A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. Brisbane for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Tokyo or Brisbane?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Brisbane? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Tokyo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tokyo travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brisbane travel costs.

Tokyo and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Brisbane?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tokyo than Brisbane. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tokyo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brisbane attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Tokyo is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also well known for The Sensō-ji Temple. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

How is Tokyo different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tokyo or Brisbane?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Is the Food Better in Tokyo or Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Tokyo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

Tokyo has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Music?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is great for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Brisbane is considered a top beach destination. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a popular place for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Brisbane is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Brisbane?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane More Beautiful?

Tokyo is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Tokyo attracts visitors from all around. It's colorful skyscrapers and historic temples make this a truly one-of-a-kind place to explore.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Families?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Tokyo is one of the most popular family destinations. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Tokyo is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Students?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Brisbane is a great city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

Public transit in Tokyo is top-notch. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Tokyo or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Brisbane?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Brisbane 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 Tokyo.

One day in Tokyo or Brisbane?

Tokyo is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Brisbane, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city 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 Tokyo or Brisbane?

Tokyo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tokyo or Brisbane?

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

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Brisbane. 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 Tokyo or Brisbane?

Tokyo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Brisbane?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Brisbane, 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 Tokyo or Brisbane?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Brisbanein January. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tokyo is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein April. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Brisbanein April. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Brisbane. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Tokyo is generally much colder than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Brisbane. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Tokyo is cooler than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein October. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Brisbanein October. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Tokyo