A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kobe vs. Katoomba for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kobe or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. 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 multicultural, quaint, and subdued city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kobe travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a breathtaking , stunning, and peaceful town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Katoomba because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Katoomba travel costs.

Kobe and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Kobe or Katoomba?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kobe than Katoomba, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kobe is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Katoomba is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Kobe is well known for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. Also, Kobe is famous for Kobe Harborland.

How is Kobe different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kobe
Katoomba

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Katoomba and Kobe.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kobe. 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.

Katoomba is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.


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

Kobe
Katoomba

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kobe makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Kobe or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Kobe
Katoomba

The vibe at night is notable in both Kobe and Katoomba.

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 Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Kobe or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Kobe
Katoomba

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Katoomba is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kobe or Katoomba?

Kobe
Katoomba

Kobe is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Kobe is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Kobe or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Kobe
Katoomba

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Katoomba because of it's amazing beauty. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kobe or Katoomba Better for Families?

Kobe
Katoomba

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Katoomba is very family-friendly. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Kobe
Katoomba

Katoomba is great for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Katoomba is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Kobe or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kobe
Katoomba

Katoomba is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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.

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

Kobe
Katoomba

Kobe and Katoomba both offer notable 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.

Katoomba has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.


Is Kobe or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Kobe
Katoomba

Kobe and Katoomba are notable 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.

Katoomba is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Kobe?

How long in Kobe or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Kobe or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kobe, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Kobe or Katoomba? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kobe 1-2 
    Katoomba 2-4

One day in Kobe or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kobe or Katoomba?

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.

Because Katoomba is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Katoomba 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 Katoomba is $148. 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 Katoomba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kobe $63
    Katoomba $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kobe $126
    Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Kobe and Katoomba

Looking for a hotel in Kobe or Katoomba? 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 Katoomba


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 Katoomba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kobe $14
    Katoomba $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Private Transfer Kobe Airport UKB to Osaka and Kobe City: $58
  • Kobe hotels to Kobe Airport (UKB) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $71
  • Kobe to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $91
  • Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
  • Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Itami Airport: $115
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144

Is it cheaper to fly into Kobe or Katoomba?

Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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
    Katoomba $30

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kobe $24
    Katoomba $54

Tours and Activities in Kobe

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

  • ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
  • Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
  • ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
  • Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
  • Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
  • Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
  • Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
  • Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
  • Kobe City Highlights Guided Tour - Shrine, Port, Tower: $47

Tours and Activities in Katoomba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:

  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
  • Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
  • Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
  • Beauty of the Blue Mountains Private Tour: $853
  • Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $251
  • Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
  • Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $99
  • Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour With Bushwalks, Waterfalls & Featherdale: $126
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
  • Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $221
  • Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kobe $8.87
    Katoomba -

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


When comparing the travel costs between Kobe and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Kobe is in Asia and Katoomba 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 Kobe Expensive? and Is Katoomba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kobe or Katoomba?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Kobe and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

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

Both Katoomba and Kobe during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

In the summer, Kobe is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kobe in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Katoomba averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kobe often gets less sunshine than Katoombain January. Kobe gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

Katoomba gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. Kobe usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Kobe gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Kobe 27°C (80°F) 
    Katoomba 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Kobe or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kobe and Katoomba. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kobe is generally around the same temperature as Katoombain April. Daily temperatures in Kobe average around 18°C (65°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Kobe usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during autumn. Kobe gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kobe usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Kobe gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Kobe 18°C (65°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Kobe or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kobe as well as Katoomba. Many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Katoomba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kobe is much colder than Katoomba in the winter. The daily temperature in Kobe averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the winter, Kobe often gets less sunshine than Katoombain July. Kobe gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Kobe usually gets more rain in January than Katoombain July. Kobe gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Kobe 5°C (42°F) 
    Katoomba 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kobe or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Kobe are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kobe is cooler than Katoomba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kobe in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Kobe usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during spring. Kobe gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. In April, Kobe usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Kobe gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Kobe 15°C (58°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Kobe

Kobe Katoomba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)