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

Should you visit Beijing or Yamaguchi?

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 Yamaguchi 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 fascinating, historic, and massive city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a scenic, traditional, and serene town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Beijing and Yamaguchi: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Forbidden City
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Beijing or Yamaguchi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing than Yamaguchi. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Beijing is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Yamaguchi attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Yamaguchi and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Yamaguchi is famous for its temples, serene setting, and traditional ways.

How is Beijing different from Yamaguchi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing
Yamaguchi

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Beijing has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Yamaguchi. There are many historic shrines and temples in the area, as well as the Kintai Bridge.


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

Beijing
Yamaguchi

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Yamaguchi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Beijing is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yamaguchi makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a long-running farming and fishing industry, so you can be assured fresh ingredients at every meal. Dishes are still deeply rooted in the area's culinary traditions, and perhaps the most famous local delicacy is the Fugu fish, otherwise known as blowfish. It's become famous among westerners as the fish can be poisonous if not prepared correctly.

Is Beijing or Yamaguchi Better for Nightlife?

Beijing
Yamaguchi

Beijing is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yamaguchi is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Yamaguchi is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some pubs and local bars, but most of the area is peaceful and tranquil, especially at night.

Is Beijing or Yamaguchi Better for Hiking?

Beijing
Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Yamaguchi. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the prefecture so that you can energy the natural setting.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Yamaguchi?

Beijing
Yamaguchi

Beijing is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Beijing. 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.

Yamaguchi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Beijing or Yamaguchi Better for Families?

Beijing
Yamaguchi

Both Beijing and Yamaguchi are nice 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.

Yamaguchi offers lots of family activities. The city offers beautiful temples and a glimpse into Japanese culture that kids and adults alike will enjoy. There are also beautiful gardens and nearby natural scenery.

Is Beijing or Yamaguchi Better for Couples?

Beijing
Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Yamaguchi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its historic temples, natural beauty, and nice green space, this is a lovely city to explore as a couple.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. 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.


Is Beijing or Yamaguchi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing
Yamaguchi

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Yamaguchi is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and budget-friendly accommodation options in the area.

Is Beijing or Yamaguchi Better for Students?

Beijing
Yamaguchi

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

Beijing is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Yamaguchi is not popular with students.

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

Beijing
Yamaguchi

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

The public transit in Beijing can get you to most places 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 Yamaguchi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the city and prefecture.


Is Beijing or Yamaguchi a more walkable city?

Beijing
Yamaguchi

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

Yamaguchi is a somewhat walkable town. There are a number of walking trails in the area.

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 Yamaguchi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yamaguchi or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Yamaguchi?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beijing or Yamaguchi to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beijing than Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi.

Families should spend more time in Beijing than Yamaguchi. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Beijing, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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


  • How many days in Beijing or Yamaguchi? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beijing 3-7 
    Yamaguchi 1-2

One day in Beijing or Yamaguchi?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Yamaguchi, you'll find food and museums. 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 Yamaguchi?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Yamaguchi, you'll find museums and food. 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 Yamaguchi has to offer.


Five days in Beijing or Yamaguchi?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yamaguchi. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Yamaguchi. 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Yamaguchi or Beijing?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $77, while the average daily cost in Yamaguchi is $80. 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 Beijing and Yamaguchi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beijing $39
    Yamaguchi $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beijing $78
    Yamaguchi $92
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Yamaguchi

Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Yamaguchi? 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 Beijing


Hotels in Yamaguchi


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: Yamaguchi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beijing $7.63
    Yamaguchi $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.71
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $6.90
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.28
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.21
  • Metro
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $30
  • Visit Great Wall With Beijing Capital Airport Round-Way Transfer : $215
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing HTL-APT (PEK): $62
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing APT-HTL (PEK): $62
  • Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing Capital Airport by private transfer: $148
  • Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing Daxing Airport by Private Transfer: $148
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Beijing International Airport: $153
  • Tianjin Binhai Airport to Beijing - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $158
  • Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $205
  • The Great Wall Jinshanling PRIVATE TRANSFER From Beijing : $105
  • Shared Shuttle Bus Transfer Between Tianjin Cruise Port And Downtown Beijing : $59
  • Self Guided transfer service to Juyongguan Great Wall or Badaling Great Wall: $78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yamaguchi

Also for Yamaguchi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Yamaguchi Ube Airport To/From Yamaguch City Private Transfer: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Yamaguchi?

Prices for flights to both Yamaguchi and Beijing 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
    Beijing $21
    Yamaguchi $22
Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.83
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $6.90
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.76
  • Watermelon
    $1.93
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $16
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

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

  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
  • Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
  • 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
  • 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
  • Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
  • Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
  • Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beijing $24
    Yamaguchi $8.39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.28
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $59
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.66
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $17
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $17
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $11

Tours and Activities in Beijing

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

  • 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
  • All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
  • All Inclusive Private Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour: $204
  • Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
  • Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
  • Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $100
  • Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
  • China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
  • Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $240
  • Forbidden City Tour : $110
  • Full Day Private Tour Incredible Beijing City Highlights: $179
  • Mutianyu Great Wall And Ming Tomb Private One Day Tour: $205

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beijing $12
    Yamaguchi $7.92

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
  • Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
  • Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
  • Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $162
  • 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238


When comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Yamaguchi, we can see that Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beijing or Yamaguchi?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Yamaguchi. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Yamaguchi, 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 Yamaguchi?

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 Yamaguchi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Yamaguchi. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Yamaguchi in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Yamaguchi. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets less rain in July than Yamaguchi. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beijing 27°C (80°F) 
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Yamaguchi in the Autumn?

Both Yamaguchi and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year.

In the autumn, Beijing is cooler than Yamaguchi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Yamaguchi averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Yamaguchi. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beijing 14°C (56°F) 
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Yamaguchi in the Winter?

Both Yamaguchi and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Yamaguchi. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beijing -4°C (26°F) 
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Yamaguchi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Yamaguchi. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Yamaguchi in the spring for the natural beauty.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Yamaguchi in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Yamaguchi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Yamaguchi. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beijing 14°C (57°F) 
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Yamaguchi and Beijing

Beijing Yamaguchi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (26°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -1°C (29°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)