A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Matsue vs. Adelaide for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Matsue or Adelaide?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Adelaide 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.

Matsue

Matsue is a quiet, peaceful, and pretty town. Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Matsue travel costs.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a friendly, under-rated, and elegant city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Adelaide travel costs.

Matsue and Adelaide: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Matsue or Adelaide?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Adelaide than Matsue. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Adelaide is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Matsue attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Matsue is more touristy than Adelaide and is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. It is also well known for the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

How is Matsue different from Adelaide?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Matsue or Adelaide?

Matsue
Adelaide

Matsue is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Matsue. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.


Is the Food Better in Matsue or Adelaide? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Matsue
Adelaide

Matsue is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Matsue. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Matsue or Adelaide Better for Nightlife?

Matsue
Adelaide

Adelaide is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Matsue or Adelaide Better for Beaches?

Matsue
Adelaide

Adelaide is a great destination for the beach. However, Matsue is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Adelaide attract visitors from all over. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Matsue is not a beach destination.


Is Matsue or Adelaide Better for its Old Town?

Matsue
Adelaide

Matsue is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Matsue is a good destination for visiting its old town. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Is Matsue or Adelaide Better for Hiking?

Matsue
Adelaide

Adelaide is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Adelaide?

Matsue
Adelaide

Adelaide is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Adelaide is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Matsue has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.


Is Matsue or Adelaide More Beautiful?

Matsue
Adelaide

Matsue is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Matsue is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Matsue or Adelaide Better for Families?

Matsue
Adelaide

Both Matsue and Adelaide are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Matsue. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Adelaide offers lots of family activities. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Matsue or Adelaide Better for Couples?

Matsue
Adelaide

Both Matsue and Adelaide are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Matsue makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

Adelaide is a good town for couples to visit. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.


Is Matsue or Adelaide Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Matsue
Adelaide

Matsue and Adelaide are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Matsue is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Matsue or Adelaide Better for Students?

Matsue
Adelaide

Adelaide is a city with good options for students. However, Matsue is not popular with students.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Matsue is not popular with students.

Is Matsue or Adelaide Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Matsue
Adelaide

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Matsue and Adelaide.

Public transit in Matsue can get you to some places easily. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Adelaide. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.


Is Matsue or Adelaide a more walkable city?

Matsue
Adelaide

Matsue and Adelaide both are great when exploring on foot.

Matsue is a very walkable town. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

Adelaide is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Matsue Worth Visiting? and Is Adelaide Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adelaide or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Adelaide?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adelaide than Matsue 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 Adelaide.


  • How many days in Matsue or Adelaide? Ideal Length of Stay
    Matsue 2-3 
    Adelaide 2-4

One day in Matsue or Adelaide?

The beautiful town of Matsue offers food and shopping. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Adelaide. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Matsue or Adelaide?

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

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Matsue or Adelaide?

Matsue is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A week in Matsue or Adelaide?

Matsue is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Adelaide. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Adelaide or Matsue?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Matsue is $88, while the average daily cost in Adelaide is $133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Matsue and Adelaide in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Matsue $27
    Adelaide $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Matsue $54
    Adelaide $130
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Adelaide

Looking for a hotel in Matsue or Adelaide? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Matsue


Hotels in Adelaide


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Matsue Hotel Prices and Adelaide Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Matsue $20
    Adelaide $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ADL Airport to City Centre | Port Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Airport & Houseboat Transfers Adelaide Bus: $298

Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Adelaide?

Prices for flights to both Adelaide and Matsue change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Matsue $49
    Adelaide $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $30
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Matsue $9.13
    Adelaide $14

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $104
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
  • Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing Cruise: $18
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Guided Tour: $19
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour: $19
  • Adelaide's True Crime Tour: $22
  • TreeClimb Adelaide Climb For Little Adventurers: $24
  • Adelaide Hills: Jurlique Farm Tour: $26
  • River Torrens Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise: $26
  • City Walking Tour with Guide: $29
  • Ghosts, Dark Secrets and Paranormal Hunt Gaol Tour: $30
  • Adelaide Zoo: General Admission Tickets: $32
  • TreeClimb Thrilling Climb For Adventurers: $33
  • TreeClimb Adventure: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Matsue $7.10
    Adelaide $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Half-day McLaren Vale & Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $59
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $60
  • Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting: $89
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $91
  • Adelaide Food Odyssey: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Barossa Day Out: Wines, Brewery, Chocolate & Lunch: $105
  • Discover Barossa: 4 Wine Tastings, Gourmet Lunch, and Hidden Gems: $111
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting tour & Winery Lunch: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting Tour & lunch Departs 7 days a week : $120
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $120


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

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


Which is Bigger, Matsue or Adelaide?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Matsue and Adelaide, 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 Matsue or Adelaide?

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

Should I visit Matsue or Adelaide in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Adelaide. The summer months attract visitors to Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year.

In July, Matsue is generally a little warmer than Adelaidein January. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 25°C (78°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Matsue this time of the year. In the summer, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein January. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 330 hours of full sun.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the summer. Matsue usually gets more rain in July than Adelaidein January. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Matsue 25°C (78°F) 
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Adelaide in the Autumn?

Both Adelaide and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Matsue this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Matsue is around the same temperature as Adelaide in the autumn. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Adelaide fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during autumn. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 215 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. In October, Matsue usually receives more rain than Adelaidein April. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Matsue 17°C (62°F) 
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Adelaide in the Winter?

Both Adelaide and Matsue during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Adelaide in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. In the winter, Matsue is much colder than Adelaide. Typically, the winter temperatures in Matsue in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Adelaide averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

In the winter, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein July. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 159 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in January than Adelaidein July. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Matsue 4°C (39°F) 
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Matsue or Adelaide in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Adelaide. Many visitors come to Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches during these months.

In April, Matsue is generally cooler than Adelaidein October. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 13°C (55°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during spring. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Matsue usually receives more rain than Adelaidein October. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Matsue 13°C (55°F) 
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Adelaide and Matsue

Matsue Adelaide
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in) 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in)