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

Should you visit Koyasan 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 Koyasan 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a spiritual, traditional, and peaceful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a relaxing, breathtaking , and stunning town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Koyasan and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Katoomba. Although Koyasan and Katoomba are popular destinations, Katoomba has more sights and attractions for tourists. Katoomba is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Koyasan is famous for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Katoomba is famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. It is also well known for Scenic World.

How is Koyasan different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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).

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Koyasan or Katoomba? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Koyasan and Katoomba both to be nice 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.

Katoomba is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Koyasan or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

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

Katoomba has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

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 Katoomba Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Katoomba 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.

Katoomba does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

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

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.

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 Katoomba?

Katoomba is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Katoomba offers some nice shopping areas. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba 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, 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.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Koyasan and Katoomba both excellent 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.

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.

Is Koyasan or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Katoomba is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

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 Katoomba offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Koyasan or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Koyasan 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 Koyasan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

Families should spend more time in Katoomba than Koyasan. 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.

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

One day in Koyasan or Katoomba?

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Katoomba, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town 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 Katoomba?

Koyasan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koyasan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Katoomba, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Katoomba has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Katoomba?

Koyasan 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 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 Katoomba?

Koyasan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Katoomba. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Katoomba. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

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

When is the best time to visit Koyasan 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 Koyasan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Koyasan or Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Katoomba. The summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

In July, Koyasan is generally a little warmer than Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 27°C (81°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Katoomba receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koyasan or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Katoomba. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Koyasan is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

In the autumn, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Katoombain April. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koyasan usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koyasan is much colder than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koyasan in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koyasan or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Koyasan during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Koyasan is generally cooler than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 15°C (59°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Koyasan