A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yamaguchi vs. Coffs Harbour for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour, 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.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Yamaguchi and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour than Yamaguchi. While Yamaguchi is larger than Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Coffs Harbour is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Yamaguchi is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Yamaguchi and is known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". Also, Coffs Harbour is famous for the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Yamaguchi is well known for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways.

How is Yamaguchi different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Yamaguchi. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.


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

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Both Yamaguchi and Coffs Harbour offer a number of high quality 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, Coffs Harbour makes for a great culinary experience. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Is Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yamaguchi is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Coffs Harbour has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Yamaguchi is not a resort destination.

Coffs Harbour is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Yamaguchi is not a resort destination.


Is Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yamaguchi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Coffs Harbour to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Yamaguchi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Coffs Harbour are among the best in the world. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

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 Coffs Harbour?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Coffs Harbour. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is an amazing family-friendly vacation town to visit. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Yamaguchi and Coffs Harbour are both high quality 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 Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.


Is Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

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

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Yamaguchi is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi
Coffs Harbour

Yamaguchi is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable town. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.


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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour?

Both Yamaguchi and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Yamaguchi. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yamaguchi, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour.


  • How many days in Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yamaguchi 1-2 
    Coffs Harbour 3-7

One day in Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the tranquil destination of Yamaguchi. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the vacation town of Coffs Harbour. 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 Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yamaguchi. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lively destination of Coffs Harbour. 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 vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the tranquil destination of Yamaguchi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the nature-filled vacation town of Coffs Harbour. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation town has to offer.


A week in Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Yamaguchi. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour, 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Coffs Harbour or Yamaguchi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yamaguchi is $80, while the average daily cost in Coffs Harbour is $135. 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 Coffs Harbour in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yamaguchi $46
    Coffs Harbour $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yamaguchi $92
    Coffs Harbour $126
Compare Hotels in Yamaguchi and Coffs Harbour

Looking for a hotel in Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour? 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 Coffs Harbour


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 Coffs Harbour Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yamaguchi $20
    Coffs Harbour $22

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: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour?

Prices for flights to both Coffs Harbour 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 $22
    Coffs Harbour $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yamaguchi $8.39
    Coffs Harbour $41

Typical Entertainment Prices in Coffs Harbour

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Coffs Harbour's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surfing Museum (for 2)
    $7.14

Tours and Activities in Coffs Harbour

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

  • Coastal Adventure: $126
  • Coffs Harbour Whale Watch Experience: $63
  • Daytime Kayak Eco Tour of New South Wales: $40
  • Rainforest & Waterfall Experience: $126
  • Sunset Experience: $77
  • Sunset Kayak Eco Tour with Marine Scientist: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yamaguchi $7.92
    Coffs Harbour $8.34


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


Which is Bigger, Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour?

Yamaguchi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Yamaguchi and Coffs Harbour, 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 Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour?

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

Both Coffs Harbour and Yamaguchi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yamaguchi is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yamaguchi in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. It's quite rainy in Yamaguchi. In July, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin January. Yamaguchi gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour and Yamaguchi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Yamaguchi is generally around the same temperature as Coffs Harbourin April. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 19°C (65°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Yamaguchi usually gets less rain in October than Coffs Harbourin April. Yamaguchi gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yamaguchi and Coffs Harbour. Many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Yamaguchi is much colder than Coffs Harbour in the winter. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

In January, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin July. Yamaguchi gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yamaguchi as well as Coffs Harbour. Most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Yamaguchi is cooler than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yamaguchi in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in April than Coffs Harbourin October. Yamaguchi gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Coffs Harbour
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)