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

Should you visit Koyasan or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle. 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant, high energy, and trendy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koyasan and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Newcastle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newcastle. Although Koyasan and Newcastle are both popular with visitors, Newcastle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Newcastle is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Koyasan is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Newcastle and is known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Newcastle is popular for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also home to the Bathers Way.

How is Koyasan different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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).

Newcastle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

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 Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Newcastle know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Newcastle is a great destination for the beache. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Newcastle for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Newcastle Better for its Old Town?

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

Newcastle does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koyasan and Newcastle, 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.

Newcastle is a good destination for hiking. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Newcastle?

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

Newcastle is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Newcastle Better for Families?

Both Koyasan and Newcastle are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koyasan. 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.

Newcastle offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Koyasan or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Koyasan is a well-known place for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Koyasan is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Koyasan or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koyasan and Newcastle are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Is Koyasan or Newcastle 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 Newcastle.

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 Newcastle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Koyasan or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Koyasan or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Newcastle 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 Newcastle.

Couples should spend more time in Koyasan than Newcastle. 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle.

One day in Koyasan or Newcastle?

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Koyasan or Newcastle?

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Newcastle is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Newcastle?

Koyasan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koyasan and Newcastle, we can see that Newcastle is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Koyasan is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koyasan Expensive? and Is Newcastle Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koyasan or Newcastle?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Newcastle. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newcastle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Koyasan is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koyasan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Newcastle averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during summer. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Newcastle 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 Newcastlein January. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koyasan or Newcastle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Newcastle. 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 Newcastle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Koyasan is generally around the same temperature as Newcastlein April. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 19°C (65°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein April. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koyasan usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Newcastlein April. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koyasan or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Koyasan is much colder than Newcastle in the winter. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Newcastle. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during winter. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koyasan usually receives less rain than Newcastlein July. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koyasan or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle and Koyasan during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Koyasan is cooler than Newcastle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koyasan in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Newcastle averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein October. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets more rain in April than Newcastlein October. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Koyasan