A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yamaguchi vs. Arrowtown for Hiking, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Arrowtown?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Arrowtown, 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 tranquil, scenic, and traditional town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a charming, quaint, and quirky town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Yamaguchi and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Arrowtown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arrowtown than Yamaguchi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arrowtown is better known for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Yamaguchi is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Arrowtown is more touristy than Yamaguchi and is known for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. Also, Arrowtown is famous for the Chinese Settlement. Yamaguchi is well known for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways.

How is Yamaguchi different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Yamaguchi or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Yamaguchi is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Yamaguchi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yamaguchi or Arrowtown?

Yamaguchi is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Yamaguchi specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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

Both Yamaguchi and Arrowtown offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Yamaguchi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arrowtown makes for a great culinary experience. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Yamaguchi or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront 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 Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Yamaguchi does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Arrowtown to see the historical old town. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Yamaguchi does not have a historic old town.

Is Yamaguchi or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown 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, Arrowtown draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

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 Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Arrowtown. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

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 Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Yamaguchi and Arrowtown are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Yamaguchi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its historic temples, natural beauty, and nice green space, this is a lovely city to explore as a couple.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Yamaguchi or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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 Arrowtown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Yamaguchi and Arrowtown.

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

You'll find some public transit in Arrowtown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Yamaguchi or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi and Arrowtown are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Arrowtown is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yamaguchi or Arrowtown to fill your time. In our opinion, Arrowtown has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Arrowtown than Yamaguchi. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown.

One day in Yamaguchi or Arrowtown?

You'll find food and museums around the town of Yamaguchi. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yamaguchi has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Arrowtown is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arrowtown has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Yamaguchi or Arrowtown?

You'll find museums and food around the tranquil destination of Yamaguchi. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Yamaguchi or Arrowtown?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene town of Yamaguchi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arrowtown is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Yamaguchi or Arrowtown?

Yamaguchi is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. 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 Luxury Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yamaguchi and Arrowtown, we can see that Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Yamaguchi or Arrowtown?

Yamaguchi has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Yamaguchi and Arrowtown, 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.