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

Should you visit Yokohama or Queenstown?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Queenstown, 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a adventure-filled, outdoorsy, and nature-oriented city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Yokohama and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Queenstown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama. Although Yokohama and Queenstown are both popular with visitors, Yokohama has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yokohama is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Queenstown is known for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Queenstown is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Yokohama is popular for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also home to the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Yokohama different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Yokohama or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is terrific for winter skiing. However, Yokohama is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Queenstown is among the best in the world. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Yokohama is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yokohama or Queenstown?

Yokohama is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city 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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Queenstown is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Yokohama has a huge number of terrific 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).

Is Yokohama or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Yokohama and Queenstown.

Yokohama is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Queenstown for the nightlife scene. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Yokohama or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Queenstown draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Queenstown?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Queenstown and Yokohama.

Yokohama is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Yokohama or Queenstown Better for Families?

Yokohama is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Queenstown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Yokohama or Queenstown Better for Couples?

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

Queenstown has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is terrific for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Queenstown is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is well known for students. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Queenstown is a great city to visit as a student. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

It's common for students to visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

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

Yokohama is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Yokohama is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Yokohama or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Yokohama and Queenstown both are great when exploring on foot.

Yokohama is very walkable. 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.

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Queenstown?

Both Yokohama and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Yokohama. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yokohama, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

One day in Yokohama or Queenstown?

When visiting Yokohama, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yokohama, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful city of Queenstown 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 Queenstown?

When visiting Yokohama, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Five days in Yokohama or Queenstown?

Yokohama, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, 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 Queenstown?

Yokohama is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Queenstown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer. This city 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Queenstown?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Queenstown, 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.