A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kobe vs. Canberra for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kobe or Canberra?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kobe and Canberra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kobe

Kobe is a quaint, subdued, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Kobe travel costs.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Canberra travel costs.

Kobe and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Kobe or Canberra?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Canberra than Kobe. While Kobe is larger than Canberra, Canberra has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Canberra is more popular for its museums and attractions and hiking, while Kobe is known for its shopping. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also home to the Australian War Memorial.

How is Kobe different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kobe or Canberra?

Kobe
Canberra

Canberra is great for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.


Is the Food Better in Kobe or Canberra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe
Canberra

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kobe and Canberra can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Kobe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Canberra makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Kobe or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Kobe
Canberra

The vibe at night is good in both Kobe and Canberra.

If you're looking for night time activities Kobe has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Kobe or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Kobe
Canberra

Canberra is a good destination for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kobe or Canberra?

Kobe
Canberra

Kobe is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Kobe is well-known for its shopping. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Kobe or Canberra Better for Families?

Kobe
Canberra

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Canberra. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Kobe or Canberra Better for Couples?

Kobe
Canberra

Kobe and Canberra both good destinations for a couple.

Kobe is a good city for couples to visit. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Canberra is a nice destination for couples. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.


Is Kobe or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kobe
Canberra

Kobe is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Kobe or Canberra Better for Students?

Kobe
Canberra

Canberra is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kobe is not popular with students.

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Kobe is not popular with students.

Is Kobe or Canberra Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kobe
Canberra

Kobe and Canberra both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Kobe offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Canberra has a few public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.


Is Kobe or Canberra a more walkable city?

Kobe
Canberra

Kobe and Canberra are good when it comes to walkability.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable city. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

Canberra is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

For even more information, also check out Is Kobe Worth Visiting? and Is Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Kobe?

How long in Kobe or Canberra?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kobe than Canberra 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 Kobe.


  • How many days in Kobe or Canberra? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kobe 1-2 
    Canberra 2-3

One day in Kobe or Canberra?

The city of Kobe 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Canberra. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kobe or Canberra?

Kobe 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 Kobe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Canberra is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Kobe or Canberra?

Kobe 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Canberra. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kobe or Canberra?

Kobe 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.

The cultural city of Canberra offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Kobe?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kobe is $130, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kobe and Canberra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kobe $63
    Canberra $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kobe $126
    Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Kobe and Canberra

Looking for a hotel in Kobe or Canberra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kobe


Hotels in Canberra


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kobe Hotel Prices and Canberra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kobe $14
    Canberra $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $176
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $91
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer Kobe Airport UKB to Osaka and Kobe City: $58
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $155
  • Kobe to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Kobe hotels to Kobe Airport (UKB) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Kansai Airport: $176
  • Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Itami Airport: $115
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
  • Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Kobe or Canberra?

Prices for flights to both Canberra and Kobe change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kobe $54
    Canberra $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
  • Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
  • Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
  • Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
  • Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $223
  • Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487

Typical Food Prices in Canberra

For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kobe $24
    Canberra $17

Tours and Activities in Kobe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.

  • Kobe to Setouchi Triennale Art Festival Day Tour : $264
  • 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $178
  • 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $143
  • 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $177
  • Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
  • Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Cruise Shore Excursion: Kobe Sake Tasting with Local Guide: $108
  • Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $159
  • KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included): $103
  • KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included): $108
  • KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $88
  • KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97

Tours and Activities in Canberra

For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • Canberra Floriade Tour: $127
  • Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
  • Canberra One Day Tour: $244
  • Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $151
  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
  • City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $125
  • Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour: $89
  • National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
  • Private Wine Discovery Tour with Lunch: $397

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kobe $8.87
    Canberra $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
  • KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186

Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.16

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
  • Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
  • 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $161
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
  • 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kobe or Canberra?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Kobe and Canberra, 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 Kobe or Canberra?

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

Should I visit Kobe or Canberra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kobe and Canberra. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kobe is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Kobe average around 27°C (80°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kobe usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Kobe gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Kobe 27°C (80°F) 
    Canberra 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Kobe or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kobe as well as Canberra. Many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Kobe is around the same temperature as Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kobe averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kobe usually gets less rain in October than Canberrain April. Kobe gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Kobe 18°C (65°F) 
    Canberra 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Kobe or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Kobe are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Kobe is much colder than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kobe in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

In January, Kobe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Canberrain July. Kobe gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Kobe 5°C (42°F) 
    Canberra 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Kobe or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Kobe during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

In April, Kobe is generally around the same temperature as Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Kobe average around 15°C (58°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. Kobe usually gets more rain in April than Canberrain October. Kobe gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Kobe 15°C (58°F) 
    Canberra 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Canberra and Kobe

Kobe Canberra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in) 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)


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