A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Brisbane for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kyoto or Brisbane?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Brisbane can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come to Kyoto because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kyoto travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal 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. See Brisbane travel costs.

Kyoto and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Brisbane?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Brisbane than Kyoto. While Kyoto is larger than Brisbane, Brisbane has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brisbane is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Kyoto is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Kyoto is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.

How is Kyoto different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Brisbane and Kyoto. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kyoto or Brisbane?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kyoto has many famous sights for visitors. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Is the Food Better in Kyoto or Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kyoto is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Brisbane know how to have a good time. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is a great destination for the beach. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Brisbane attract visitors from all over. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Brisbane?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Brisbane and Kyoto.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane More Beautiful?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Kyoto because of it's amazing beauty. It's one of the most historical cities in Japan and it has many beautiful Buddhist temples, gardens, and imperial palaces. It's particularly striking during the cherry blossom season.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Brisbane are superb to visit with kids.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Kyoto has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto and Brisbane are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for Students?

Kyoto and Brisbane are superb places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Many students visit Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kyoto is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

The public transit in Kyoto can get you to most places easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Kyoto or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Kyoto is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Brisbane?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Brisbane. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Brisbane. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto than Brisbane 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 Kyoto.

One day in Kyoto or Brisbane?

The beautiful city of Kyoto offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Brisbane, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kyoto or Brisbane?

Kyoto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kyoto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Five days in Kyoto or Brisbane?

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Brisbane. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Brisbane?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia and Brisbane 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 Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane than you might in Kyoto.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Brisbane?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Brisbane, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto or Brisbane?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Kyoto has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Kyoto or Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kyoto is around the same temperature as Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein January. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Brisbanein January. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Brisbane. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Kyoto is generally cooler than Brisbanein April. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brisbanein April. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Brisbane. The winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. Kyoto is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein July. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Brisbanein July. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kyoto is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Brisbanein October. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Kyoto