A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Koyasan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Islamabad or Koyasan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Koyasan 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: Islamabad or Koyasan?

Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.

Koyasan

Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Islamabad?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $78. 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 Islamabad and Koyasan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Koyasan $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Koyasan $78
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Koyasan

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Koyasan? 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 Islamabad


Hotels in Koyasan


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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Koyasan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Koyasan $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Koyasan?

Prices for flights to both Koyasan and Islamabad 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
    Islamabad $15
    Koyasan $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Koyasan $13

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
  • Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
  • Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
  • Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Koyasan $4.89


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

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



When is the best time to visit Islamabad or Koyasan?

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 Islamabad or Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Koyasan. Additionally, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Koyasan 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Koyasan in the Autumn?

Both Koyasan and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Koyasan 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Islamabad is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Koyasan. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Koyasan 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Koyasan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Koyasan. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Koyasan 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Islamabad

Islamabad Koyasan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 208 mm (8.2 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)


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