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

Should you visit Yokohama or Paihia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Paihia, 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Paihia

Paihia is a beautiful, relaxing, and fun-filled coastal town. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Yokohama and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Paihia?

Both Paihia and Yokohama have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Yokohama is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Paihia attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Paihia is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night.

How is Yokohama different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yokohama is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Paihia. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

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

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

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).

Paihia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

Is Yokohama or Paihia Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Yokohama has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Paihia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Is Yokohama or Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Paihia to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Yokohama is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yokohama or Paihia Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Paihia are among the best in the world. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.

Is Yokohama or Paihia Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Paihia. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Paihia?

Yokohama is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Yokohama is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Paihia to go shopping. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Is Yokohama or Paihia Better for Families?

Yokohama and Paihia are both world-class 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.

Paihia is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

Is Yokohama or Paihia Better for Couples?

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

Paihia has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

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 Paihia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paihia 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 Paihia. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

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 Paihia Better for Students?

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

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

Paihia is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Paihia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

Is Yokohama or Paihia a more walkable city?

Yokohama is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Paihia is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Paihia?

In either Yokohama or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia 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 Paihia.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paihia 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 Paihia.

One day in Yokohama or Paihia?

Yokohama is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The coastal town of Paihia offers museums and nightlife. 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 Paihia?

Yokohama is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Paihia 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 Paihia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yokohama. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Paihia 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 Paihia, 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 Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Yokohama. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Paihia 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 coastal 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 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Paihia?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 1840 times larger than the population of Paihia. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Paihia, 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.