A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Busan (Pusan) vs. Atami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Atami?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Atami, 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.

Where Should I go: Busan (Pusan) or Atami?

Busan (Pusan)

An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.

Atami

Sharing a home with the famous Mount Fuji inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Atami is a Japanese city set on the seaside of the Izu Peninsula. With volcanic hills and natural hot springs, visitors are very much drawn to the unique landscape of the place. There are many hot springs resorts that take advantage of the area's natural features, which have been attracting visitors since the 8th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Atami or Busan (Pusan)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Atami is $108. 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 Busan (Pusan) and Atami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Atami $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Atami $88
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Atami

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Atami? 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 Busan (Pusan)


Hotels in Atami


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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices and Atami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Atami $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Atami?

Prices for flights to both Atami and Busan (Pusan) 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
    Busan (Pusan) $44
    Atami $43
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.43
  • Carp Bread
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).

  • Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $53
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
  • Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Atami $7.96

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
  • 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
  • A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
  • Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
  • Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
  • Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
  • Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
  • Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
  • Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251

Tours and Activities in Atami

For Atami, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Experience Tea Ceremony at a Traditional Japanese Inn : $46
  • Japanese Traditional Music Experience: $48
  • Odawara Ramen Crawl Experience: Visit 2 Iconic Shops: $52
  • 2025 1 Day Winter Sumo Official Provincial Tour at Odawara: $104
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $138
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $138
  • Odawara to Hakone Scenic Adventure: $172
  • Hakone customized private one day tour: $173

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Atami $5.65


When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Atami?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) or Atami in the Summer?

Both Atami and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Atami in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Atami. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Atami. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Atami 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Atami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Atami. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atami in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Atami averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Atami during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Atami. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Atami 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Atami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Atami. Additionally, most visitors come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Atami. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Atami. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Atami 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Atami in the Spring?

Both Atami and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches.

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

Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Atami during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Atami. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Atami 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Atami and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Atami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)