A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Ise vs. Yakushima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ise or Yakushima?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ise and Yakushima can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Ise or Yakushima?

Ise

A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.

Yakushima

Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Japan, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Ise or Yakushima?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ise or Yakushima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Yakushima. Many travelers come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Ise is around the same temperature as Yakushima in the summer. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ise usually receives more rain than Yakushima. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ise or Yakushima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ise as well as Yakushima. Many visitors come to Ise in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ise is cooler than Yakushima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ise in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Yakushima averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Ise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ise usually gets less rain in October than Yakushima. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ise or Yakushima in the Winter?

Both Yakushima and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ise can be very cold during winter. In January, Ise is generally much colder than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 5°C (40°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. In January, Ise usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ise or Yakushima in the Spring?

Both Yakushima and Ise during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches.

Ise is cooler than Yakushima in the spring. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Yakushima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. Ise usually gets less rain in April than Yakushima. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Yakushima and Ise