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

Should you visit Tokyo or Newcastle?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Newcastle? 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 high energy, vibrant, and iconic 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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a high energy, trendy, and 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Newcastle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tokyo than Newcastle. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tokyo is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Newcastle attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Tokyo is more touristy than Newcastle and is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also well known for The Sensō-ji Temple. Newcastle is famous for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks.

How is Tokyo different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tokyo is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tokyo on the map. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Many visitors head to Newcastle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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

Tokyo is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Newcastle. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Tokyo or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Tokyo is a must-see party destination. 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.

Newcastle has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Is Tokyo or Newcastle Better for Music?

Tokyo is terrific for its music scene. However, Newcastle is not a live music destination.

In Tokyo you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Newcastle is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

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

Newcastle is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

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

Newcastle is a good destination for hiking. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Newcastle?

Tokyo is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Tokyo is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Is Tokyo or Newcastle Better for Families?

Tokyo is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Tokyo or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Tokyo is a well-known place for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Tokyo or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Is Tokyo or Newcastle Better for Students?

Tokyo is terrific for students. However, Newcastle is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Newcastle is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo is terrific for its public transit. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Tokyo can take you anywhere. 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.

Newcastle has some public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Tokyo or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Tokyo is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Tokyo or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tokyo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Newcastle. 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 Newcastle. 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Newcastle, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This 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 Newcastle?

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle. 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 Newcastle?

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Newcastle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Newcastle. 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 Newcastle?

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Newcastle. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Newcastle?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Newcastle. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

Both Newcastle and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

Tokyo is a little warmer than Newcastle in the summer. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein January. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun.

Newcastle 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 July than Newcastlein January. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Newcastle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Newcastle. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Newcastle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Newcastle averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.

Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Newcastle receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Newcastlein April. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Newcastle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Newcastle. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Newcastle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tokyo is generally much colder than Newcastlein July. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. In the winter, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein July. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Newcastlein July. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Tokyo is cooler than Newcastle in the spring. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Newcastle. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Newcastlein October. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Tokyo