A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yokohama vs. Fraser Island for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yokohama or Fraser Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Fraser Island, 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 diverse, bright, and colorful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a serene, breathtaking, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Yokohama and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Yokohama or Fraser Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yokohama. Although Yokohama and Fraser Island are popular destinations, Yokohama has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yokohama is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fraser Island attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also well known for the Yokohama Chinatown. Fraser Island is famous for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Yokohama different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Yokohama is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Yokohama. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.


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

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Yokohama is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Yokohama. 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).

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Yokohama or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Yokohama is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

Yokohama offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Yokohama or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a island with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fraser Island has a few snorkeling spots. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Yokohama or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is terrific for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fraser Island are among the best in the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Yokohama or Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fraser Island. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Fraser Island?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Yokohama is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Yokohama is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Yokohama or Fraser Island Better for Families?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Yokohama is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fraser Island is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Yokohama is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fraser Island. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

Is Yokohama or Fraser Island Better for Couples?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is terrific for romance. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Fraser Island has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

Yokohama is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Yokohama or Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

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 Fraser Island Better for Students?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Yokohama is a good destination for students. However, Fraser Island is not popular with students.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Fraser Island is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Yokohama is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

Yokohama has some very good public transit options. 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Yokohama or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Yokohama
Fraser Island

Yokohama is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Yokohama is a very walkable city. 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.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.


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

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Fraser Island?

In either Yokohama or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fraser Island than Yokohama because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yokohama, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fraser Island.

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


  • How many days in Yokohama or Fraser Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yokohama 1-2 
    Fraser Island 3-5

One day in Yokohama or Fraser Island?

Yokohama is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful island of Fraser Island offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Yokohama or Fraser Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yokohama. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Fraser Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Fraser Island?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse big city of Yokohama. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Fraser Island is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fraser Island, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Yokohama or Fraser Island?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Yokohama. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Fraser Island is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Fraser Island or Yokohama?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yokohama is $124, while the average daily cost in Fraser Island is $206. 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 Yokohama and Fraser Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yokohama $69
    Fraser Island $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yokohama $138
    Fraser Island $204
Compare Hotels in Yokohama and Fraser Island

Looking for a hotel in Yokohama or Fraser Island? 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 Yokohama


Hotels in Fraser Island


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: Yokohama Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yokohama $20
    Fraser Island $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yokohama

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yokohama:

  • Shared Departure Transfer : Yokohama City to Haneda Airport: $54
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Port to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): $59
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Port to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): $65
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Cruise Port to Tokyo: $76
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Cruise Port to Tokyo city hotels: $96
  • Tokyo: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Yokohama Port: $107
  • Private Transfer from Yokohama Cruise Port to Narita Airport NRT: $114
  • Private Departure Transfer : Yokohama City to Haneda Airport: $119
  • Yokohama Private Transfer: Tokyo, Narita & Haneda Airport: $119
  • Haneda Airport to/from Yokohama Private transfer: $119
  • Shuttle Van Transfer from Yokohama(Inc.cruise port) to Tokyo: $142
  • Haneda Airport: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Yokohama: $148

Is it cheaper to fly into Yokohama or Fraser Island?

Prices for flights to both Fraser Island and Yokohama 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
    Yokohama $37
    Fraser Island $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yokohama

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

  • TAKOYAKI Cooking Class with All-you-can-drink in Tokyo, Roppongi: $46
  • Sushi Roll and Side Dish Cooking Experience in Tokyo: $78
  • 3-Hour Shared Halal-Friendly Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo: $85
  • Ginza Private Walking and Tokyo Local Food Tour: $104
  • Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour: $108
  • Sakuragicho/Noge Walking & Local Food Tour: $114
  • Half-day Cooking Class in Yokohama Local Shopping District: $123
  • Adventurous Japanese Food Tour: $124
  • Experience Izakaya With A Mini Food Tour Of Tokyo: $161
  • Night Food Tour Starting Ginza: $162
  • Yokohama Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • Tokyo Allstar Food Tour: $245

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yokohama $29
    Fraser Island $44

Tours and Activities in Yokohama

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

  • Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia Admission Ticket: $6.29
  • Marine Tower Observation Floor Ticket: $7.58
  • Tokyo Walking Tour with Licensed Guide Shinjuku: $20
  • Family tour with Manhole covers & Vehicles: $22
  • Takoyaki making experience ~Japan's popular street food~: $23
  • Easy Ramen making experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
  • Tokyo Tower: Privat tour, day or night with local guide: $27
  • Experience Comparing Sake and Delicacies in shinjyuku: $32
  • 【Carefully selected】Japanese sake tasting experience: $32
  • 3 Hours Private Edo Tokyo Shinjuku Entertainment Tour: $32
  • Walking tour focus on 5 Architecture and history: $35
  • Small-Group Souvenirs Hunting Tour in Ginza: $36

Tours and Activities in Fraser Island

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

  • 2 Hours Hervey Bay Funset Cruise: $52
  • Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise: $72
  • Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise : $79
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $98
  • Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour: $109
  • Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience: $164
  • Remote Fraser Island Experience: $164
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour: $180
  • K'gari/2-Day Tagalong Tour from Hervey Bay: $340

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yokohama $17
    Fraser Island $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Yokohama

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Yokohama:

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $26
  • Tokyo Hidden Izakaya and Sake Small-Group Pub Tour with Local Guide: $163


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

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



When is the best time to visit Yokohama or Fraser Island?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Fraser Island is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Yokohama has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Yokohama or Fraser Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Fraser Island. Many travelers come to Yokohama for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Fraser Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yokohama in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

Fraser Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Fraser Islandin January. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Yokohama 25°C (78°F) 
    Fraser Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Yokohama or Fraser Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Fraser Island. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Yokohama is generally cooler than Fraser Islandin April. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 18°C (64°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Yokohama usually gets more rain in October than Fraser Islandin April. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Yokohama 18°C (64°F) 
    Fraser Island 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Yokohama or Fraser Island in the Winter?

Both Fraser Island and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the cuisine.

Yokohama is much colder than Fraser Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Yokohama usually receives less rain than Fraser Islandin July. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Yokohama 6°C (42°F) 
    Fraser Island 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Yokohama or Fraser Island in the Spring?

Both Fraser Island and Yokohama during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year.

In the spring, Yokohama is much colder than Fraser Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yokohama in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets more rain in April than Fraser Islandin October. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Yokohama 14°C (58°F) 
    Fraser Island 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Yokohama

Yokohama Fraser Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 153 mm (6 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)