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

Should you visit Koyasan or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin. 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 peaceful, serene, and spiritual town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a small, hilly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koyasan and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Dunedin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dunedin. Although Koyasan and Dunedin are both popular with visitors, Dunedin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dunedin is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Koyasan is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Dunedin and is known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Dunedin is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. It is also home to .

How is Koyasan different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Koyasan and Dunedin.

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).

Dunedin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Koyasan and Dunedin both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koyasan. 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.

Dunedin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Koyasan or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Dunedin know how to have a good time. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

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 Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin is a good destination for the beache. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Dunedin offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Dunedin Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Dunedin 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.

Dunedin does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koyasan and Dunedin, and they are good.

Koyasan offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Dunedin is a good destination for hiking. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Dunedin?

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

Dunedin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Dunedin Better for Families?

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

Dunedin is a very kid-friendly city. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

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 Dunedin Better for Couples?

Koyasan is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Koyasan or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dunedin is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dunedin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

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 Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a great destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

Many students visit Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

Is Koyasan or Dunedin 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 Dunedin.

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 Dunedin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Koyasan or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Koyasan and Dunedin both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Dunedin is a very walkable destination. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Dunedin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin 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 Dunedin.

One day in Koyasan or Dunedin?

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Dunedin, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Koyasan or Dunedin?

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer.

In Dunedin, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dunedin has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Dunedin?

Koyasan is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Dunedin is a great place to explore. 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 Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Dunedin. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dunedin. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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