A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yokohama vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yokohama or Milford Sound?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Milford Sound, 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Yokohama travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. It's also known for skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Yokohama and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yokohama than Milford Sound, 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 Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, 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. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Yokohama different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Yokohama or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is well known for winter skiing. However, Yokohama is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Yokohama is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yokohama or Milford Sound?

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Yokohama has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Yokohama or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Yokohama has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Yokohama or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Milford Sound draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Milford Sound?

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yokohama or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Yokohama is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yokohama or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Yokohama is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Yokohama or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Yokohama and Milford Sound are both great 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.

Milford Sound is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Yokohama or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama and Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is a good city to visit for backpackers. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Yokohama or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Yokohama is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Yokohama offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Yokohama or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Milford Sound?

Yokohama and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Yokohama because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yokohama, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Yokohama than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

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 fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. 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 Milford Sound?

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.

Milford Sound is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fiord 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 Milford Sound, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated 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.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milford Sound, 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 Milford Sound?

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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking 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 fiord 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Yokohama and Milford Sound, we can see that Yokohama 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Milford Sound?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 8220 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Milford Sound, 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.