A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Picton for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Okinawa or Picton?

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 Picton. 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 here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Picton

Picton is a scenic, quaint, and relaxing town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Okinawa and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Picton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Okinawa. Although Okinawa and Picton are popular destinations, Okinawa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Okinawa is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Picton attracts visitors for its small town charm. Okinawa is famous for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also well known for the Kerama Islands. Picton is famous for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Okinawa different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Okinawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton 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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Both Okinawa and Picton offer a number of excellent 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 Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Okinawa or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Okinawa or Picton Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Picton 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.

Picton is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Picton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Picton 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.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Picton Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

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.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Okinawa or Picton Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Picton?

Both Okinawa and Picton are nice 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 Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Okinawa or Picton Better for Families?

Okinawa is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Picton is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Okinawa or Picton Better for Couples?

Okinawa is very popular for couples. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Okinawa or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Picton 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.

Picton is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot 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.

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

Both Okinawa and Picton offer nice 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.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Okinawa or Picton a more walkable city?

Picton is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

Picton is a very walkable destination. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Okinawa or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Okinawa than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

Families should spend more time in Okinawa than Picton. 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 Picton. 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 Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Okinawa. 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.

In Picton, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Okinawa or Picton?

Okinawa 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.

In Picton, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Picton has to offer.

Five days in Okinawa or Picton?

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

Picton is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical destination of Okinawa. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Picton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Picton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Picton?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa and Picton, 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 Picton?

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

Both Picton 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 beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

Okinawa is much warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In July, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Okinawa or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton 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 Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Okinawa is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Okinawa in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Picton in the Winter?

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

In January, Okinawa is generally much warmer than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 16°C (61°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Pictonin July. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Okinawa or Picton in the Spring?

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

Okinawa is much warmer than Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Okinawa usually gets more rain in April than Pictonin October. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Picton and Okinawa