A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yamaguchi vs. Lake Tekapo for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo, 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 scenic, traditional, and serene town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Yamaguchi and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yamaguchi. Although Yamaguchi and Lake Tekapo are popular destinations, Yamaguchi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yamaguchi is very popular for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Lake Tekapo attracts visitors for its hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Yamaguchi is famous for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways. It is also well known for Akiyoshido (a limestone cave). Lake Tekapo is famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Yamaguchi different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Yamaguchi is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Yamaguchi is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Yamaguchi is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Yamaguchi is a town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

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 Lake Tekapo?

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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 Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Yamaguchi is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.


Is Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Yamaguchi and Lake Tekapo are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Yamaguchi. There are a couple of hostels and budget-friendly accommodation options in the area.

Lake Tekapo is a good town to visit for backpackers. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Yamaguchi is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Yamaguchi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the city and prefecture.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi
Lake Tekapo

Yamaguchi and Lake Tekapo are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.


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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yamaguchi than Lake Tekapo 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 Yamaguchi.


  • How many days in Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yamaguchi 1-2 
    Lake Tekapo 1-2

One day in Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the scenic town of Yamaguchi. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the town of Lake Tekapo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake Tekapo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the scenic destination of Yamaguchi. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find around the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo?

The traditional town of Yamaguchi offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the basic town of Lake Tekapo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Yamaguchi. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lake Tekapo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo is $75. 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 Lake Tekapo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yamaguchi $46
    Lake Tekapo $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yamaguchi $92
    Lake Tekapo $118
Compare Hotels in Yamaguchi and Lake Tekapo

Looking for a hotel in Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo? 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 Lake Tekapo


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 Lake Tekapo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yamaguchi $20
    Lake Tekapo -

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 Lake Tekapo?

Prices for flights to both Lake Tekapo 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
    Lake Tekapo $13

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yamaguchi $8.39
    Lake Tekapo -

Tours and Activities in Lake Tekapo

Here are a few actual costs in Lake Tekapo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lake Tekapo Tour Scenic 4WD Mountains & Glaciers: $181
  • 45 Minutes Virtual Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo: $43
  • Arthur's Pass and Mount Cook: 2-Day Tour From Christchurch: $1,455
  • Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour: $60
  • Crater Experience at Cowan's Observatory: $85
  • Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience: $31
  • From Tekapo: Mt Cook day tour via Pukaki, Tasman Glacier: $100
  • High Country Farm Tour - Lake Tekapo: $59
  • Lake Tekapo Fishing Tour: $178
  • Lake Tekapo Guided 4WD Tours: $178
  • Lake Tekapo Scenic 4WD Cass Valley Wilderness Tour: $178
  • Alpine Stargazing Experience with a Guide: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yamaguchi $7.92
    Lake Tekapo -


When comparing the travel costs between Yamaguchi and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi is in Asia and Lake Tekapo 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 Yamaguchi Expensive? and Is Lake Tekapo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yamaguchi or Lake Tekapo?

Yamaguchi has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Yamaguchi and Lake Tekapo, 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.

Related Articles for Yamaguchi
Related Articles for Lake Tekapo