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

Should you visit Koyasan or Perth?

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 Perth. 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 serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Koyasan and Perth: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Koyasan or Perth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Perth. Although Koyasan and Perth are popular destinations, Perth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Perth is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. It is also well known for the Swan Bell Tower.

How is Koyasan different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koyasan
Perth

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Koyasan and Perth.

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).

Perth offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.


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

Koyasan
Perth

Foodies will find both Koyasan and Perth 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.

Perth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Koyasan or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Koyasan
Perth

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

Perth has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

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 Perth Better for Beaches?

Koyasan
Perth

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

Perth offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.


Is Koyasan or Perth Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan
Perth

Koyasan is great for its historic old town. However, Perth does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Perth does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Perth Better for Hiking?

Koyasan
Perth

Koyasan is very good for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Koyasan. 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.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Perth?

Koyasan
Perth

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

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Koyasan or Perth Better for Families?

Koyasan
Perth

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

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

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 Perth Better for Couples?

Koyasan
Perth

Koyasan is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Koyasan or Perth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koyasan
Perth

Koyasan and Perth are nice 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 Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.


Is Koyasan or Perth Better for Students?

Koyasan
Perth

Perth is a good destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

Perth is popular with students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

Is Koyasan or Perth Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koyasan
Perth

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koyasan and Perth.

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 Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Is Koyasan or Perth a more walkable city?

Koyasan
Perth

Koyasan is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Perth or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Perth?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Koyasan or Perth? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koyasan 1-2 
    Perth 2-4

One day in Koyasan or Perth?

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Perth, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Perth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Perth, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Perth has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Perth?

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Perth 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 Perth?

Koyasan is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Perth. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Perth or Koyasan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koyasan is $78, while the average daily cost in Perth is $130. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koyasan and Perth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koyasan $39
    Perth $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koyasan $78
    Perth $150
Compare Hotels in Koyasan and Perth

Looking for a hotel in Koyasan or Perth? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Koyasan


Hotels in Perth


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koyasan Hotel Prices and Perth Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koyasan $33
    Perth $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

Also for Perth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth : $258
  • Departure Private Transfer: Perth City to Perth Airport PER in Business Car: $76
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $59
  • Perth Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Perth city: $67
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $163
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $219
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $33
  • Private Transfer from Perth City Hotels to Fremantle Cruise Port : $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Koyasan or Perth?

Prices for flights to both Perth and Koyasan change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koyasan $19
    Perth $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Perth

For Perth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $69
  • American BBQ Food Tour: $78
  • Half-Day Low and Slow BBQ Food Tour in Perth: $79
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise with Beverages: $111
  • Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise: $112
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $114
  • Pinnacles Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Experience a Small Group Tour: $116
  • Pinnacle Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $140
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koyasan $13
    Perth $14

Tours and Activities in Perth

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Perth.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $3.74
  • City Exploration Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Perth Bell Tower Entry Ticket and Bell Chiming Experience: $12
  • Skip the Line: Perth Video Game Console Museum Ticket: $12
  • Perth Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • The Perth Mint Gold Tour: $16
  • Fabulous Fremantle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Optus Stadium Guided Tour: $18
  • The Optus Stadium Tour: $18
  • The Premium Anzac Bell Tour at the Bell Tower: $21
  • AQWA Aquarium of Western Australia Entry Tickets: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koyasan $4.89
    Perth $7.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Little Creatures Brewery Tours : $17
  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $62
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $62
  • Half Day Swan Valley Wine Tour: $63
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $65
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $69
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $75
  • Small-Group Gin Distillery Tour in Perth: $89
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $91
  • From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $108
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $108
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Winery & Brewery: $129


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



When is the best time to visit Koyasan or Perth?

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

Both Perth and Koyasan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Perth in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koyasan is generally a little warmer than Perthin January. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 27°C (81°F), and Perth fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Perthin January. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 331 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets more rain in July than Perthin January. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Koyasan 27°C (81°F) 
    Perth 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Koyasan or Perth in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Perth. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Perth for the shopping scene during these months.

Koyasan is around the same temperature as Perth in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Perth fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Perth during autumn. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 219 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Perthin April. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Koyasan 19°C (65°F) 
    Perth 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Koyasan or Perth in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Perth. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Perth because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koyasan is much colder than Perth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koyasan in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Perth averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

In the winter, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Perthin July. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 166 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Perth. Koyasan usually gets less rain in January than Perthin July. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Koyasan 6°C (42°F) 
    Perth 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Koyasan or Perth in the Spring?

Both Perth and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Perth this time of year.

In April, Koyasan is generally cooler than Perthin October. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 15°C (59°F), and Perth fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Perth. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Perth during spring. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In April, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Perthin October. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Perth receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Koyasan 15°C (59°F) 
    Perth 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Perth and Koyasan

Koyasan Perth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 102 mm (4 in) 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 208 mm (8.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)