A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tokyo or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Milford Sound? 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, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking.

Tokyo and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo. Although Tokyo and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Tokyo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tokyo is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tokyo is more touristy than Milford Sound 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. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Tokyo different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Tokyo is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Tokyo is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tokyo or Milford Sound?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound Better for Music?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is renowned for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Milford Sound?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Milford Sound make for a superb place to visit.

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.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Milford Sound are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. 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.

Milford Sound is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound 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. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Tokyo or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Milford Sound?

Tokyo and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tokyo than Milford Sound because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this world renowned destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. 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 Tokyo or Milford Sound?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Milford Sound?

Tokyo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find skiing around the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Milford Sound, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Milford Sound much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia and Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Milford Sound?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 19160 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Milford Sound, 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.