A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yokohama vs. Dunedin for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yokohama or Dunedin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Dunedin, 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.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a bright, colorful, and under-rated city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a small, hilly, and cultural city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Yokohama and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Dunedin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Yokohama than Dunedin. Yokohama is bigger than Dunedin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Yokohama is better known for its food and big city activities, while Dunedin is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Yokohama is well known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. Also, Yokohama is famous for the Yokohama Chinatown. Dunedin is well known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Yokohama different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dunedin and Yokohama. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yokohama or Dunedin?

Both Yokohama and Dunedin have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yokohama can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Is the Food Better in Yokohama or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yokohama is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Yokohama is an experience not to be missed. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Yokohama or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Yokohama and Dunedin.

Yokohama is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

Many people head to Dunedin for the nightlife scene. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Yokohama or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Dunedin has a beach worth visiting. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Yokohama or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Dunedin is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Dunedin has hiking trails worth exploring. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Dunedin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dunedin and Yokohama.

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Dunedin is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Yokohama or Dunedin Better for Families?

Yokohama is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Yokohama is a very family-friendly destination. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

Dunedin is a very family-friendly destination. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Yokohama or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Yokohama is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Yokohama frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Yokohama or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dunedin is well known for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dunedin. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Yokohama or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is well known for students. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Dunedin is a great city to visit as a student. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

It's common for students to visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Is Yokohama or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yokohama is well known for its public transit. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Yokohama can get you to most places easily. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

While Dunedin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Yokohama or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Yokohama and Dunedin both are very good when exploring on foot.

Yokohama is very walkable. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yokohama Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Dunedin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin than Yokohama 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 Dunedin.

One day in Yokohama or Dunedin?

Because Yokohama is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The city of Dunedin offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Dunedin?

Because Yokohama is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Yokohama has to offer.

Dunedin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dunedin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Dunedin?

Yokohama 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.

Dunedin is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Yokohama or Dunedin?

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

Dunedin is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yokohama and Dunedin, we can see that Yokohama is more expensive. And not only is Dunedin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yokohama is in Asia and Dunedin 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 Dunedin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dunedin 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 Yokohama would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yokohama than you might in Dunedin.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yokohama Expensive? and Is Dunedin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Dunedin?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Dunedin, 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.