A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Atami for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Beijing or Atami?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Atami can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Atami

Atami is a authentic, overlooked, and nostalgic town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Beijing and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Atami?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing. Although Beijing and Atami are both popular with visitors, Beijing has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beijing is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atami is known for its beaches. Beijing is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Beijing different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Atami?

Beijing is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Beijing or Atami Better for Nightlife?

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

Beijing has a large number of nightlife venues. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Beijing or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a town with good options for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atami. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Atami?

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

Beijing is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Beijing or Atami Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Atami are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Atami offers lots of family activities. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Beijing or Atami Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Atami are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Atami is a nice destination for couples. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Beijing or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Beijing or Atami Better for Students?

Beijing is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Atami is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Atami is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Atami Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

The public transit in Beijing can get you around easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Beijing or Atami a more walkable city?

Atami is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Atami is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beijing or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beijing than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Atami 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Atami?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Atami, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Beijing or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Atami, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Atami has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Atami?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Atami 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.

A week in Beijing or Atami?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Atami, we can see that Atami 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Atami?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Atami, 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 Beijing or Atami?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Atami. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Atami. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets less rain in July than Atami. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the shopping scene.

Beijing is cooler than Atami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Atami during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Atami. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Atami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Atami averages at about 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Atami. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Atami. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months.

In April, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Atami during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Atami. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atami and Beijing