A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yokohama vs. Lake Tekapo for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yokohama or Lake Tekapo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Lake Tekapo, 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Yokohama travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Yokohama and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yokohama than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yokohama is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Yokohama is well known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. Also, Yokohama is famous for the Yokohama Chinatown. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Yokohama different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yokohama is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Yokohama is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options 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).

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Yokohama or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Yokohama know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Yokohama or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Lake Tekapo?

Yokohama is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Yokohama. 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Yokohama or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Lake Tekapo is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yokohama or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Yokohama is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Yokohama or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Yokohama is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Yokohama or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Lake Tekapo are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Lake Tekapo is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Yokohama or Lake Tekapo Better for Students?

Yokohama is a good destination for students. However, Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

Yokohama is popular with students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Yokohama. 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 Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Yokohama or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Yokohama is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Yokohama is a very walkable destination. 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.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Lake Tekapo?

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

Families should spend more time in Yokohama than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Yokohama than Lake Tekapo 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 Yokohama.

One day in Yokohama or Lake Tekapo?

Yokohama is a colorful city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful town of Lake Tekapo offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lake Tekapo?

Yokohama is a laid-back big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lake Tekapo 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake Tekapo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Lake Tekapo?

The laid-back city of Yokohama offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yokohama. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lake Tekapo 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yokohama and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Yokohama is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yokohama is in Asia and Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Lake Tekapo?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 10830 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Lake Tekapo, 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.