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

Should you visit Beijing or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a laid-back, diverse, and bright city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing and Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Yokohama?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Yokohama. Beijing is bigger than Yokohama, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Yokohama is well known for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night.

How is Beijing different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Beijing that are not to be missed. 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 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.

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

Beijing 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, 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.

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 Beijing or Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Yokohama has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Yokohama has something for everybody. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Yokohama?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Yokohama and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Beijing or Yokohama Better for Families?

Yokohama is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Yokohama is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Beijing or Yokohama Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Yokohama Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is well known for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

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 Beijing or Yokohama Better for Students?

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

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.

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

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Yokohama.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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.

Is Beijing or Yokohama a more walkable city?

Yokohama is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options 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.

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 Yokohama Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Yokohama?

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

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

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

One day in Beijing or Yokohama?

Beijing is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Yokohama, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

A weekend in Beijing or Yokohama?

Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Yokohama, 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 Yokohama has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Yokohama?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

A week in Beijing or Yokohama?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Yokohama?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Yokohama. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Yokohama, 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 Yokohama?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Yokohama in the Summer?

Both Yokohama and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Yokohama. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Yokohama averages at about 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Yokohama. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Yokohama in the Autumn?

Both Yokohama and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year.

In October, Beijing is generally cooler than Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 129 hours of full sun.

Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Yokohama. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Yokohama in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Yokohama. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Yokohama for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. Beijing is much colder than Yokohama in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Yokohama fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Yokohama. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Yokohama in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Yokohama. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Yokohama in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Beijing is around the same temperature as Yokohama. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Yokohama averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yokohama. Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Yokohama. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Yokohama and Beijing