A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Canberra for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Okinawa or Canberra?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Okinawa and Canberra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a lush, serene, and idyllic archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Okinawa and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Canberra?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Okinawa than Canberra. While Canberra is larger than Okinawa, Okinawa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Okinawa is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Canberra is known for its big city activities. Okinawa is more touristy than Canberra and is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also home to the Kerama Islands. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Okinawa different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Okinawa or Canberra?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Okinawa or Canberra.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Okinawa. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Is the Food Better in Okinawa or Canberra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Okinawa and Canberra offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Okinawa is an experience not to be missed. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Canberra. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Okinawa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Okinawa a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is terrific for the beache. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Okinawa. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Canberra?

Both Okinawa and Canberra are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Okinawa to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Canberra. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Families?

Okinawa is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Okinawa is a very family-friendly destination. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

Canberra is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Couples?

Okinawa is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Okinawa makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Canberra is a good archipelago for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Okinawa is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra is a well-known place for students. However, Okinawa is not popular with students.

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Okinawa is not popular with students.

Is Okinawa or Canberra Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Okinawa and Canberra offer good public transit options.

Okinawa has a few public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Okinawa or Canberra a more walkable city?

Canberra is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Okinawa Worth Visiting? and Is Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Okinawa and Canberra. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Canberra. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Canberra.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Okinawa than Canberra 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 Okinawa.

One day in Okinawa or Canberra?

The beautiful archipelago of Okinawa offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Canberra, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Okinawa or Canberra?

Okinawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Canberra, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Canberra has to offer.

Five days in Okinawa or Canberra?

Okinawa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Okinawa, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Canberra is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Okinawa or Canberra?

Okinawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Okinawa has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Canberra. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Canberra?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa and Canberra, 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 Okinawa or Canberra?

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

Should I visit Okinawa or Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra and Okinawa during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Okinawa is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 29°C (84°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Canberra. Many travelers come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Okinawa is a little warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Canberrain April. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Okinawa or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Canberra. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Okinawa is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Okinawa in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Okinawa usually gets more rain in January than Canberrain July. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

In April, Okinawa is generally a little warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 22°C (71°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In April, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Canberrain October. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Okinawa