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

Should you visit Okinawa or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. 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 tropical, lush, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty in Okinawa as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Okinawa travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a serene, natural, and relaxing town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Katoomba as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Katoomba travel costs.

Okinawa and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Katoomba?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Okinawa than Katoomba, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Okinawa is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Katoomba is more popular for its small town charm. Okinawa is well known for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. Also, Okinawa is famous for the Kerama Islands. Katoomba is well known for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Okinawa different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Okinawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Okinawa is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Okinawa makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Okinawa offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Katoomba is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Okinawa to choose from. 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.

Katoomba is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Okinawa. 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.

Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Okinawa offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Okinawa and Katoomba, and they are terrific.

Okinawa is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

People visit Katoomba specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Katoomba?

Both Okinawa and Katoomba are notable 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 Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of terrific scenery and beauty in both Okinawa and Katoomba.

You'll find world class beauty in Okinawa as well. The islands are filled with beautiful natural environments that range from white sand beaches to mangrove forests. The water is turquoise and the setting is idyllic for vacationers.

Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba Better for Families?

Both Okinawa and Katoomba are terrific family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Okinawa is very family-friendly. 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Katoomba is a very family-friendly destination. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Okinawa is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Katoomba is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Katoomba is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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.

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

Both Okinawa and Katoomba offer notable 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.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Okinawa or Katoomba a more walkable city?

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

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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 Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Okinawa or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Okinawa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

Families should spend more time in Okinawa than Katoomba. 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 Katoomba. 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.

One day in Okinawa or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Katoomba has to offer.

Five days in Okinawa or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. Since Katoomba is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Katoomba?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Okinawa is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Okinawa in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Katoomba averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually receives more sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Okinawa gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In July, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Okinawa or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba and Okinawa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Okinawa is generally a little warmer than Katoombain April. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 25°C (77°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Katoombain April. Okinawa gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Katoomba. Many travelers come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Okinawa is much warmer than Katoomba in the winter. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Okinawa gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Okinawa or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Katoomba. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Okinawa is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Okinawa in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the spring, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Okinawa gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Okinawa usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Okinawa