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

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) 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.

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

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

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, Tokyo or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
    Tokyo $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
    Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo


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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
    Tokyo $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $221
  • Airport transfer between Haneda and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $122
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $278
  • Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $76
  • From Haneda Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Tokyo City: $88
  • From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
  • Fuji-Q Highland 1-Day Pass with Private Transfer: $239
  • Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $815
  • Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $107
  • Haneda Airport (HND) to/from Tokyo 23 Ward Private Transfer: $107
  • Haneda Airport (HND): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Tokyo: $165
  • Haneda Airport (HND): Private Transfer to/from Fuji Area: $407

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

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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) $17
    Tokyo $37
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

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


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.22
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.22
  • Meal at Airport
    $6.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
  • Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
  • 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
  • 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
  • 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
  • Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
  • Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
  • Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
  • Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
  • Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
    Tokyo $68

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
  • Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.25
  • Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
  • Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
  • 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
  • Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
  • Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
  • Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
  • Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
  • Asakusa(Tokyo): Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
  • Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
    Tokyo $33

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $3.91

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

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

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
  • barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
  • Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
  • Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
  • Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
  • Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
  • Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Cheju (Jeju) during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 26°C (79°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Tokyo. 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.

Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 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, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

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

The winter brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Tokyo. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Tokyo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

Both Tokyo and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 13°C (56°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 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, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)