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

Should you visit Kyoto or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong 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 because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a vibrant, student-friendly, and trendy 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.

Kyoto and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Wollongong?

Both Wollongong and Kyoto have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Kyoto is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wollongong is known for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Kyoto is more touristy than Wollongong and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Kyoto different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Wollongong 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.

Many visitors head to Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Kyoto and Wollongong.

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.

Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Kyoto or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

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 Wollongong Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Wollongong attract visitors from all over. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Wollongong Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Wollongong 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.

Wollongong does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Wollongong?

Kyoto is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Kyoto or Wollongong Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Wollongong are excellent 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 Wollongong. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Is Kyoto or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

Is Kyoto or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Kyoto or Wollongong Better for Students?

Kyoto is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Kyoto is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Wollongong is a good city to visit for students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kyoto and Wollongong.

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Wollongong. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

Is Kyoto or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is very walkable. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Kyoto or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wollongong due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

With museums and nightlife around the traditional city of Kyoto, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wollongong, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this trendy 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 Wollongong?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kyoto, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Kyoto, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Kyoto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the student-friendly destination of Wollongong. 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 Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Wollongong?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

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

Both Wollongong and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kyoto is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Wollongong in the Autumn?

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

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

Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Wollongong. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Kyoto is much colder than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin July. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Wollongongin July. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In the spring, Kyoto is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Kyoto