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

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Melbourne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Melbourne, 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Yamaguchi and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Yamaguchi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Melbourne is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Yamaguchi is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Yamaguchi is popular for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Yamaguchi different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Melbourne and Yamaguchi.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yamaguchi can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.


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

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

Both Yamaguchi and Melbourne offer a number of very good 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, Melbourne makes for a great culinary experience. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Yamaguchi or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

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

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

Melbourne is a very popular place for the beach. However, Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.


Is Yamaguchi or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

Yamaguchi is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Yamaguchi is a good destination for hiking. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the prefecture so that you can energy the natural setting.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yamaguchi or Melbourne?

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Melbourne Better for Families?

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

Yamaguchi is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good town for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Yamaguchi or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

Yamaguchi and Melbourne are both good 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.

Melbourne is a good town to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Yamaguchi or Melbourne Better for Students?

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

Melbourne is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Yamaguchi is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Yamaguchi is not popular with students.


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

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

Melbourne is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Melbourne can get you to most places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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.

Is Yamaguchi or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi
Melbourne

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Melbourne?

In either Yamaguchi or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Yamaguchi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yamaguchi, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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


  • How many days in Yamaguchi or Melbourne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yamaguchi 1-2 
    Melbourne 2-5

One day in Yamaguchi or Melbourne?

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.

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find museums and food around the scenic 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.

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Yamaguchi or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the scenic 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.

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Yamaguchi or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Melbourne 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 Melbourne is $176. 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 Melbourne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yamaguchi $46
    Melbourne $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yamaguchi $92
    Melbourne $236
Compare Hotels in Yamaguchi and Melbourne

Looking for a hotel in Yamaguchi or Melbourne? 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 Melbourne


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 Melbourne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yamaguchi $20
    Melbourne $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: $125

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:


  • Airport Bus
    $10
  • Tram Ride
    $2.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne

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

  • Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $372
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne HTL-APT (MEL): $99
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne APT-HTL (MEL): $99
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne hotels to Melbourne Cruise Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Port to Melbourne Airport (MEL): $52
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne Port: $52
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Melbourne Airports: $86
  • Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $79
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Melbourne Airports to Hotel: $86
  • Private Airport Transfer in Melbourne: $99
  • Mt Buller 1 Day Snow Tour (Direct Transfer To Mt Buller Village From Melbourne): $89
  • Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $198

Is it cheaper to fly into Yamaguchi or Melbourne?

Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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
    Melbourne $30

Typical Food Prices in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $2.60
  • Pizza
    $4.54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne

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

  • Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
  • Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $53
  • Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $78
  • Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $79
  • Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
  • Pizza Making Party: $89
  • Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $97
  • Secret Food Tour: $109
  • Chinese Cooking Class Master: $118
  • Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $122
  • Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $129
  • Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yamaguchi $8.39
    Melbourne $27

Tours and Activities in Melbourne

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

  • 1 Day Penguin Island Tour from Melbourne Penguins express: $79
  • 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $125
  • 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Eco Tour with lunch from Melbourne: $109
  • 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $800
  • 2-Hour Farm Experience in Gateway Yarra Valley: $66
  • 2024 Mt Buller, Melbourne Snow and Sightseeing Day Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour Rainforest Walking Tour in Badger Creek: $40
  • 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour: $1,486
  • 3.5 Hours Group tour Melbourne trouble-makers tour: $44
  • 3/4 Day Sports Lovers Bus Tour of Melbourne with Tour Options: $178
  • 4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City: $40
  • African Cat Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo - excl. entry: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yamaguchi $7.92
    Melbourne $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $5.03

Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne

Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Melbourne Pub Crawl: $17
  • Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $19
  • Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $25
  • Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $33
  • Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour :Wine,Gin,Cider+more: $86
  • Yarra Valley Day Trip with Local Wine Tastings from Melbourne: $102
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $116
  • Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $127
  • Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne : $139
  • Wine Tour Yarra Valley, Vic - inc. 2 course lunch + glass of wine: $165
  • Mornington Peninsula Premium Tour with Wine Tasting at Yabby Lake : $172
  • Yarra Valley Premium Tour Lunch and Sparkling Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon: $178


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


Which is Bigger, Yamaguchi or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Yamaguchi. When comparing the sizes of Yamaguchi and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

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

Both Melbourne and Yamaguchi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Yamaguchi is generally a little warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 26°C (79°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Yamaguchi. In July, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Yamaguchi gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F) 
    Melbourne 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Yamaguchi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Yamaguchi is a little warmer than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Yamaguchi gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F) 
    Melbourne 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yamaguchi and Melbourne. The winter months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In the winter, Yamaguchi is much colder than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yamaguchi in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.

In January, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Melbournein July. Yamaguchi gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F) 
    Melbourne 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yamaguchi as well as Melbourne. The natural beauty are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Yamaguchi is generally around the same temperature as Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 14°C (57°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Yamaguchi gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F) 
    Melbourne 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Melbourne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)