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kanazawa and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Tauranga?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Tauranga than Kanazawa. While Kanazawa is larger than Tauranga, Tauranga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tauranga is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Tauranga is well known for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. Also, Tauranga is famous for Mount Maunganui.

How is Kanazawa different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Tauranga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

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

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Kanazawa is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Kanazawa or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Kanazawa and Tauranga.

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 Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Is Kanazawa or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

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

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Tauranga Better for its Old Town?

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

Kanazawa offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Tauranga does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Tauranga is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tauranga for the hiking trails. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Tauranga?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Tauranga. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Is Kanazawa or Tauranga Better for Families?

Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

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

Tauranga is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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 Tauranga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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 Tauranga Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a popular place for students. However, Tauranga is not popular with students.

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.

Tauranga is not popular with students.

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

Kanazawa and Tauranga 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.

Tauranga has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

Is Kanazawa or Tauranga a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Tauranga is somewhat walkable. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Tauranga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kanazawa and Tauranga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tauranga than in Kanazawa. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Tauranga.

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

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

One day in Kanazawa or Tauranga?

The city of Kanazawa offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful town of Tauranga offers 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 Tauranga?

Kanazawa 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanazawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Tauranga 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tauranga, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Tauranga?

Kanazawa is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Tauranga is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Tauranga?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. 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.

Tauranga 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 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 New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Tauranga?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tauranga. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Tauranga, 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.