A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koyasan vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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 Koyasan and Aoraki Mount Cook. 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Koyasan travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a scenic, dramatic, and breathtaking mountain. The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Koyasan and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koyasan. Although Koyasan and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Koyasan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koyasan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. It is also home to Kongobu-ji Head Temple. Aoraki Mount Cook is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

How is Koyasan different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Koyasan is great for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Koyasan. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koyasan is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koyasan. This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Aoraki Mount Cook There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is great for its historic old town charm. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Aoraki Mount Cook is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the main draws. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Is Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Both Koyasan and Aoraki Mount Cook are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koyasan. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Aoraki Mount Cook is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

Koyasan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Is Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koyasan and Aoraki Mount Cook are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aoraki Mount Cook. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koyasan is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Koyasan is great for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

Koyasan is a very walkable destination. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koyasan than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Koyasan.

One day in Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This mountain offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aoraki Mount Cook has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Koyasan is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. Many people enjoy the when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

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