A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagoya vs. Cairns for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nagoya or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Nagoya or Cairns? 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a often overlooked, under-the-radar, and under-rated city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Nagoya and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagoya or Cairns?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cairns than Nagoya. While Nagoya is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cairns is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Nagoya attracts visitors for its museums, food, and big city activities. Cairns is more touristy than Nagoya and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Nagoya is famous for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry.

How is Nagoya different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nagoya or Cairns?

Nagoya is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Nagoya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

Is the Food Better in Nagoya or Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Nagoya is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cairns makes for a great culinary experience. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Cairns is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Nagoya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nagoya is not a resort destination.

Cairns is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Nagoya is not a resort destination.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagoya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cairns a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Nagoya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is very popular for the beach. However, Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cairns specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Cairns?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Nagoya and Cairns.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nagoya. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Cairns is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nagoya or Cairns.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nagoya is a very family-friendly destination. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

Cairns is one of the most popular family destinations. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Couples?

Cairns is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cairns makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Cairns, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Students?

Nagoya is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairns is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Nagoya. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Cairns is not popular with students.

Is Nagoya or Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nagoya is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Nagoya can get you to most places easily. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Nagoya or Cairns a more walkable city?

Nagoya is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

Nagoya is a very walkable destination. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Nagoya Worth Visiting? and Is Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Cairns?

In either Nagoya or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Nagoya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagoya, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns than Nagoya 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 Cairns.

One day in Nagoya or Cairns?

Nagoya is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cairns. 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 Nagoya or Cairns?

Nagoya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Cairns is a great place to explore. 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 Nagoya or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagoya. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagoya or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated big city of Nagoya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Cairns. This city 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Nagoya and Cairns, we can see that Cairns is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nagoya is in Asia and Cairns is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Cairns?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya and Cairns, 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 Nagoya or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Nagoya or Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns and Nagoya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Nagoya is around the same temperature as Cairns in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Nagoya. In July, Nagoya usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Nagoya or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns and Nagoya during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nagoya is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagoya in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. Nagoya usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Nagoya or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagoya and Cairns. Many travelers come to Nagoya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairns in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagoya. In January, Nagoya is generally much colder than Cairnsin July. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 4°C (40°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In January, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagoya or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Cairns. Many visitors come to Nagoya in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Cairns for the beaches during these months.

Nagoya is much colder than Cairns in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagoya usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Nagoya