A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koyasan vs. Cairns for Hiking, Families, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Koyasan or Cairns?

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 Cairns. 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 traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Koyasan travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and tropical city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Cairns travel costs.

Koyasan and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Cairns?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cairns. Although Koyasan and Cairns are both popular with visitors, Cairns has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cairns is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Koyasan is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Koyasan and is popular for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Koyasan different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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).

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

Is the Food Better in Koyasan or Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cairns is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cairns. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

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.

Is Koyasan or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

People head to Cairns just to party. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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

Is Koyasan or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a great destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cairns to choose from. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Is Koyasan or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cairns. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koyasan or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Cairns offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Cairns Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Cairns Better for Hiking?

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

Cairns is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

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 the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Cairns?

Cairns is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cairns is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Cairns More Beautiful?

Koyasan is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cairns is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Cairns is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koyasan or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cairns is very family-friendly. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Koyasan or Cairns Better for Couples?

Koyasan and Cairns both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Koyasan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Cairns is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Is Koyasan or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Cairns. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koyasan and Cairns.

You'll find some public transit in Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

While Cairns offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Koyasan or Cairns a more walkable city?

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Cairns?

In either Koyasan or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Koyasan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Koyasan, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns than Koyasan 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 Cairns.

One day in Koyasan or Cairns?

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Cairns, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city 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 Cairns?

Koyasan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cairns, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koyasan or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cairns has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Cairns?

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Cairns. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koyasan and Cairns, we can see that Cairns 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 Cairns 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 Cairns would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cairns 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 Cairns Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koyasan or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Koyasan or Cairns in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Cairns. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koyasan is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koyasan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cairns averages at about 29°C (84°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koyasan usually gets less rain in July than Cairnsin January. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koyasan or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cairns in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Koyasan is generally cooler than Cairnsin April. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 19°C (65°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In October, Koyasan usually receives less rain than Cairnsin April. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Cairns is April to October.

Should I visit Koyasan or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns and Koyasan during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Koyasan is much colder than Cairns in the winter. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

Koyasan usually gets more rain in January than Cairnsin July. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Cairns. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches.

In the spring, Koyasan is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koyasan in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Cairnsin October. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. April to October in Cairns is the dry season. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Koyasan