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

Should you visit Yokohama or Rotorua?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Rotorua, 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 laid-back, diverse, and bright 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.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a natural, world-renowned, and diverse town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Yokohama and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yokohama or Rotorua?

You'll generally find more things to do in Yokohama than Rotorua. Yokohama is bigger than Rotorua, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Yokohama is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Rotorua is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Rotorua is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Yokohama is well known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. Also, Yokohama is famous for the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Yokohama different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Yokohama and Rotorua have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Yokohama can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

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

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).

Rotorua has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Yokohama or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Yokohama or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Rotorua?

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Yokohama or Rotorua Better for Families?

Yokohama and Rotorua are both first-rate 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.

Rotorua is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Is Yokohama or Rotorua Better for Couples?

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

Rotorua has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rotorua is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of 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 Rotorua Better for Students?

Yokohama is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Rotorua is not popular with students.

Is Yokohama or Rotorua 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. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Yokohama or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yokohama and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rotorua than in Yokohama. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Yokohama, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

One day in Yokohama or Rotorua?

Because Yokohama is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The beautiful town of Rotorua offers food and shopping. 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 Rotorua?

Because Yokohama is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yokohama has to offer.

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

Five days in Yokohama or Rotorua?

Yokohama is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yokohama. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yokohama. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Rotorua 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 Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Rotorua?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Rotorua, 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.

When is the best time to visit Yokohama or Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Yokohama has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Yokohama or Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Rotorua. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Yokohama is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 25°C (78°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yokohama usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Yokohama for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Yokohama is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Yokohama. In October, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Yokohama or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and Yokohama during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Yokohama is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yokohama in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

Yokohama usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yokohama or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Rotorua. Most visitors come to Yokohama for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.

In April, Yokohama is generally cooler than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 14°C (58°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Yokohama