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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Koyasan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Koyasan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Koyasan?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, 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 Jerusalem and Koyasan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Koyasan $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Koyasan $78
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Koyasan

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Koyasan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Koyasan $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.13
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $77
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Koyasan?

Prices for flights to both Koyasan and Jerusalem 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
    Jerusalem $31
    Koyasan $19
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $2.65
  • Watermelon
    $3.98
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.65
  • Bagels
    $7.96
  • Lunch for 2
    $14
  • Snacks
    $5.57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Koyasan $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $33

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:

  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
  • Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
  • Old City of Jerusalem Guided Walking Tour: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Koyasan $4.89
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Koyasan, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Koyasan is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem than you might in Koyasan.

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



When is the best time to visit Jerusalem or Koyasan?

Koyasan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Jerusalem or Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Koyasan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jerusalem is cooler than Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Koyasan 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Koyasan. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Jerusalem is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Koyasan. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Koyasan 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the museums and the cuisine.

Jerusalem is a little warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Koyasan 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Jerusalem during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In the spring, Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Koyasan 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Koyasan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 208 mm (8.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)