A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yamaguchi vs. Airlie Beach for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a serene, tranquil, and scenic town. Yamaguchi is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums. See Yamaguchi travel costs.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. Airlie Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Airlie Beach travel costs.

Yamaguchi and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less hiking options
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach than Yamaguchi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Airlie Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Yamaguchi is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Airlie Beach is more touristy than Yamaguchi and is popular for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. Also, Airlie Beach is famous for the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Yamaguchi is well known for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways.

How is Yamaguchi different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Yamaguchi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Yamaguchi. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Yamaguchi is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yamaguchi makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a long-running farming and fishing industry, so you can be assured fresh ingredients at every meal. Dishes are still deeply rooted in the area's culinary traditions, and perhaps the most famous local delicacy is the Fugu fish, otherwise known as blowfish. It's become famous among westerners as the fish can be poisonous if not prepared correctly.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Yamaguchi is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Yamaguchi is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some pubs and local bars, but most of the area is peaceful and tranquil, especially at night.

Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Yamaguchi is not a resort destination.

Airlie Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Yamaguchi is not a resort destination.


Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yamaguchi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Airlie Beach specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Yamaguchi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Airlie Beach are among the best in the world. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Airlie Beach draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Yamaguchi. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the prefecture so that you can energy the natural setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Airlie Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach More Beautiful?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Airlie Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this town is surrounded by some of the world's most idyllic landscapes.

Yamaguchi is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The area is famed for its serene setting and natural beauty. There are many historic temples and pagodas in the area.

Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Airlie Beach. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yamaguchi. The city offers beautiful temples and a glimpse into Japanese culture that kids and adults alike will enjoy. There are also beautiful gardens and nearby natural scenery.


Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Airlie Beach has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Couples visit Yamaguchi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its historic temples, natural beauty, and nice green space, this is a lovely city to explore as a couple.

Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Airlie Beach. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

Yamaguchi is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and budget-friendly accommodation options in the area.

Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Yamaguchi and Airlie Beach.

Yamaguchi has some public transit options. There are buses through the city and prefecture.

You'll find some public transit in Airlie Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.


Is Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable destination. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

Yamaguchi is somewhat walkable. There are a number of walking trails in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Yamaguchi Worth Visiting? and Is Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

Both Yamaguchi and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Yamaguchi. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yamaguchi, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Yamaguchi 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 Airlie Beach.


  • How many days in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yamaguchi 1-2 
    Airlie Beach 4-7

One day in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

In Yamaguchi, many people enjoy the museums and food that this scenic town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Airlie Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

Yamaguchi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the idyllic destination of Airlie Beach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Yamaguchi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back town of Airlie Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

Yamaguchi is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Airlie Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Airlie Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Yamaguchi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Yamaguchi Prices
    Japan Prices
    Airlie Beach Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Yamaguchi $100
    Airlie Beach $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Yamaguchi is $100, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $165. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Yamaguchi and Airlie Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yamaguchi $47
    Airlie Beach $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yamaguchi $94
    Airlie Beach $118
Compare Hotels in Yamaguchi and Airlie Beach

Looking for a hotel in Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Yamaguchi


Hotels in Airlie Beach


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Yamaguchi Hotel Prices and Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yamaguchi $21
    Airlie Beach $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yamaguchi

Also for Yamaguchi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Yamaguchi Ube Airport To/From Yamaguch City Private Transfer: $399

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:

  • Whitsundays: Airport Transfer to/from Airlie Beach: $16
  • Private Transfer to/from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $148
  • Private Transfer to/from Shute Harbour: $134
  • One Way Airport Transfer: Proserpine-Airlie Beach (or vice versa): $17
  • Established Return Airport Transfer Proserpine to Airlie Beach: $28
  • Airport Transfer to Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $32
  • Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Yamaguchi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Yamaguchi $40
    Airlie Beach $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yamaguchi

For Yamaguchi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Yamaguchi ;Healthy tea drinking ; dinner: $81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Airlie Beach.

  • 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yamaguchi $8.69
    Airlie Beach $161

Tours and Activities in Yamaguchi

For Yamaguchi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kiku Plan - Wagashi making and tea ceremony experience -: $24
  • Fuji Plan - Kimono Experience and City Walk -: $37

Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Airlie Beach are as follows:

  • Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Guided Night Tour: $66
  • Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $59
  • Airlie Beach Jet Ski Tours: $164
  • Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $46
  • Airlie Beach Trike Tours: $50
  • #1 Sightseeing Explorer 3hr tour.: $62
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $45
  • Adults-Only Whitehaven Beach Sailing Tour: $187
  • Airlie Adventure Jet Ski Tour: $170
  • BYOB Sunset Sail in Style Catamaran Cruise: $72
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $59
  • Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Tour: $209

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yamaguchi $8.21
    Airlie Beach $9.06


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

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



When is the best time to visit Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach?

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

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Yamaguchi as well as Airlie Beach. Many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yamaguchi is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yamaguchi in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yamaguchi usually gets less rain in July than Airlie Beachin January. Yamaguchi gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F) 
    Airlie Beach 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Yamaguchi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Yamaguchi is generally cooler than Airlie Beachin April. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 19°C (65°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In October, Yamaguchi usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin April. Yamaguchi gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F) 
    Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

Both Airlie Beach and Yamaguchi during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Yamaguchi is much colder than Airlie Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F)in July.

Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in January than Airlie Beachin July. Yamaguchi gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F) 
    Airlie Beach 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yamaguchi and Airlie Beach. The spring months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.

In the spring, Yamaguchi is much colder than Airlie Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yamaguchi in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Yamaguchi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin October. Yamaguchi gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F) 
    Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Airlie Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 377 mm (14.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 16°C (62°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)