A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Matsue for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Matsue?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Matsue? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a spectacular, breathtaking, and scenic volcano. The famous beauty of Mount Bromo is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Matsue

Matsue is a pretty, serene, and historic 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.

Mount Bromo and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Matsue?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Matsue. Although Mount Bromo and Matsue are popular destinations, Matsue has more sights and attractions for tourists. Matsue is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is famous for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Matsue is famous for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. It is also well known for the Matsue Castle.

How is Mount Bromo different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Bromo or Matsue?

Matsue is a great town for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Matsue offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Matsue is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Matsue is adequate for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Mount Bromo or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo does not have a historic old town.

Is Mount Bromo or Matsue Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Mount Bromo. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Matsue?

Matsue is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Matsue. 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.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Matsue More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Mount Bromo is one of the main draws. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Is Mount Bromo or Matsue Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mount Bromo or Matsue.

Mount Bromo offers lots of family activities. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Matsue is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Mount Bromo or Matsue Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Mount Bromo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Matsue is a good volcano 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 Mount Bromo or Matsue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Mount Bromo and Matsue are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mount Bromo. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

Matsue is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

Is Mount Bromo or Matsue 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, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Matsue. 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 Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Mount Bromo or Matsue a more walkable city?

Matsue is a great town for its walkability. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its high level of walkability.

Matsue is very walkable. 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.

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable place. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Matsue?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mount Bromo and Matsue. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Matsue than in Mount Bromo. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Matsue.

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

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

One day in Mount Bromo or Matsue?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful town of Matsue. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mount Bromo or Matsue?

Mount Bromo 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Matsue. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mount Bromo or Matsue?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Bromo. 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.

The peaceful town of Matsue offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Matsue?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular destination of Mount Bromo. This volcano 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Matsue. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

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