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

Should you visit Kyoto or Sydney?

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 Sydney 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 fascinating, traditional, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Sydney?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Kyoto, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Kyoto is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Kyoto is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Sydney is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House.

How is Kyoto different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the first-rate sights and museums in both Kyoto and Sydney.

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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Kyoto and Sydney.

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.

Sydney has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Kyoto or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Sydney is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a 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 Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kyoto or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Sydney is renowned for the beache. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Sydney Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kyoto offers plenty to see. 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Sydney Better for Hiking?

Sydney 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 Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Sydney?

Sydney is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kyoto. 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.

Is Kyoto or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kyoto. 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.

Is Kyoto or Sydney Better for Couples?

Both Kyoto and Sydney are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Sydney is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Is Kyoto or Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kyoto 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 Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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

Is Kyoto or Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Sydney is a very popular city for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Sydney is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Sydney has a great public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Kyoto or Sydney a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Sydney?

Both Kyoto and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Kyoto. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sydney.

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

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

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

One day in Kyoto or Sydney?

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.

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This 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 Sydney?

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 Sydney. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kyoto or Sydney?

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.

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

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

Both Sydney and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kyoto is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Sydneyin January. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kyoto or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Kyoto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

In October, Kyoto is generally around the same temperature as Sydneyin April. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin April. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Sydney. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. Kyoto is much colder than Sydney in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sydneyin July. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kyoto or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Sydney. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kyoto is cooler than Sydney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Sydney averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In the spring, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin October. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Sydneyin October. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Kyoto