A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Kobe vs. Shiretoko National Park for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Kobe or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park. 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Kobe and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Kobe or Shiretoko National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kobe. Although Kobe and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations, Kobe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kobe is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kobe is famous for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts. It is also well known for Kobe Harborland. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Kobe different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

Kobe is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Kobe or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

Kobe is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

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

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Kobe or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

Kobe is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kobe. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kobe or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is an amazing remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Shiretoko National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kobe or Shiretoko National Park?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

Kobe is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Kobe. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kobe or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

Both Kobe and Shiretoko National Park are nice family-friendly destinations.

Kobe offers lots of family activities. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Kobe or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

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

Shiretoko National Park is a great remote,natural,scenic,pristine if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

Kobe is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Kobe has a few public transit options. 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Kobe or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Kobe
Shiretoko National Park

Kobe and Shiretoko National Park are nice 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.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.


For even more information, also check out Is Kobe Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Kobe?

How long in Kobe or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Kobe or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kobe, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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


  • How many days in Kobe or Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kobe 1-2 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Kobe or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the multicultural city of Kobe. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Kobe is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Shiretoko National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kobe or Shiretoko National Park?

Kobe is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find around the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kobe. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park offers . 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, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Kobe?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kobe is $103, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kobe $60
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kobe $120
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Kobe and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Kobe or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park


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 Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kobe $13
    Shiretoko National Park $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port: $48
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport: $48
  • Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $54
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $64
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $85
  • Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $94
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $110
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $131
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $131
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $162
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $162

Is it cheaper to fly into Kobe or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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 $30
    Shiretoko National Park $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

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

  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $234
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $278
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $304

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kobe $23
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Kobe

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

  • Kobe Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Admission Ticket: $17
  • Mt Rokko night view & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour: $58
  • Kobe : Private Custom Tour (Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible): $67
  • Private Tour - Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible: $69
  • Private tour - Experience Kobe's Best Gems with a local host: $78
  • KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $85
  • Sake Tour and Tasting in Kobe: $86
  • Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $93
  • Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $93
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour: $94
  • KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97
  • Private Tour Guide Kobe with a Local: Kickstart your Trip, Personalized: $101

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kobe $8.56
    Shiretoko National Park $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

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

  • 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $85
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
  • Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $136
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $179


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

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



When is the best time to visit Kobe or Shiretoko National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kobe or Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Kobe during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kobe in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kobe is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Kobe averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Kobe often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park. Kobe gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. Kobe usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Kobe gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kobe 27°C (80°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kobe or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kobe and Shiretoko National Park. Most visitors come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kobe is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kobe in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Kobe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Kobe gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 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 Shiretoko National Park. Kobe gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kobe 18°C (65°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kobe or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kobe as well as Shiretoko National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Kobe because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the winter. In January, Kobe is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Kobe average around 5°C (42°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In the winter, Kobe often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Kobe gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Kobe usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Kobe gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kobe 5°C (42°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Kobe or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Kobe are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kobe this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. Kobe is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Kobe averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Kobe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during spring. Kobe gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. In April, Kobe usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Kobe gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kobe 15°C (58°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Kobe

Kobe Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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