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

Should you visit Koyasan or Nelson?

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 Nelson. 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 gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums. See Koyasan travel costs.

Nelson

Nelson is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and natural city. The beauty of Nelson is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Nelson travel costs.

Koyasan and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Nelson?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nelson. Although Koyasan and Nelson are popular destinations, Nelson has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nelson is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and small town charm. Koyasan is famous for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Nelson is famous for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. It is also well known for Abel Tasman National Park.

How is Koyasan different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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).

Nelson offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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

Nelson 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 Nelson. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

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 Nelson Better for Nightlife?

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

Nelson has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

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 Nelson Better for Beaches?

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

Nelson offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Nelson Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Nelson does not have a historic old town.

Koyasan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Nelson does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Nelson Better for Hiking?

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

Nelson is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

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 Nelson?

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

Nelson offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Nelson More Beautiful?

Nelson is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Nelson is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wonderful outdoor environments.

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

Is Koyasan or Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson 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, Nelson is very family-friendly. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

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 Nelson Better for Couples?

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

Nelson is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

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 Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nelson 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 Nelson. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

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 Nelson Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koyasan is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Nelson is not a good city 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 Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Koyasan or Nelson a more walkable city?

Koyasan and Nelson both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Nelson is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Nelson?

In either Koyasan or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson 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 Nelson.

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

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

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

One day in Koyasan or Nelson?

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 Nelson, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Nelson?

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 Nelson, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Nelson?

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.

Nelson is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nelson has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Nelson?

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 Nelson. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nelson. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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