A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Matsue vs. Alice Springs for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Matsue or Alice Springs?

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 Alice Springs 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. With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Matsue travel costs.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a laid back, outdoorsy, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Alice Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Alice Springs travel costs.

Matsue and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Matsue or Alice Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alice Springs. Although Matsue and Alice Springs are both popular with visitors, Alice Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Alice Springs is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Matsue is known for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. Matsue is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Alice Springs is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. It is also home to Alice Springs Desert Park.

How is Matsue different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Matsue is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

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

Matsue is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Matsue has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Matsue or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

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

Alice Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

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 Alice Springs Better for its Old Town?

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

Matsue has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Alice Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Matsue or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Around Alice Springs visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Alice Springs?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Alice Springs and Matsue.

Matsue offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Alice Springs has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Matsue or Alice Springs More Beautiful?

Matsue and Alice Springs are somewhat similar when it comes to the great scenery.

The beauty of Matsue is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

With stunning beauty, Alice Springs attracts visitors from all around. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful landscapes and dramatic views.

Is Matsue or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Alice Springs is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Alice Springs is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Matsue or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Alice Springs is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Alice Springs frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Matsue is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Is Matsue or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alice Springs is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alice Springs is a great town to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

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

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

Matsue is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

Matsue offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Matsue or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Matsue is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Matsue is a very walkable destination. 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.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Matsue or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs.

One day in Matsue or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the pretty destination of Matsue. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Matsue or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Matsue. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Five days in Matsue or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the pretty destination of Matsue. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Alice Springs?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Matsue. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Matsue or Alice Springs?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Matsue and Alice Springs, 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.