A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Osaka vs. Te Anau for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Osaka or Te Anau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Te Anau, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Osaka

Osaka is a colorful, vibrant, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a stunning, pristine, and breathtaking town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Osaka and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Te Anau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka. Although Osaka and Te Anau are both popular with visitors, Osaka has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Osaka is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Te Anau is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Osaka is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also home to Osaka Castle. Te Anau is popular for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Osaka different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Osaka or Te Anau?

Osaka is renowned for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Osaka are world-renowned. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

Is the Food Better in Osaka or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Osaka is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Te Anau is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Osaka have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

Dining out in Te Anau is an experience not to be missed. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Is Osaka or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Osaka is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Osaka or Te Anau Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is a very popular place for its old town. However, Te Anau does not have a historic old town.

Osaka is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Te Anau does not have a historic old town.

Is Osaka or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Te Anau draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Te Anau?

Osaka is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Osaka draws large crowds to its stores. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Osaka or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Te Anau is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

Osaka is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Is Osaka or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Te Anau is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Te Anau has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

Couples visit Osaka frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

Is Osaka or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Te Anau are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

Is Osaka or Te Anau Better for Students?

Osaka is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Te Anau is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

Te Anau is not popular with students.

Is Osaka or Te Anau Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Osaka is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Osaka has a great public transit system. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Osaka or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Osaka is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Osaka is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Osaka Worth Visiting? and Is Te Anau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Osaka and Te Anau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Osaka than in Te Anau. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Osaka than Te Anau 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 Osaka.

One day in Osaka or Te Anau?

Because Osaka is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Osaka or Te Anau?

Because Osaka is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Osaka has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Te Anau. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Osaka or Te Anau?

Osaka is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Te Anau is a fun place to experience. Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Te Anau?

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

Te Anau is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Te Anau, we can see that Te Anau 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 Osaka is in Asia and Te Anau 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 Osaka Expensive? and Is Te Anau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Te Anau?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 1250 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Te Anau, 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.