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

Should you visit Koyasan or Singapore?

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 Singapore. 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking. See Koyasan travel costs.

Singapore

Singapore is a diverse, colorful, and glitzy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Singapore travel costs.

Koyasan and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koyasan or Singapore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Singapore. Although Koyasan and Singapore are both popular with visitors, Singapore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Singapore is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan is known for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Koyasan is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Singapore is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also home to Merlion Park Waterfront.

How is Koyasan different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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).

Singapore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

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

Singapore is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Singapore, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

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 Singapore Better for Nightlife?

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

Singapore has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

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 Singapore Better for Music?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Koyasan is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Singapore As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Koyasan is not a live music destination.

Is Koyasan or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Singapore for its luxury resorts. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Is Koyasan or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is not so good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Singapore isn't the best spot for snorkeling. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koyasan or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Singapore is a good destination for the beach. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Singapore offers a nice beach destination. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Singapore Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Singapore 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.

Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Singapore Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

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.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Singapore?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Singapore make it a world-class shopping destination. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Singapore More Beautiful?

Singapore 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 Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

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

Is Koyasan or Singapore Better for Families?

Singapore 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, Singapore is very family-friendly. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

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 Singapore Better for Couples?

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

Singapore is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

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 Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore 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 Singapore. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

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 Singapore Better for Students?

Singapore is a world-class destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

Singapore is a very popular place to visit for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

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

Singapore is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Singapore can get you around easily. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

While Koyasan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Koyasan or Singapore a more walkable city?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Singapore on foot is easy. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Koyasan?

How long in Koyasan or Singapore?

Both Koyasan and Singapore have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Koyasan. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Koyasan, and 2-7 days is enough time in Singapore.

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

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

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

One day in Koyasan or Singapore?

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.

Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Singapore?

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.

Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Singapore?

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.

Singapore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Singapore?

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 Singapore. Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koyasan and Singapore, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Singapore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Singapore 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 Singapore Expensive?.