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

Should you visit Yokohama or Torquay?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yokohama or Torquay, 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 under-rated, laid-back, and diverse 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Torquay

Torquay is a hip, thriving, and outdoorsy surf town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Yokohama and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Yokohama or Torquay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yokohama. Although Yokohama and Torquay are popular destinations, Yokohama has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yokohama is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Torquay attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also well known for the Yokohama Chinatown. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Yokohama different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama is great for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.


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

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Yokohama or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Yokohama for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Yokohama or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Yokohama
Torquay

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

The beaches in Torquay are among the best in the world. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Yokohama is not a beach destination.


Is Yokohama or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Yokohama
Torquay

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yokohama or Torquay?

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town 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 Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Yokohama or Torquay Better for Families?

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.


Is Yokohama or Torquay Better for Couples?

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama and Torquay are both superb 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.

Torquay is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Is Yokohama or Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama and Torquay are nice 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.

Torquay is a good city to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Yokohama or Torquay Better for Students?

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Torquay is not popular with students.

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

Torquay is not popular with students.


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

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town 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.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Yokohama or Torquay a more walkable city?

Yokohama
Torquay

Yokohama and Torquay both are superb 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.

Torquay is a very walkable city. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Yokohama?

How long in Yokohama or Torquay?

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

Families should spend more time in Yokohama than Torquay. 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 Torquay. 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 Torquay 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.


  • How many days in Yokohama or Torquay? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yokohama 1-2 
    Torquay 2-3

One day in Yokohama or Torquay?

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 surf town of Torquay 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 Torquay?

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.

Torquay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this surf town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Torquay, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Yokohama or Torquay?

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.

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Torquay?

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.

Torquay 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 surf 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 Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Torquay or Yokohama?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yokohama is $124, while the average daily cost in Torquay is $86. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Yokohama and Torquay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yokohama $69
    Torquay $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yokohama $138
    Torquay $78
Compare Hotels in Yokohama and Torquay

Looking for a hotel in Yokohama or Torquay? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Yokohama


Hotels in Torquay


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Yokohama Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yokohama $20
    Torquay $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yokohama

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yokohama:

  • Shuttle Van Transfer from Yokohama City to Narita Airport: $347
  • Narita Airport to/from Yokohama Private Transfer: $324
  • Narita Airport: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Yokohama: $264
  • Private Departure Transfer : Yokohama City to Narita International Airport: $239
  • Tokyo private transfer for Yokohama Port: $228
  • Yokohama Port: Private Transfer from/to Haneda Airport: $196
  • Yokohama Port: Private Arrival Transfers to Tokyo City Center: $189
  • Yokohama Port: Private Transfer to/from Tokyo: $183
  • Yokohama Port: Private transfer to/from Tokyo/HND airport: $158
  • Yokohama Private Departure Transfer : from Yokohama Port or Hotels to Tokyo Hotels: $151
  • Haneda Airport: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Yokohama: $148
  • Shuttle Van Transfer from Yokohama(Inc.cruise port) to Tokyo: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Yokohama or Torquay?

Prices for flights to both Torquay and Yokohama change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Yokohama $37
    Torquay $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yokohama

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Yokohama.

  • TAKOYAKI Cooking Class with All-you-can-drink in Tokyo, Roppongi: $46
  • Sushi Roll and Side Dish Cooking Experience in Tokyo: $78
  • 3-Hour Shared Halal-Friendly Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo: $85
  • Ginza Private Walking and Tokyo Local Food Tour: $104
  • Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour: $108
  • Sakuragicho/Noge Walking & Local Food Tour: $114
  • Half-day Cooking Class in Yokohama Local Shopping District: $123
  • Adventurous Japanese Food Tour: $124
  • Experience Izakaya With A Mini Food Tour Of Tokyo: $161
  • Night Food Tour Starting Ginza: $162
  • Yokohama Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • Tokyo Allstar Food Tour: $245

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yokohama $29
    Torquay $11

Tours and Activities in Yokohama

Here are a few actual costs in Yokohama for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 'Feel Yokohama!'Private tour in English Cherry blossoms Now: $82
  • "Heart of Yokohama" Walking: Experience Hill Area: $44
  • 3 Hours Private Edo Tokyo Shinjuku Entertainment Tour: $32
  • Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo : Enter the Sanctuary: $163
  • Breakfast Ramen Tour in Shinjuku: $72
  • Calligraphy Art Experience Led by a Japanese Language Instructor: $57
  • Calligraphy Experience in Kabukicho: $65
  • Cup Noodles Museum Tour with Guide in Yokohama: $64
  • Easy Ramen making experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
  • Experience Comparing Sake and Delicacies in shinjyuku: $32
  • Experience the history of shamisen and traveling entertainers: $131
  • From Tokyo/Mount Fuji Private Tour with Pickup: $600

Tours and Activities in Torquay

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Torquay.

  • Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns: $52
  • Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $73
  • Turtle Discovery & Great Sandy Marine Park Adventure: $83
  • Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $92
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay: $93
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience: $94
  • Three-Quarter Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yokohama $17
    Torquay $7.42

Sample the Local Flavors in Yokohama

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Yokohama:

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $26
  • Tokyo Hidden Izakaya and Sake Small-Group Pub Tour with Local Guide: $163


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

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


Which is Bigger, Yokohama or Torquay?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Yokohama and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

Both Torquay and Yokohama during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In the summer, Yokohama is around the same temperature as Torquay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yokohama in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Torquay averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

Torquay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. Yokohama usually gets less rain in July than Torquayin January. Yokohama gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Yokohama 25°C (78°F) 
    Torquay 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Yokohama or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yokohama and Torquay. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Yokohama is generally cooler than Torquayin April. Daily temperatures in Yokohama average around 18°C (64°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Torquayin April. Yokohama gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Yokohama 18°C (64°F) 
    Torquay 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Yokohama or Torquay in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Yokohama as well as Torquay. Many travelers come to Yokohama for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Yokohama is much colder than Torquay in the winter. The daily temperature in Yokohama averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Yokohama usually gets less rain in January than Torquayin July. Yokohama gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Yokohama 6°C (42°F) 
    Torquay 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Yokohama or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Yokohama are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Yokohama in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Yokohama is much colder than Torquay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yokohama in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Torquay averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Yokohama. In April, Yokohama usually receives more rain than Torquayin October. Yokohama gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Yokohama 14°C (58°F) 
    Torquay 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Torquay and Yokohama

Yokohama Torquay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 153 mm (6 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)


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