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

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Picton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Picton, 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. With stunning beauty, Yamaguchi attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking. See Yamaguchi travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Picton travel costs.

Yamaguchi and Picton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • 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
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Picton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Picton. Although Yamaguchi and Picton are popular destinations, Picton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Picton is very popular for its beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Yamaguchi attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Picton is more touristy than Yamaguchi and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also well known for the Queen Charlotte Track. Yamaguchi is famous for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways.

How is Yamaguchi different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yamaguchi
Picton

Yamaguchi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.


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

Yamaguchi
Picton

Both Yamaguchi and Picton offer a number of great 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, Picton makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Yamaguchi or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Yamaguchi
Picton

The reasonable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Yamaguchi and Picton.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Yamaguchi. There are some pubs and local bars, but most of the area is peaceful and tranquil, especially at night.

Picton is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Yamaguchi or Picton Better for Beaches?

Yamaguchi
Picton

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Picton. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Yamaguchi is not a beach destination.


Is Yamaguchi or Picton Better for Hiking?

Yamaguchi
Picton

Picton 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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

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 Picton?

Yamaguchi
Picton

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

Picton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Picton More Beautiful?

Yamaguchi
Picton

Yamaguchi is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Yamaguchi attracts visitors from all around. The area is famed for its serene setting and natural beauty. There are many historic temples and pagodas in the area.

Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Yamaguchi or Picton Better for Families?

Yamaguchi
Picton

Picton 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 Picton. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

Yamaguchi
Picton

Yamaguchi and Picton are both great 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 Picton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yamaguchi
Picton

Picton 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 Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot 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 Picton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yamaguchi
Picton

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Yamaguchi and Picton.

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

You'll find some public transit in Picton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Yamaguchi or Picton a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi
Picton

Picton 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.

Picton is a very walkable destination. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Picton?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Yamaguchi or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Yamaguchi. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Picton. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Picton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Yamaguchi or Picton?

Yamaguchi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Picton. 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 Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yamaguchi. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of Picton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Yamaguchi or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Yamaguchi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Picton 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Picton or Yamaguchi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Yamaguchi is $100, while the average daily cost in Picton is $101. 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 Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yamaguchi $47
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yamaguchi $94
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Yamaguchi and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Yamaguchi or Picton? 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 Picton


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 Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yamaguchi $21
    Picton -

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 Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $121
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $120
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Yamaguchi or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton 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
    Picton $34

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 Picton

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

  • CRUISE SHIP DAYS - HOP ON HOP OFF - Wine, Beer, Food Tour: $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yamaguchi $8.69
    Picton $109

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 Picton

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

  • 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $119
  • 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $66
  • Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour: $95
  • Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $89
  • Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $95
  • Depart Marlborough Sounds Afternoon Seafood Cruise: $90
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour: $178
  • From Havelock to Marlborough Sounds Postie's Day Off Cruise: $84
  • From Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood: $104
  • From Private Wine and Gourmet Tour of Marlborough: $575
  • Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yamaguchi $8.21
    Picton $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $39
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $41
  • Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $75
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $77
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $77
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours: $77
  • Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour From Picton: $92
  • Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $95
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $101
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $101


When comparing the travel costs between Yamaguchi and Picton, we can see that Picton 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 Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yamaguchi or Picton?

Yamaguchi has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Yamaguchi and Picton, 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 Picton?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Yamaguchi as well as Picton. Many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Picton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Yamaguchi is a little warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yamaguchi usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Yamaguchi gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F) 
    Picton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton 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 Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Yamaguchi is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yamaguchi in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

In October, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Yamaguchi gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton 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 Picton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Yamaguchi is generally much colder than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Yamaguchi average around 6°C (42°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Picton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Yamaguchi usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Yamaguchi gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Yamaguchi or Picton in the Spring?

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

Yamaguchi is around the same temperature as Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Yamaguchi averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

Yamaguchi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yamaguchi usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Yamaguchi gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)