A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Matsue vs. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 serene, historic, and quiet town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a breathtaking, other-worldly, and spiritual national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Matsue and Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock): Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Uluru
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than Matsue, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Matsue is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Matsue is well known for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is well known for its natural beauty and its spiritual and sacred significance in the Anangu culture. Also, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is famous for Uluru.

How is Matsue different from Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Matsue is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Matsue specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). The Cultural Center offers information on the local Anangu culture. Also make sure you visit Field of Light, which is an art installation that is impressive. Wintjiri Arts and Museum is another local spot that is worth visiting.


Is the Food Better in Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Dining out at restaurants in both Matsue and Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many of the dining options are connected with the resorts in the area. A bucket list experience is to enjoy outdoor dining with a 4 or 5 course menu under the desert moon. Many visitors also enjoy the unique experience of an outdoor barbecue, complete with local foods and a stunning sunset view. There are several fine dining options in the area, and a handful of budget-friendly places to eat as well.

Is Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Better for Nightlife?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

It's hard to distinguish whether Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has a better nightlife scene.

Matsue is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Dining under the stars is the best way to experience a night at Uluru.

Is Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Better for Resorts?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great destination for its resorts. However, Matsue is not a resort destination.

In Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), you'll find some of the region's top resorts. While there is nowhere to stay inside the park, just outside there are many resorts and hotels. Many of the options in the area are run by one or two companies. There are also campgrounds nearby.

Matsue is not a resort destination.


Is Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Better for its Old Town?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Matsue is very good for its old town. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Matsue. 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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) does not have a historic old town.

Is Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Better for Hiking?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Around Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are countless walks in the area that pass by stunning viewpoints and surreal rock formations. You can feel the natural beauty and the spirituality of the park as you soak up the other-worldly landscape. Out of respect for the people and nature, always stay on marked trails.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Shopping is a popular activity in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find everything you need as far as forgotten essentials and tourist souvenirs nearby.


Is Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Better for Families?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids and adults alike will benefit from learning about the local Anangu culture. You can visit the Cultural Center or take an informative guided tour of the area. A visit to the Field of Lights is sure to impress as well. Other family-friendly activities include camel rides, beautiful hikes, helicopter rides and reptile shows.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Better for Couples?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great national park for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The natural and spiritual beauty of this sight make it a truly romantic destination. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular. There are also romantic resorts, adventure-filled activities, and unique dining opportunities that will make this an amazing honeymoon or anniversary trip.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great national park to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers choose to stay at a hostel or campground near the sight. There are also some cheaper tour options that cater to the backpacker crowd.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Matsue is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Matsue can get you around 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). There's no public transit or taxis in the area, but there is a hop-on hop-off bus as well as private bus tours and rental cars that you can arrange.

Is Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) a more walkable city?

Matsue
Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Matsue is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a somewhat walkable town. There are many walks in the area, and seeing Uluru on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Matsue Worth Visiting? and Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock).


  • How many days in Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)? Ideal Length of Stay
    Matsue 2-3 
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 3-4

One day in Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Matsue. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quiet destination of Matsue. It offers something for everyone. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Matsue. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

Matsue is a great place to explore. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the spiritual destination of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). This national park 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Matsue?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Matsue is $65, while the average daily cost in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is $151. 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Matsue $26
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Matsue $52
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $116
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Looking for a hotel in Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)? 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Matsue $20
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Also for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Coach Transfer from Ayers Rock (Uluru) to Kings Canyon: $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

Prices for flights to both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 $27
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

For Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Base and Sunset Half-Day Trip with Opt Outback BBQ Dinner: $129
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset + Outback Barbecue Dinner & Star Talk : $188
  • Uluru Experience with BBQ Dinner: $202
  • Mount Conner 4WD Small Group Tour from Ayers Rock including Dinner: $244

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Matsue $8.81
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $37

Tours and Activities in Matsue

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

  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11

Tours and Activities in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

For Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Uluru Audio Tour App: $13
  • A Self-Guided Driving Tour in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park: $15
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset Tour: $65
  • Small Group Uluru Sunset Viewing Tour: $66
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Field of Light Sunrise Tour: $69
  • Afternoon Kata Tjuta Small Group Tour: $110
  • Kata Tjuta Small-Group Tour Including Sunrise and Breakfast: $146
  • Uluru Small Group Tour including Sunset: $146
  • Discover Uluru: Aboriginal Art & Culture 4.5 Hours Tour: $170
  • Aboriginal Homelands Experience from Ayers Rock including Sunset: $233

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Matsue $6.85
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $11


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


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