A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Tokyo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Bucharest or Tokyo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Tokyo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a cultural, charming, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a iconic, eclectic, and cutting edge city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Bucharest and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Tokyo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Bucharest, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bucharest is known for its historical sights. Tokyo is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Tokyo?

Tokyo is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tokyo are among the most recognizable in the world. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Tokyo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Tokyo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Tokyo Better for Music?

Tokyo is renowned for its live music scene. However, Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Tokyo The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Is Bucharest or Tokyo Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Tokyo?

Tokyo is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Tokyo make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Tokyo Better for Couples?

Tokyo is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Tokyo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Tokyo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Tokyo are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Bucharest or Tokyo Better for Students?

Tokyo is renowned for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

Is Bucharest or Tokyo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Tokyo has a great public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Bucharest or Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Tokyo on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Tokyo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Tokyo?

Both Bucharest and Tokyo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Bucharest. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tokyo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Bucharest 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 Tokyo.

One day in Bucharest or Tokyo?

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Tokyo 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.

A weekend in Bucharest or Tokyo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

People visit Tokyo 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.

Five days in Bucharest or Tokyo?

Bucharest is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bucharest. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

People visit Tokyo 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.

A week in Bucharest or Tokyo?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Bucharest and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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. Even though Bucharest is in Europe and Tokyo is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Tokyo, 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 Bucharest or Tokyo?

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 Bucharest or Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bucharest is cooler than Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bucharest usually gets less rain in July than Tokyo. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Tokyo. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bucharest is generally cooler than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Tokyo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Tokyo. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bucharest can get quite cold in the winter. Bucharest is much colder than Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Tokyo. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Tokyo. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bucharest is cooler than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Bucharest