A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yaeyama Islands vs. Picton for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Yaeyama Islands and Picton. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a tropical, pristine, and luxurious archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Picton

Picton is a scenic, quaint, and relaxing town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Yaeyama Islands and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yaeyama Islands than Picton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yaeyama Islands is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Picton is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and small town charm. Yaeyama Islands is well known for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Also, Yaeyama Islands is famous for Nishihama Beach. Picton is well known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

Picton is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Yaeyama Islands or Picton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picton is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Picton makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Yaeyama Islands is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is very popular for its resorts. However, Picton is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Yaeyama Islands for its luxury resorts. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Picton is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Yaeyama Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Yaeyama Islands and Picton, and they are excellent.

Yaeyama Islands is a popular spot for hiking. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

Picton is a good destination for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Picton is a great destination for shopping. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Picton are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Picton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is very popular for couples. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Yaeyama Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Picton is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Picton is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Picton a more walkable city?

Picton is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yaeyama Islands or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Yaeyama Islands than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Picton than Yaeyama Islands 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 Picton.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Yaeyama Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The relaxing destination of Picton offers shopping and museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The town of Picton offers museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Picton is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the luxurious destination of Yaeyama Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Picton. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands and Picton, we can see that Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands is in Asia and Picton 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive? and Is Picton Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands or Picton?

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

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

In July, Yaeyama Islands is generally much warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 29°C (85°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In July, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton and Yaeyama Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Picton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Picton. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Yaeyama Islands is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Pictonin July. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Picton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Picton. Many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In April, Yaeyama Islands is generally much warmer than Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 23°C (74°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in April than Pictonin October. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June in Yaeyama Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Picton and Yaeyama Islands