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

Should you visit Kyoto or Darwin?

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 Darwin 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 historic, cultural, and fascinating city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty in Kyoto as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kyoto travel costs.

Darwin

Darwin is a authentic, local, and tropical town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Darwin travel costs.

Kyoto and Darwin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Darwin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kyoto than Darwin. Kyoto is bigger than Darwin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kyoto is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Darwin is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Kyoto is more touristy than Darwin and is known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. Darwin is well known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Kyoto different from Darwin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Darwin. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

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

Kyoto is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kyoto. 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.

Darwin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Kyoto or Darwin Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or Darwin 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 Darwin has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Kyoto or Darwin Better for Beaches?

Darwin is a town with good options for the beach. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Darwin. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Darwin Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is terrific for its old town. However, Darwin does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Darwin does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Darwin Better for Hiking?

Darwin 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 Darwin. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Darwin?

Kyoto is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Darwin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Is Kyoto or Darwin More Beautiful?

Kyoto is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Kyoto as well. 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.

Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kyoto or Darwin Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Darwin are high quality 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 Darwin. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

Is Kyoto or Darwin Better for Couples?

Kyoto is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Kyoto has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Darwin is a good city for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

Is Kyoto or Darwin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is notable for backpackers. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Darwin is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

Is Kyoto or Darwin Better for Students?

Kyoto is notable for students. However, Darwin is not popular with students.

Kyoto is a great city to visit as a student. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Darwin is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is notable for its public transit. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Darwin has some public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Is Kyoto or Darwin a more walkable city?

Kyoto is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Darwin is a somewhat walkable city. There are biking and walking paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Darwin or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Darwin?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Darwin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this multicultural 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. 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 Darwin?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Darwin. 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 Darwin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Darwin is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Darwin. 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 Darwin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Kyoto. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Darwin. 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Darwin?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Darwin, 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 Darwin?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Darwin. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Darwin in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in January.

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Darwin during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun in the summer.

Darwin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kyoto or Darwin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Darwin. The autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.

In the autumn, Kyoto is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. In the autumn, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Darwinin April. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Darwinin April. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Darwin in the Winter?

Both Darwin and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. In January, Kyoto is generally much colder than Darwinin July. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Darwin. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kyoto or Darwin in the Spring?

Both Darwin and Kyoto during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the spring for the beaches.

Kyoto is much colder than Darwin in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in October.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Darwinin October. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Darwin and Kyoto