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

Should you visit Osaka or Torquay?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Torquay, 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 cultural, high energy, and colorful 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Torquay

Torquay is a laid back, hip, and thriving surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Osaka and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Torquay?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Osaka. Although Osaka and Torquay 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 Torquay is known for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Osaka is more touristy than Torquay and is known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also home to Osaka Castle. Torquay is popular for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Osaka different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Osaka is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Osaka is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Osaka is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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!

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Osaka or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Osaka or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Torquay is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Osaka is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Torquay are among the best in the world. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Osaka or Torquay Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is great for its old town. However, Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Osaka to see the historical old town. 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.

Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Is Osaka or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Torquay is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Torquay?

Osaka is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town 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.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Osaka or Torquay Better for Families?

Osaka is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Osaka is very family-friendly. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Osaka or Torquay Better for Couples?

Osaka and Torquay are both superb to visit as a couple.

Osaka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Torquay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Is Osaka or Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

Many 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.

Torquay is a good city to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Osaka or Torquay Better for Students?

Osaka is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Torquay is not popular with students.

Osaka is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Torquay is not popular with students.

Is Osaka or Torquay 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. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town 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.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Osaka or Torquay a more walkable city?

Torquay is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Torquay is a very walkable destination. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Torquay?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Osaka than Torquay. 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 Torquay 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 Torquay?

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.

In Torquay, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This surf town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Osaka or Torquay?

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 Torquay. 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 Torquay?

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.

Torquay is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Torquay. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Torquay?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the hip destination of Torquay. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Torquay, we can see that Osaka 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 Torquay 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 Torquay Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Torquay?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Torquay, 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 Osaka or Torquay?

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

Should I visit Osaka or Torquay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Torquay. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In July, Osaka is generally around the same temperature as Torquayin January. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Torquay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives around the same amount of rain as Torquayin January. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Torquay. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Osaka is cooler than Torquay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Torquayin April. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Osaka is much colder than Torquay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Osaka in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Torquay averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Torquayin July. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Osaka is generally cooler than Torquayin October. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Torquayin October. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Osaka