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

Should you visit Yokohama or Kaikoura?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Kaikoura, 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. 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. See Yokohama travel costs.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a biologically diverse, unique, and nature-oriented town. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food. See Kaikoura travel costs.

Yokohama and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Kaikoura?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yokohama. Although Yokohama and Kaikoura are popular destinations, Yokohama has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yokohama is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kaikoura attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Kaikoura is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also well known for the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Yokohama different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yokohama is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

Yokohama offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Yokohama and Kaikoura.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yokohama makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Kaikoura has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

Is Yokohama or Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaikoura. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Yokohama or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Kaikoura is well known for its beaches. However, Yokohama is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Kaikoura. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Yokohama or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Kaikoura. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Kaikoura?

Yokohama is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Kaikoura has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

Is Yokohama or Kaikoura Better for Families?

Yokohama and Kaikoura are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Yokohama is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Kaikoura is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

Is Yokohama or Kaikoura Better for Couples?

Yokohama and Kaikoura are both very good to visit as a couple.

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.

Kaikoura is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Is Yokohama or Kaikoura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Kaikoura Better for Students?

Yokohama is a popular place for students. However, Kaikoura 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.

Kaikoura is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Yokohama can get you to some 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Yokohama or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Yokohama is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable city. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Yokohama or Kaikoura. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kaikoura due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yokohama, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kaikoura.

Families should spend more time in Yokohama than Kaikoura. 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 Kaikoura. 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.

One day in Yokohama or Kaikoura?

Yokohama is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The town of Kaikoura offers nightlife and food. 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 Kaikoura?

Yokohama 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 Yokohama, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Yokohama or Kaikoura?

Yokohama 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.

Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura?

Yokohama 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.

Kaikoura is a great place to explore. 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 town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Yokohama and Kaikoura, we can see that Kaikoura 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 Yokohama is in Asia and Kaikoura 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 Yokohama Expensive? and Is Kaikoura Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Kaikoura?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 5220 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Kaikoura, 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.