A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yamaguchi vs. Te Anau for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Yamaguchi or Te Anau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yamaguchi or Te Anau, 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.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a stunning, pristine, and breathtaking town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Yamaguchi and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yamaguchi or Te Anau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Te Anau. Although Yamaguchi and Te Anau are both popular with visitors, Te Anau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Te Anau is more popular for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Yamaguchi is known for its museums. Te Anau is more touristy than Yamaguchi and is known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. It is also home to Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Yamaguchi is popular for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways.

How is Yamaguchi different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yamaguchi is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options 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.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

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

Both Yamaguchi and Te Anau 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, Te Anau makes for a great culinary experience. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Is Yamaguchi or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

The decent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Yamaguchi and Te Anau.

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.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Yamaguchi or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau 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, Te Anau draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

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 Te Anau?

Te Anau is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yamaguchi or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

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 Te Anau Better for Couples?

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Te Anau has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

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.

Is Yamaguchi or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Te Anau 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 Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

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

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

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Yamaguchi or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Yamaguchi is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Yamaguchi?

How long in Yamaguchi or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yamaguchi and Te Anau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Te Anau than in Yamaguchi. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yamaguchi, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Te Anau 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 Te Anau.

One day in Yamaguchi or Te Anau?

In Yamaguchi, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Te Anau has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Yamaguchi or Te Anau?

In Yamaguchi, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yamaguchi has to offer.

Te Anau is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Te Anau?

Yamaguchi is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Te Anau 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. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yamaguchi. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Yamaguchi. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Te Anau 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Yamaguchi or Te Anau?

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