A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park? 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 iconic, eclectic, and cutting edge city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a remote, rugged, and breathtaking national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Tokyo and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tokyo. Although Tokyo and Mount Aspiring National Park are both popular with visitors, Tokyo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Mount Aspiring National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Tokyo is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Mount Aspiring National Park is popular for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Tokyo different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Tokyo is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tokyo are among the most recognizable in the world. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is very popular for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Tokyo is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Music?

Tokyo is very popular for its live music scene. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Tokyo 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is renowned for hiking. However, Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

People visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Tokyo is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Tokyo make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Tokyo is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tokyo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mount Aspiring National Park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Is Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Mount Aspiring National Park make for a very good 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Is Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Mount Aspiring National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Students?

Tokyo is very popular for students. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a great destination 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Is Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo is very popular for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Tokyo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. 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 mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Tokyo is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Tokyo 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable city. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Tokyo or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than Mount Aspiring National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Tokyo is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the that this remote destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Tokyo is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a fun place to experience. In Mount Aspiring National Park, many people enjoy the 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Tokyo is a big city with plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.

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

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