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

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Atami?

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 Cheju (Jeju) and Atami. 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.

Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Atami?

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

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 Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Atami or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $74, while the average daily cost in Atami is $93. 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Atami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $47
    Atami $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $94
    Atami $92
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Atami

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju)


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: Atami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $11
    Atami $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju çity Jeju Island: $18
  • Private Tour in West Jeju Island with Transfer : $122
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Half-Day Udo Tour in Jeju Island with Roundtrip Transfer: $200
  • One Way Transfer to or from Jeju Airport and Jeju si South Korea: $78
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
  • Hallasan Seongpanak transfer,One way, Round trip: $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atami

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

  • Haneda Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $627
  • Izu/ Atami City: Private Transfer to/from Narita Airport: $731

Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Atami?

Prices for flights to both Atami and Cheju (Jeju) 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
    Cheju (Jeju) $18
    Atami $26
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.63
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atami

For Atami, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Odawara Castle Private Tour with Optional Japanese Dinner: $181
  • Izakaya Dinner and Karaoke Lounge: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.66
    Atami $8.28

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2Days Private Luxury Tour With Experienced Driver in Jeju island: $135
  • Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $60
  • 1Day Tour to Jeju for Gangjeong Seogwipo Cruise Guests: $74
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour very experience taxi tour: $150
  • 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $150
  • 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $115
  • 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $150
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 5Hour Private Taxi driver Tour in Jeju: $240
  • Beautiful Jeju Island Private UNESCO day Tour : $85
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $116
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $90

Tours and Activities in Atami

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

  • "Explore Atami's Culinary Culture" Walking Tour: $49
  • Exclusive Geisha Experience: $128
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $130
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $145
  • Hakone one day tour: $181
  • Sushi and Karaoke Experience in Japan: $253

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.35
    Atami $5.87


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Atami, we can see that Atami is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami than you might in Cheju (Jeju).

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


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Atami?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Atami. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) this time of the year. In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Atami. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Atami. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Atami 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Atami during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 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, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Atami. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Atami 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Cheju (Jeju) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Atami. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Atami 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Atami. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Atami during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 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, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Atami. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Atami 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Atami and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Atami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)