A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guilin vs. Tokyo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guilin or Tokyo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guilin and Tokyo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Tokyo?

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Guilin?

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 Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $190. 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 Guilin and Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Tokyo $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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 Guilin


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.
    Guilin $5.85
    Tokyo $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
  • Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
  • Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Longsheng hotel: $80
  • Private One Way Transfer Service to Longsheng Hotel from Guilin City or Airport: $78
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
  • Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $58
  • Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57

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: $236
  • Airport Transfer: Haneda Airport and Tokyo 23 wards: $135
  • Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Narita Airport (License): $146
  • DECKS Tokyo Beach & Odaiba 1 Way Door to Door Shared Transfer: $56
  • Discount Rate, Airport Shuttle Van Transfer, Haneda ⇔ Narita : $261
  • Experience Private Transfer Between Yokohama and Tokyo: $139
  • Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $122
  • Haneda Airport (HND): Private Transfer to Hakone/Mount Fuji: $157
  • Haneda Airport Private Transfer From Tokyo City: $93
  • Haneda Airport Private Transfer To Tokyo City: $93
  • Haneda Airport to/from Tokyo City: Private One-Way Transfer: $123
  • Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo and Guilin 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
    Guilin $39
    Tokyo $67
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
  • Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

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


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.41
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.41
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
  • For First Time Visitor:Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $35
  • Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $35
  • Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
  • Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $42
  • Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $45
  • Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56
  • Tokyo Downtown Akihabara Tour And Dinner Party Adults Only: $59
  • Japanese cooking class - Bring the flavors of Japan to France: $61
  • Tokyo Cute Bento : Kawaii Lunchbox Cooking Class!: $63
  • Authentic Japanese Home Cooking Class in Chiba with Miyuki: $66
  • [1 Group Only] Explore Tokyo Ginza Food Tour for Family: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Tokyo $71
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise with 4 star boat and Reed Flute Cave Tour: $262
  • Full-Day Yangshuo Sunrise and Li-River cruise with the 4 Star Boat Private Tour: $272
  • 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
  • 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
  • 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
  • 1 Day Relaxing Li River Cruise With The 4 Star Luxury Boat lower Deck Seating: $225
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Adventure Balloon Helicopter and Cave Experience: $208
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Nature Explore Bamboo Rafting and Cave Adventure: $265
  • 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

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

  • Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.48
  • Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
  • Tokyo Asakusa & Senso-ji Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
  • Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
  • Shibuya drinking tour: $10
  • Gyoda Oshi Castle Ninja Experience : $11
  • Tokyo Subway Ticket : $11
  • Water Bus Ticket Odaiba ↔ Asakusa: $12
  • A Different Side of Shibuya: A Dogenzaka Self-Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Tokyo Tower Admission Ticket: $12
  • Meet Asakusa with an experienced Japanese guide.: $14
  • Tokyo SkyTree Admission E-Tickets with options: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.81
    Tokyo $34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

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


  • Sake
    $4.06

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: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
  • 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
  • Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $94
  • Historic Sake Brewery Tour and Culinary Pairing: $125
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $143
  • Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
  • From Tokyo:Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $202
  • Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $243


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

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


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin 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 Guilin or Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Guilin during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Tokyo. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

Guilin is a little warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Tokyo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Tokyo. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Guilin is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Guilin gets 61 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
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Guilin

Guilin Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)