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

Should you visit Kyoto or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historical town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Kyoto and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Cromwell?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kyoto than Cromwell, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kyoto is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cromwell is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Kyoto is more touristy than Cromwell and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. Cromwell is well known for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Kyoto different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kyoto or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a town with good options for winter skiing. However, Kyoto is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Cromwell is a great destination to visit. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Kyoto is not a skiing destination.

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

Kyoto is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kyoto are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

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

Kyoto has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Kyoto or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or Cromwell has a better nightlife scene.

Kyoto has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cromwell has a few options to choose from. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Kyoto or Cromwell Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is very popular for its old town. However, Cromwell does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Cromwell does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cromwell. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Cromwell?

Kyoto is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Kyoto is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Cromwell to go shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Kyoto or Cromwell Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Cromwell are great 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 Cromwell. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Kyoto or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Kyoto is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

Is Kyoto or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

Is Kyoto or Cromwell Better for Students?

Kyoto is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cromwell is not popular with 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.

Cromwell is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

Kyoto has some very good public transit options. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Kyoto or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Kyoto is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kyoto or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kyoto than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

Families should spend more time in Kyoto than Cromwell. 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 Cromwell. 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 Cromwell 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 Cromwell?

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 Cromwell, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Kyoto or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Five days in Kyoto or Cromwell?

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.

Cromwell is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cromwell. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Cromwell?

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 skiing around the historical destination of Cromwell. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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

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