A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koyasan vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koyasan or Mount Aspiring 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 Koyasan and Mount Aspiring 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a spiritual, traditional, and peaceful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food. See Koyasan travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a undeveloped, remote, and rugged national park. The famous beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Koyasan and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koyasan than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koyasan is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Also, Koyasan is famous for Kongobu-ji Head Temple. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Koyasan different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Koyasan can be an interesting and educational experience. 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).

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koyasan is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its old town. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have a historic old town.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Mount Aspiring National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park is one of the main draws. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

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

Is Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

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

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Koyasan and Mount Aspiring National Park both great 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Is Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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

Koyasan is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Koyasan has a few public transit options. 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 mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable town. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Couples should spend more time in Koyasan than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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.

One day in Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer.

In Mount Aspiring National Park, 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 Mount Aspiring National Park has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mount Aspiring National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Koyasan is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It offers something for everyone. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Aspiring National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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